5 Symptoms of Diabetes Seniors Shouldn’t Ignore
Senior home care helps families and their aging loved ones with heathlier living and recognizing the early signs of diabetes.
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses that seniors develop as they get older. According to the CDC, more than 12 million seniors have diabetes, and more are diagnosed every year. If your mom or dad develops diabetes, they will have to make lifestyle changes and take medication to keep their blood sugar stable. It can be tricky for seniors to learn how to manage their diabetes. Senior home care providers can help.
If your mom or dad has diabetes, senior home care providers can be there to help your mom or dad with their diet, medication reminders, and other support. Because diabetes is something that is very common in seniors, you and your senior parent should know the early warning signs of diabetes.
If you or senior home care notice that your mom or dad has any of these 5 common warning signs of diabetes in seniors, make sure they are screened for diabetes by their doctor.
1. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination
One of the most common symptoms of diabetes in seniors is thirst and frequent urination. Your mom or dad may start drinking large amounts of water or other fluids and urinating more frequently, even at night.
If your senior loved one is complaining about going to the bathroom more often, especially at night, they should get checked for diabetes.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
In the early stages of diabetes, especially if blood sugar levels are not controlled, seniors may experience unexplained weight loss. This happens because the body begins to break down muscle and fat for energy when it is unable to use glucose effectively.
Insulin resistance, a common feature of Type 2 diabetes, impairs the body’s ability to process glucose, causing the body to seek alternative energy sources. This can lead to noticeable weight loss, even if there are no significant changes to diet or physical activity.
If you or senior home care notice your mom or dad starts losing weight without trying to lose weight or without any changes to their diet or lifestyle, they should be checked for diabetes.
3. Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of diabetes, particularly in older adults. Even if they are sleeping at night, seniors with diabetes may feel drained or sluggish throughout the day.
If your mom or dad is struggling to get through the day without a nap, even though they are getting good sleep at night, they should get checked for diabetes.
4. Slow-Healing Cuts and Infections
People with diabetes often have slower wound healing and a higher risk of infections. If your mom or dad has diabetes, senior home care providers may notice that minor cuts, blisters, or scrapes take longer than usual to heal or become infected more easily. This slow healing process can increase the risk of serious complications, such as diabetic foot ulcers, which are common in older adults.
5. Blurred Vision
Another common sign of diabetes in seniors is blurred vision. If your mom or dad has blurry vision, they should first see an eye doctor to rule out other causes. However, if there is no underlying cause for their vision issues, they should be checked for diabetes.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care in Glenview, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 948-0860. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette, and the surrounding areas.
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