World Diabetes Day falls on November 14th. You probably know what diabetes is. Do you know everything there is to know, however? Did you know that diabetes can also impact your vision and brain health? Here are six questions you need to ask on World Diabetes Day.
How Would You Know If Your Parent Has Diabetes?
Your parents may not notice any symptoms. When having a blood test done, prediabetes may be discovered. At this point, lifestyle changes can keep the disease from progressing into diabetes.
Common symptoms of diabetes are extreme thirst, weight loss or gain, bruises and cuts that heal slowly, and fatigue. Vision changes and pins and needles in the hands and feet can be other signs.
What is the Test Like?
There are different ways to test for diabetes. A blood test to look at glucose levels is often used. Your parents may be asked to take a glucose tolerance test. In this test, they drink a very sweet glucose drink and have blood samples taken at different intervals in a two-hour time frame.
What Do You Do if Your Parent is Diagnosed With Diabetes?
Sit down and talk to their doctor about the best diabetes care plan. They may not need insulin, but they will need to adjust diet and exercise. They also need to test their blood sugar levels regularly and see a doctor at the requested intervals. Routine foot care is also important.
Why Foot Care?
Nerve damage can happen in diabetic men and women. It can also slow the blood flow to extremities. Your mom or dad should check the feet for sores and other foot problems each day. The goal is to catch any problems as early as possible.
How Much Exercise is Needed?
Ideally, every adult should get 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. Your mom or dad may not be able to handle that much if they’re really out of shape. While they build stamina, breaking up the 30 minutes into two or three sessions a day will help.
What Dietary Changes Should My Parents Make?
Your parents need to avoid added sugars. It can be hidden in items like breakfast cereals, pasta sauce, and canned fruits. Fresh fruits are ideal. Carefully read labels for things like pasta sauce and other prepared foods. Consider making pasta sauce from scratch instead. Breakfast items should be whole grain and as natural as possible.
Homemade meals that are low in fat, avoid sugar, and keep sodium content down are best. Processed foods are best avoided.
Diet and exercise are part of the care regimen for someone with diabetes. Does your parent follow doctor’s recommendations? Could your mom or dad benefit from home care services for medication reminders, meal preparation, and companionship while exercising? Call us today o find out other ways caregivers help seniors with diabetes.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care services in St. Paul, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
