Diabetes is one of the most common and serious diseases affecting the senior population. Diabetes can also place seniors at a higher risk for other medical conditions that greatly impact their quality of life and health. Learning more about diabetes prevention for seniors can help you keep yourself or your loved ones healthy and able to do all the things in life that you enjoy. Knowing the connection between diabetes and diet is also important since diet plays a large role in the development of diabetes.
For seniors looking into assisted living, letting someone else cook can be a great way to manage their diet. For example, at Ventana in Dallas, Texas, members can connect with Ventana dining services to ensure that their daily meals support their dietary needs. Call 214.225.6197 today to learn more about diabetes prevention in seniors and how we can help.
What Is Diabetes?
When you eat, the body uses insulin to utilize glucose properly. The pancreas normally produces insulin and is vital for the body’s ability to ensure that glucose is stored and distributed where it needs to go. Diabetes is when the body does not make or use insulin correctly. Some people with diabetes need to take insulin either by injecting it or through an insulin pump, while others can manage their condition by taking oral medications and adjusting their diet. There are a few types of diabetes, but the two most common are:
- Type I diabetes – Sometimes called ‘juvenile’ diabetes, people with Type I diabetes do not produce insulin at all and must take insulin to live. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed early in life.
- Type II diabetes – People with Type II diabetes usually develop the condition as adults and still make some insulin on their own. Some people with Type II diabetes need insulin, while others might only take oral medications and manage with diet.
Diabetes and Seniors: Facts to Know
As people age, lifestyle and genetic factors can contribute to a higher risk of developing Type II diabetes. Here are some facts about diabetes and seniors that can be helpful in understanding and preventing your risk:
- The most common type of diabetes to affect seniors is Type II. This type of diabetes is developed through lifestyle factors and genetics.
- Symptoms of Type II diabetes are drinking more, urinating more, elevated blood pressure, fatigue, and blurry vision.
- Sometimes, older folks do not notice some of the symptoms of diabetes, or write them off as ‘just part of aging’.
- As many as a third of all senior citizens are prediabetic or diabetic.
Tips for Diabetes Prevention for Seniors
Diabetes is a serious illness, but the good news is that there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Some tips for diabetes prevention for seniors include the following:
- Stay active and exercise
- Visit your doctor regularly and receive all recommended screenings
- Know your family medical history
- Stop smoking
- Maintain a healthy body weight
Prioritizing diet health in seniors is also crucial to prevention. In addition to eating balanced meals, older adults should limit their intake of sugar and carbohydrates.
Ventana: A Community of Active Seniors in Dallas, Texas
At Ventana, our members are our highest priority. We remain committed to helping each member stay healthy, active, and engaged to the best of their ability. From our VentanaFIT program to our wonderful dining services, members are supported in their quest to prioritize health. If you or someone you care about has been considering moving to a senior living community, we welcome you to contact us today at 214.225.6197 or online.