Diabetes is very common among seniors. Estimates are that more than 33% of seniors have diabetes, and it’s suspected that more seniors have it but haven’t been diagnosed. It’s not uncommon for elderly adults to dismiss changes in their health, or attribute them to aging rather than a disease or chronic condition. Once a diagnosis is determined, home care assistance can support your senior in making lifestyle choices that can help manage the disease.

Seniors that notice any of these common warning signs of diabetes in seniors should see their doctor to get tested:

Excessive Thirst
Seniors often are dehydrated, so being thirsty by itself may not indicated diabetes. However, seniors who notice a sudden increase in thirst or who become chronically dehydrated even though they drink a lot of water should get tested for diabetes.

Frequent Urination
One of the most common symptoms of diabetes is increased urination. Seniors with diabetes often find themselves visiting the bathroom more frequently, especially during the night.

Unexplained Weight Loss
Some seniors with diabetes may experience unexplained weight loss despite maintaining their regular eating habits. This occurs because the body is unable to properly utilize glucose for energy, leading to muscle and fat breakdown.

Increased Hunger
Seniors with diabetes may feel hungry more often. This is due to the inability of cells to access the energy provided by glucose, prompting the body to crave more food.

Fatigue
Persistent fatigue and a general lack of energy are common in seniors with diabetes. This fatigue results from the body’s inability to convert glucose into energy efficiently. Fatigue by itself can indicate a lot of different medical conditions, but if seniors experience fatigue with other common symptoms of diabetes it’s time to get tested.

Blurred Vision
Diabetes can affect the eyes, causing temporary blurriness or difficulty focusing. Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to more severe eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy, which can threaten vision.

Slow Wound Healing
Seniors with diabetes may notice that cuts, bruises, or minor injuries take longer to heal. This is because elevated blood sugar levels can impair the body’s ability to repair damaged tissue.

Numbness and Tingling In Hands And Feet
High glucose levels can damage nerves over time, leading to peripheral neuropathy. Seniors may experience numbness, tingling, or pain, typically in their extremities, such as hands and feet.

Frequent Infections
Diabetes can weaken the immune system, making seniors more susceptible to infections. They may experience recurrent urinary tract infections, yeast infections, or skin infections.

Kidney Problems
Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease. Seniors with diabetes may notice changes in urination patterns, swelling in the legs and ankles, or increased blood pressure, all potential signs of kidney dysfunction.

Heart Issues
Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. Seniors may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats. It’s essential to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Skin Issues
Seniors with diabetes are prone to skin problems, such as dry skin, itching, and slow wound healing. Skin infections, like fungal or bacterial infections, are also more common.

Thirst for Sweet Beverages
Some seniors may develop a preference for sweet drinks as a result of their increased thirst. This can further exacerbate blood sugar control issues.

Sources:
https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/diabetes-and-older-adults
https://diabetes.org/about-us/statistics/about-diabetes

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Arlington, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call (817) 631-7710.

Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Parker County, Tarrant County, Johnson County, Hood County, Somervell County, Erath County, Bosque County and Hamilton County in Texas.

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Clear Path Home Care Staff

Staff at Clear Path Home Care

Clear Path Home Care offers a unique Total Care Management system to optimize each client’s happiness and wellbeing utilizing our carefully vetted Senior Advisory team. We provide coordination between families and all aspects of elder care needs, which may include Home Health, Hospice, Physicians, Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities, or Assisted Living Facilities. Personal care consists of help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and transferring.

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