Did you know more than 25% of the American population aged greater than 65 years is suffering from type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious problem that can affect a person falling in any age group. People get diabetes when their blood sugar gets too high. However, there are plenty of ways to take control of diabetes and prevent the problem.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes, also called Diabetes Mellitus, is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar level.
The food we eat is turned into glucose by our body. Insulin helps the glucose get into our body cells where it is used to make energy. If you are suffering from diabetes, your body will not produce enough insulin or may not use it in the right way. Therefore, it is important to seek medical practitioner’s help to get the right treatment for the chronic problem.
If your parents are unable to visit a primary physician, they can choose In Home Senior Care services offered by Utah Doctors At Home. Utah Doctors mobile medical team is made up of skilled physicians, nurse practitioners and an experienced team of health professionals to help patients avail high-quality medical care in the comfort of their home.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes can be categorized into two different types.
Type 1 Diabetes
If you are suffering from Type 1 Diabetes, your body is unable to make insulin. Although anybody can be affected by Type 1 Diabetes, it commonly occurs in children and young adults.
Type 2 Diabetes
Bodies of patients suffering from Type 2 Diabetes make insulin but don’t use it in the right way. It is the most common type of diabetes affecting seniors and middle-aged adults. However, it can also affect children. You have a higher chance of getting Type 2 Diabetes if you are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, or have a sedentary lifestyle.
As diabetes can affect different body parts, it is important to keep it under control. If medication is not started, type 2 Diabetes can lead to a serious health problem such as kidney disease, heart disease, nerve damage, stroke, blindness, or circulation problem.
Diabetes Symptoms
Seniors suffering from diabetes often fail to recognize the symptoms as they are not obvious. However, diabetes has some well-known symptoms which include:
- Urinating often
- Blurry vision
- Feeling thirsty
- Extreme fatigue
- Feeling hungry often
- Numbness in hands and feet
- Weight loss
As some of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as a part of the aging process, people often overlook them. However, if left unchecked, glucose accumulation in the body can enormously damage different body organs. While it is unlikely to mend the damage once it has been done, working together with a doctor at home can help you control your blood sugar and minimize the impact of diabetes further.
Easy Tips To Manage Diabetes
Once your medical home care provider has diagnosed you with diabetes, he will help you choose the right treatment based on the type of diabetes you have. While some people can control their diabetes with regular exercise and modification in the diet, others need to undertake insulin injections or diabetic medicines.
To manage your diabetes and keep it under control, you need to:
- Track your glucose levels regurarly
- Make healthier food choices
- Opt for physical exercises regularly
- Call a doctor at home for regular check-ups
- Quit smoking, if you smoke
- Ensure you are taking your medications
- Examine your feet every night to check for signs
- Never skip a meal and eat small regular meals at short intervals
- Use low-fat or fat-free dairy products
Be prepared for an emergency and make sure you get In Home Senior Care when it is required the most. You can even opt for medical care at home if it is not possible to travel to the doctor. To know about admissions at Utah Doctors at Home, get in touch with experienced physicians today!
