November 14 is World Diabetes Day, and with more than 25% of Americans over the age of 65 living with this disease, the specialist caregivers at our senior and assisted living community in New Jersey would like to raise awareness and share advice on this condition.
What is Type 2 diabetes and what causes it?
As we age, our risk of developing Type 2 or adult onset diabetes, increases. Also known as hyperglycemia, it occurs when the body fails to make or use insulin properly, causing low sugar levels in cells and high sugar levels in the blood. Other risk factors include being overweight and unfit, as higher levels of body fat make it more difficult for the body to process insulin properly.
While anyone can develop diabetes, a family history of the disease can make your chances of contracting it higher. In addition, African Americans, Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans also have a higher occurrence of Type 2 diabetes.
What are the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes?
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- An increase in appetite
- Feeling thirsty all the time
- Constantly having the need to urinate
- Blurred vision
- Numbness in the hands and feet
If you or your loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. This is because, untreated, this disease can lead to heart disease, vision problems and blindness, kidney conditions, nerve damage, dental issues, infections, amputations of limbs, and even death. A simple blood test will confirm a diagnosis and, if you do have Type 2 diabetes, treatment can begin to help improve your quality of life.
What is the treatment for type 2 diabetes?
Treatment for this disease can include a combination of both lifestyle changes and medication, if necessary. Your doctor may recommend specific dietary changes as well as increased physical activity in order to help keep your blood sugar at a constant, healthy level. In addition, you or a caregiver will be taught how to measure your blood sugar at home and how to recognize and treat blood sugar fluctuations.
If diet and exercise alone are not enough to control your blood sugar effectively, your doctor may recommend injectable insulin or one or more medications to help lower high blood sugar.
Comfortable independent senior and assisted living in Gloucester County, NJ
United Methodist Communities at Pitman is an independent senior living and assisted living community serving the greater Gloucester County area in New Jersey. With our services ranging from independent living through to assisted living, respite, rehabilitation, long term care, and hospice, we are able to offer our residents dignified, comfortable and enjoyable senior years.
Services are fully scalable, ensuring that residents receive assistance when and where they require it at each stage of their lives. Our dedicated and experienced staff are passionate about giving residents the highest level of care available.
To find out more about individualized assisted living services and our senior living community, please contact us today and organize your visit.
Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/seniors-and-diabetes/
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