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Managing Diabetes as an Older Adult

Managing diabetes is crucial regardless of age. Diabetes can impact daily living, increase the risk of complications, and affect overall quality of life. November, recognized annually as American Diabetes Month, offers the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and share helpful tips on how seniors can better control their diabetes.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can happen to people of all ages. When the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin, the blood sugar, or glucose, can be too high. Diabetes is the result of the body not responding to the effects of insulin and not being able to process blood sugar properly. Left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to complications like heart disease, kidney problems, vision loss, and nerve damage. Nearly 30% of seniors – or 16.5 million older adults – have diabetes, whether they know it or not. The most common type of diabetes for seniors is type 2. The good news is that this type can be prevented or delayed. With the right strategies, older adults can manage their diabetes effectively.

Tips for managing diabetes.

A senior with diabetes may need to manage their condition through lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both. Of course, an individual’s healthcare provider is the best resource for diabetes management. But there are some general tips that most seniors can do to help control diabetes.

Take medicines as prescribed.

Medications play a critical role in diabetes management, especially for seniors. It’s important to take medications, such as insulin or oral diabetes drugs, exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Skipping doses or taking too much can cause blood sugar levels to spike or drop to dangerous levels.

Tip: Talk openly with your doctor about challenges you have in getting or taking prescriptions. Let them know about side effects or any other concerns. 

Monitor blood sugar regularly.

Monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial for managing diabetes. Regular tracking can help catch patterns in the blood sugar and allow for prompt adjustments to diet or medication. Many seniors find that keeping a log or using a smartphone app can make tracking easier and more efficient.

Tip: Work with your healthcare provider to set up a testing schedule that fits your needs.

Develop a healthy eating plan.

Diet plays a vital role in controlling blood sugar levels. Foods high in fiber, like fruits, vegetables, and legumes, are particularly beneficial as they help slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Studies show that eating more fiber can reduce the risk of premature death by up to 48%.

Tip: Consider the “plate method”—fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and the remaining quarter with whole grains.

Stay physically active.

Regular physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity, making it easier for the body to regulate blood sugar. Physical activity also reduces the risk of heart disease, which is a common complication in people with diabetes. The magic number is 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, or about 21 minutes a day.

Tip: Find activities you enjoy. Whether it’s dancing, swimming, gardening, a daily walk, light yoga, or chair exercises, moving is what makes the difference.

Build a support network.

Diabetes management can seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers can help. At Charlesgate’s assisted and independent living communities, we offer personalized care, meal planning, and medications management, ensuring that residents can thrive.

Tip: Join a diabetes support group or online community. Sharing experiences and learning from others can make managing diabetes feel less isolating.

Managing diabetes as an older adult may present challenges, but with the right tools and lifestyle changes, it’s possible to live a full, healthy life. This American Diabetes Month, let’s raise awareness and support our loved ones and ourselves as we journey toward better health.