6 Simple Ways to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes

Millions of people develop diabetes each year, including seniors. In fact, more seniors live with this health condition than other age groups. However, a few lifestyle changes can help your elderly loved one reduce the risk of diabetes. Here are some of the steps that can stop the disease from developing.

1. Increase Fibre Intake

By eating foods rich in fibre, your loved one can ensure glucose is released slowly in the body, preventing the typical blood sugar spikes associated with diabetes. Since it takes the body longer to digest high-fibre foods, fibre is essential to reducing the risk of developing diabetes. Seniors should consider adding bran and oatmeal to their diets.

Diabetes and other diseases can make it difficult for seniors to manage daily tasks without assistance. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a North Coast home care company you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.

 2. Stay Heart Healthy

Your loved one can prevent diabetes by keeping his or her cardiovascular health under control. High blood pressure is linked to this disease, which means your loved one will need to keep his or her blood pressure within a normal range. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is also important. Regular tests can help your loved one determine if his or her blood pressure and cholesterol levels are within a normal range. If not, the doctor can prescribe medication to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is one of the main causes of diabetes because being overweight makes it difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar levels. Eating a healthy diet and doing moderate exercises are the best ways for seniors to manage their body weight and reduce the risk of diabetes. Encourage your loved one to make simple changes to his or her diet. Help set realistic weight loss goals, and celebrate once those goals are reached.

4. Remain Physically Active

By staying active, your loved one can strengthen his or her body and reduce the risk of diabetes. Exercise can increase a senior’s insulin sensitivity, which can help keep diabetes at bay. Some of the exercises and activities your loved one can do include swimming, walking, jogging, and dancing. Since glucose is stored in the muscles, your loved one should also consider lifting weights.

Seniors with limited mobility may require assistance with exercises. North Coast respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.

5. Consume Coffee and Tea

Your loved one should avoid drinking caffeinated beverages since these types of drinks could raise his or her blood pressure. Decaffeinated coffee and tea can increase your loved one’s insulin levels. He or she can drink green, black, or Oolong teas and coffees. Do not add sweeteners to the coffee or tea.

6. Eat Well-Balanced Meals

It is important for your loved one to eat three meals per day to regulate his or her blood sugar levels. Eating well-balanced meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner can prevent sugar spikes that tax the pancreas and stimulate it to produce insulin. Make sure your loved one avoids sugary foods and white flour-baked items. Instead, he or she should eat well-balanced meals and snacks that are high in protein, including nuts, fruits, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, and legumes.

Research indicates a strong correlation between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. If your ageing loved one has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, talk to a doctor about your loved one’s likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease and consider Alzheimer’s home care. For reliable Alzheimer’s care, North Coast families can turn to Home Care Assistance. We are a leading provider of professional memory care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life. In addition to Alzheimer’s care, we also provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care. From revolutionary care programs to compassionate and dedicated caregivers, we can meet all of your Alzheimer’s home care needs. To learn about our holistic approach to senior care, give us a call at (02) 6646 3527 today.