How to Improve Your Diabetic Senior’s Eating Habits

One in every four seniors above the age of 65 and older have diabetes, as well as one in every 10 people 65 and under. As you can see, the numbers are extremely alarming according to the American Diabetes Association. Also, half of all older adults have pre-diabetes conditions, where the glucose level is higher than the normal range. This pre-diabetes can lead to diabetes type 2, if lifestyle and diet changes are not implemented. Often, it is reported that people are unaware and reluctant unless more serious complications occur. Home care assistance can help your loved ones to maintain a good routine and healthy lifestyle!

Complications related to diabetes:

There are other serious complications related to diabetes if not unchecked-

Risk of kidney damage
Risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Risk for heart attack or stroke
Risk of vision loss
Risk of nerve damage
Risk of severe infections
Risk of limb amputation

Diet Management:

Controlling carbohydrates: It is the most important aspect of the diet in case of diabetes, as carbohydrates are turned into glucose by the body which increases the blood glucose level. Eating a diet lower in carbohydrates by having lean protein like beans, chicken, fish, and whole grain foods slows the release of glucose into the bloodstream.
Consuming fat: A total fat free diet can lead to a low blood sugar and also can keep one hungry always. There are some necessary fats that are to be consumed on a daily basis. But trans fat and saturated fat are to be avoided.
Necessary Consumption: Lean protein like fish and chicken, good carbohydrates like lentils, sweet potatoes, peas, beans, good fats like avocado, butter, canola oil and green vegetables, leafy vegetables, rainbow fruits and vegetables like tomato, orange, grapes, apples etc. are advised regular dietary items.
Restrictions: Any type of added sugary foods and drinks like juice, lemonade, carbonated drinks, any sort of processed food or excessive milk products are dangerous in the case of diabetes.

Conclusion: Can Diabetes Change your Seniors’ Eating Habits?

One must understand that food, first and foremost, is nothing but fuel for our body to function. Having said that, it is also true that for humans, food is also a source of pleasure. There must be a balance between pleasure and fuel intake. Within limits, one can have flexibility in a daily food habit and make various choices that allow indulgence from time to time.

Home care assistance does this for your loved one. They provide dietary options for seniors to choose and keep to a healthy diet. More generally, the main aim of home care assistance is to provide a customized plan for each patient according to their needs and to ensure that how smoothly the plans can be implemented without hampering their existing routine. If you are interested in how home care assistance can help your senior and your family, give us a call today and review your options!

Source:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5509969/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/223797950_Nutritional_challenges_in_the_elderly_with_diabetes

If you are considering home care assistance in Henderson, NV for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.