Managing Diabetes in Older Adults
Diabetes is very common in older adults, and managing it well makes a real difference in quality of life. Too much sugar in the blood over time damages nerves, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels. As a caregiver, you play a critical role in helping your parent stay in a safe range.
High blood sugar causes damage over time. Low blood sugar — hypoglycemia — can cause confusion, falls, loss of consciousness, and can happen fast. Know the signs and how to treat it.
Strict blood sugar control that is right for a younger person may be dangerous for an older adult. Ask the doctor what the target range is for your parent specifically.
Diabetes damages nerves in the feet. Your parent may not feel a wound or blister. Daily foot checks and good foot care prevent serious infections and amputations.
Some diabetes medications can cause dangerously low blood sugar. Others do not. Know which ones your parent takes and what the risks are.
Annual eye exams and kidney function tests are essential for anyone with diabetes. Do not skip these even if your parent feels well.
For low blood sugar emergencies: 4 glucose tablets, half a cup of fruit juice, or regular soda (not diet). Know where it is and how to use it.
Look between the toes, at the heels, and the bottoms of the feet. Any cut, blister, redness, or swelling needs to be seen by the doctor.
Vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Smaller portions. Fewer processed foods and sugary drinks. Small changes over time are more sustainable than strict diets.
Keep a log of readings, the time, and what was eaten. This information helps the doctor adjust medications. Bring the log to every appointment.
Even a 10-minute walk after meals helps lower blood sugar. Check with the doctor before starting any exercise program.
Shaking, sweating, confusion, pale skin, fast heartbeat, sudden hunger. Treat immediately with fast sugar and call the doctor if it does not improve quickly.
Extreme thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, headache. If blood sugar is very high and your parent feels very ill — go to the emergency room.
Any foot wound that has not healed in a week, or any wound that is red, warm, or has discharge — call the doctor today.
New, sudden confusion in a person with diabetes may mean blood sugar is dangerously low or high. Check blood sugar if possible and call the doctor.
"What blood sugar range is safe for my parent specifically?"
"Which of these medications can cause low blood sugar, and what should we do if that happens?"
"How often should we check blood sugar at home, and what should I look for?"
"When was the last eye exam and kidney function test, and when is the next one due?"
"Should my parent see a diabetes educator or dietitian?"