by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: August 14, 2010

Diabetes is a condition in which the body displays an increasing inability to tolerate sudden surges of blood sugars and therefore makes high level of glucose to be present in the circulating blood. The underlying problem in demonstrating such intolerance is the ineffective metabolism of sugar by the insulin hormone which can either be deficient or else less effective. There can be a wide variation in how diabetes manifest among each and every individual and it is evident that most of the complications due to diabetes would be seen among the elderly than in the younger age groups.

In managing diabetes in any age group, self empowerment would be one of the most effective methods and this article hope to empower the elderly to manage their own diabetic related problems through self initiated measures. Thus, let us see what measures should an elderly person with diabetes needs to adapt in order to control the blood sugar levels and therefore the associated diabetic related complications.

Adapt a diabetic diet

Referring yourself to a dietician and adhering to a diabetic diet would be the mainstay in controlling the blood sugar level in most instances. In doing so, such patients should be given the necessary support by the family as it is rather easy to lose motivation when they adhere to a diabetic diet which might not be the preferred choice of food for many.

Undertake suitable exercises

Such exercises would help the body to utilize the circulating sugars and therefore would prevent a sudden surge or overall high blood sugar levels throughout the day. But, exercise per se would not be effective in managing blood sugar as it should supplement the dietary management as well as the medical management.

Learn to take the medications appropriately

Learning what medications are being used and how these should be taken is an important aspect in managing diabetes in the elderly. Learning to take insulin through a insulin pen and how to choose appropriate site for giving the injection along with when should the medications be taken are few things that needs to be known by elderly patients and in many instances, they will themselves be able to take the medications which would be the ideal situation.

Regular medical checkup to assess the blood sugar control and to detect complications.

In diabetes, the complications should be detected early in order to control its progression and at least yearly checkups including examination of the fundus of the eye needs to be carried out. In case there are already established complications, depending on the clinical judgment of the doctor, an elderly patient may be asked to undergo more frequent checkups which should not be disregarded by these patients.

Protect the feet

Diabetic ulcers being one of the most debilitating complications of diabetes, giving optimal care to the feet and preventing any wounds from occurring in the feet would be one of the most important priorities of a diabetic patient and more so in the elderly patients.

Do not hesitate to seek professional support

In events where the general well being is disrupted and in which diabetes might cause a background role, professional support should be obtained to rectify the situation as soon as possible without letting the time to take things over.

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