Managing Diabetes in the Elderly

Unfortunately, diabetes is very common among the elderly population. Because of the myriad of issues that surround this disease, it often falls to caregivers to help their elderly loved ones and patients manage their diabetes. At first this can seem an overwhelming task.

However if caregivers educate themselves about the needs and considerations of this disease, and specifically what the elderly need when dealing with it, it can become manageable. Knowing both how and what you need to manage diabetes is the first step. If you are an elderly person dealing with diabetes, a concerned child of an elderly diabetic, or a caregiver of someone older, here is what you need to know about managing diabetes in the elderly-


Tracking the disease-It becomes crucial for both the caregiver and the patient to understand what is going on with their diabetes. The need for accurate information helps you to plan proper nutrition, exercise and medication. Both the patient (if they are able), and the caregiver, will need to have a meter, lancets and test strips to measure and track blood sugar. In addition, you will need control solution to accurately measure blood glucose levels.
Nutritional needs-Diabetics have specific nutritional needs. Once the blood sugar has been measure and tracked, then the diet for the day can be planned. For many elderly, diabetics nutrition becomes a problem due to the process of aging and the effects of the disease. Sometimes, nutritional supplements become needed. Nutritional supplements that are specifically formulated for the diabetic patient can be easily found. This way, they can gain the nutrients they need without disrupting the delicate balance of their system. Best of all, these formulations come in easy to drink powders, shakes or juices, and even puddings, so there is no need to overwhelm your loved one with plates of food or hard to eat pills.
Exercise-Many diabetics are reluctant to exercise due to low energy from disrupted blood sugar, and some fear injury and slow healing. Encouraging and helping your elderly loved one to do even mild exercise can go a long way toward helping control their diabetes. A walk through the neighborhood, or a stroll through the mall, can help. In addition, the added involvement can add quality of life to your elderly loved one.
Skin care-Diabetics need special skin care due to the toll on their skin from the imbalance of insulin. Dry skin is a problem for many diabetic patients, and because elderly skin is more fragile and prone to breakdown, moisturizing is especially important. If this is a problem for your loved one or patient, you can check out the Triderma line of products which offer a dry skin healing cream for diabetics. Keeping elderly skin clean, cared for, and moisturized can also help prevent the skin breakdown and the need for wound care.
Wound care-An unfortunate side effect of diabetes is the inability to heal quickly. For elderly diabetics who must have surgery, or suffer an injury, this can mean slow healing skin. It becomes crucial to care for wounds to prevent infection and further complication. This leads to improvement in overall health and a much higher quality of life. A wide variety of needed items that can help in wound care are available. This includes: wound cleansers, gauzes, pads, compression bandages, skin closures and tapes.

At CareGiver Partnership we offer knowledge and resources to help those who help others. Caring for the elderly is a rewarding but, often difficult undertaking. Working hand-in-hand with caregivers is our passion. We provide many different items which can be utilized in and out of the home of your patient or loved one. Please visit: http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/ for more information.

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