How to Reduce Diabetes Risk in the Golden Years

How to Keep Diabetes at Bay in the Senior Years

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Seniors are at higher risk for developing diabetes compared to other age groups. The good news is there are steps aging adults can take to reduce their diabetes risk. Here are some of the healthy lifestyle choices your elderly loved one can make to stay fit and possibly prevent diabetes.

Eat Smaller Portions

Weight management is one of the most effective ways for seniors to prevent diabetes. Most seniors find it easier to eat smaller portions at meals instead of following a strict diet. By eating smaller portions, your loved one reduces the risk of overeating. Consuming too much food at one time could cause high blood sugar and insulin levels. Encourage your loved one to split meals with you or other family members and friends. Eating less can help your loved one avoid gaining excessive weight that increases the risk of diabetes. 

Diabetes is a serious health issue. However, seniors living with this disease can benefit from professional in-home care. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a senior home care Danville agency 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.

Stay Active

The more your loved one exercises, the better his or her chances of preventing diabetes will be. Engaging in daily exercise can help your loved one maintain a healthy weight and blood sugar levels. Exercise increases the insulin sensitivity of cells, and when your loved one exercises, less insulin will be required to keep his or her blood sugar levels under control. 

The best types of exercise seniors can do to prevent diabetes include aerobics, strength training, and walking. If your loved one hasn’t been physically active for a while, he or she will need to speak with a doctor and determine what exercises are best for his or her current state of health.

Seniors who need help with exercise or other tasks should consider professional in-home care. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Danville respite care experts at Assisting Hands Home Care are here to help. All of our home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.

Avoid Sugary Foods

Pastries, cookies, cakes, and foods made with refined sugar and flour are unhealthy. Avoiding these sugary foods in the golden years can reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Instead of eating sugary foods, your loved one can eat fresh fruits, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, whole grains, and gluten-free products. Your loved one should also drink water and tea instead of sugary or caffeinated beverages. Reducing sugar intake can keep blood sugar levels normal, while excess sugar intake can increase insulin resistance, leading to diabetes and other health issues.

Eat Fiber-Rich Foods

Fiber is beneficial for gut health and weight management. Eating foods that are high in fiber can keep blood sugar and insulin levels low. Insoluble fiber reduces blood sugar levels. Unprocessed plant foods are the best sources of fiber for seniors. Other foods that are high in fiber and healthy choices for seniors include: 

  • Avocados
  • Raspberries
  • Apples
  • Artichokes
  • Kidney beans
  • Lentils
  • Chickpeas
  • Chia seeds
  • Dark chocolate

Seniors can reduce their risk of developing diabetes by making healthy lifestyle choices. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. Danville families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at (925) 332-1276.