Diabetes and the Elderly - Small Adjustments Bring Big Results
One thing that I have learned in life is that it’s full of surprises. Life has a way of keeping us on our toes. Surprises can come in the form of illnesses; one of the most common illnesses in today’s world is “Diabetes.” People think that if you have it you suddenly have limitations. It’s not that you can’t do certain things; it is just that you may have to better prepare yourself.
When going out for extended periods of time, you need to take your meter, your testing supplies, your medicine and maybe a snack bag with different foods should they be needed. Taking such measures can give you a sense of security. Imagine going into a convenience store while you are experiencing a low blood sugar level, and you have a need to consume sugar in order to bring your level up. You might be looked at like you are a shoplifter for eating the food while you are standing in the aisle. Or, on the other hand, if you have a high blood sugar, you might pass out or be confused. This could all justify the need for a medical alert bracelet to provide your vital information to anyone attempting to help you.
Many famous people with diabetes, including actors, politicians, and athletes, have lived “normal” lives with the disease. Diabetes, like many other medical conditions, may have other problems associated with it. You need regular checkups for your eyes and feet. Diabetics seem to heal slower when their glucose level is raised. By eating right, getting proper rest, exercising, drinking plenty of liquids, monitoring your sugar levels often and taking your medicine as prescribed, you can help yourself lead a more normal and free life. Sometimes this is a more difficult task for the elderly who have diabetes. They may need to count on assistance from family, friends or various other services to do the necessary things to keep them healthy.
Living with a person who is a diabetic can be challenging. When your emotions run from anger, sadness, depression, all the way to happiness, you may turn to food. The one thing that you might have turned to for comfort is now the very thing you need to control. Eating habits need to change. It becomes necessary to eat small meals all day long and to watch what you eat. To confuse matters, your doctor, family and friends may have suggestions for what you should be eating. You can get some control over your food if you make the right choices and there are many sources including books and websites to help you with those choices.
Anger and denial are common emotions encountered when one is diagnosed with diabetes. You are forced to become an expert on a disease that you previously knew little about. Personally, I have struggled to come to terms with this disease. It is almost like being in a club since both of my parents as well as some other family members have diabetes. At least we support each other in trying to cope with the disease. One of my uncles recently told me to take cinnamon pills to help lower my A1C average. (Your A1C is a blood test that reflects a three month average of your glucose levels). In six months, by following his suggestion, I have effectively lowered my level. The result is that I feel so much better.
Just remember this–in life many of us may have health problems. Thus, we might have to do things a little differently than planned. Having the freedom to live in this amazing world is worth all the effort.
Marcy Cox, BS Gerontology