Identifying prediabetes in seniors is important for preventing it from progressing to type 2 diabetes. In the early stages, prediabetes can mimic other disorders and have mild symptoms that are easy to overlook. Being aware of the following symptoms of prediabetes allows family caregivers to take prompt action to protect their senior loved ones’ health.
1. Blurry Vision
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can affect a senior’s vision and lead to general blurriness, difficulty focusing, and other issues. When this occurs, seniors need to omit sugary foods from their diet and include proteins such as nuts, lean meat, and seeds.
2. Increased Thirst
The body gets rid of extra glucose by making more urine, which could lead to dehydration. Make sure your loved one avoids sugary drinks such as soda and alcohol, which can raise blood sugar levels and increase dehydration. Seniors should instead drink plenty of water to rehydrate their bodies.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior care. Trust Senior Stride Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
3. Slower Healing Times
High blood sugar levels also affect a senior’s ability to heal. The risk of infection increases when minor wounds don’t heal. Seniors in the prediabetes stage sometimes mistake slower healing times as a sign of normal aging. However, it’s not normal for a minor wound such as a paper cut to turn into a festering sore weeks later.
4. Extreme Fatigue
Prediabetes may cause insulin resistance in aging adults. When this happens, the body is no longer able to turn glucose into energy, which can make seniors feel extremely tired. To stave off fatigue, your loved one may need to monitor his or her glucose levels throughout the day and make changes to his or her diet and exercise routine.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Oshkosh, WI, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
5. Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss
Many seniors would love to lose a few pounds without even trying. However, getting thinner combined with these other symptoms could point to prediabetes. The body will begin to burn fat to combat the lack of energy that comes from blood glucose. Alternatively, seniors may gain weight if they experience hunger in response to low blood sugar levels. Following a well-balanced diet and exercise plan could help your loved one control his or her weight and reverse prediabetes in its early stages.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a trusted provider of Oshkosh homecare. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Call us at 920-717-1767 to create a customized in-home care plan.