As medical technologies and treatments advance, people are living longer lives. With this comes the concern among an aging population and the fact that diabetes affects a large number of senior citizens. Certain things make it challenging for older individuals to manage their diabetes effectively, but with the proper practices in place, it’s possible. We are examining these challenges and identifying best practices that can enhance care for these patients.
Current Challenges With Diabetes Among An Older Population
Understanding the challenges associated with aging in terms of diabetes care is crucial. This can help healthcare facilities and providers equip themselves with strategies that will essentially assist in overcoming these obstacles. Before examining the steps that should be taken, we will first consider the main challenges that a healthcare team may face with elderly individuals who have diabetes.
First of all, it is essential to note that as people age, their body’s response to insulin naturally becomes less sensitive. This hormone is essential, and when cells do not respond well to it, there is an increase in the amount of glucose that circulates in the bloodstream.
Certain changes tend to happen in metabolism among older people. These changes can actually make it harder for the person to regulate their blood sugar levels effectively.
Poor control over blood glucose significantly increases the risk of complications associated with diabetes. It is crucial to consider that high blood sugar can lead to nerve and blood vessel damage. It negatively affects blood circulation and leads to neuropathy.
The risk of serious diabetic complications greatly increases when the patient is unable to control their blood sugar levels effectively. This can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. Additionally, vision loss becomes a concern at this point.
It is also essential to understand that the continued damage to nerves makes it harder for the patient to notice when they cut themselves or if there is a wound on their extremities. Since the immune system declines with age, the risk of serious infections now becomes even greater.
There is also the fact that older adults may have poor vision or heart-related problems. Both of these can make it hard for providers and the healthcare team to effectively communicate important information to the patient. Education related to diabetes is critical, as this can help improve adherence to the management program.
Apart from these challenges, it’s also important to consider the polypharmacy problems. Older people are much more likely to take multiple drugs in order to manage various conditions they develop over the years. This creates a risk of interactions between different medications that they need to take. Additionally, taking certain medications together can also increase the risk and severity of side effects.
Prediabetes is considered to be common among older people too, which is another challenge that calls for methods that can help to provide early detection and intervention.
Addressing Challenges In Older Patients With Diabetes
By 2014, the global prevalence of diabetes was estimated to be 422 million. The number of people with the condition is consistently increasing, which underscores the need for effective strategies to manage it. Many of these individuals account for elderly patients. Once facilities and staff understand the challenges that older people have with diabetes management, it’s time to work on ways to address them.
There are several educational factors that a healthcare team should communicate to the patient. If other family members are involved in diabetes management, they should also be educated to ensure they know how to support the elderly patient.
Here are the main factors that can make a difference for older patients who are trying to manage diabetes:
- Diet: A healthy diet remains very crucial to improving blood sugar control. The diet should not be filled with saturated fats, soda that is filled with sugar, and processed foods. The patient also has to ensure they eat enough to avoid experiencing hypoglycemia.
- Exercise: While aches and pains are quite common among older individuals, it is still essential for them to engage in regular exercise. There is no need to do heavy lifting or other strenuous activities. The individual simply needs to ensure they stay physically active. This can help to prevent the onset of excess weight and also improve glucose control.
- Blood Glucose Monitoring: For patients with type 1 diabetes or those with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes, a continuous glucose monitor can be recommended. This can help to improve their ability to track blood glucose levels effectively. Other patients with type 2 diabetes should be instructed on how frequently they need to test their glucose levels. It is important for the healthcare team to ensure the patient understands what their goal glucose range is.
- Medication Adherence: Medication is often necessary to help manage diabetes. Patients should be advised on the important role adhering to their medication plays. If they take their medication exactly as prescribed, then the chances of improving their glucose control improve.
Patients should also be introduced to stress management techniques. Old age and retirement can bring uncertainty and even result in stress. With consistent stress, the ability to manage diabetes becomes more challenging. These patients should be able to participate in activities that are effective in reducing stress levels and the burden it places on the body.
Yoga is a good choice for older adults. It is not an intensive exercise and can help them maintain their flexibility. Yoga is also a great activity for reducing the risk of falls and has been shown to produce relaxing effects on the mind. Spending time with loved ones and practicing meditation are also effective ways for older individuals to reduce stress.
Conclusion
A higher risk for complications, problems with blood glucose control, and being more prone to injury are only some of the challenges the elderly face when it comes to diabetes management. There are ways that practitioners, diabetes educators, and other healthcare professionals can help these patients manage their condition more effectively and mitigate the impact of these challenges.