Is Your Senior Loved One Predisposed to Diabetes?

According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.9 percent of seniors in the United States have diabetes. There are many factors associated with the onset of diabetes, but how do you know if your senior loved one is predisposed to the disease? Leading providers of part-time care in Dayton want family members to know what risk factors are associated with diabetes so they can better monitor their senior loved ones for signs and symptoms of the disease.

Family History

Scientists are still learning about the role that genetics play in diabetes. Many people with a family history of the disease end up being diagnosed with diabetes at some point in their lives. However, scientists believe that both family history and family lifestyle habits, such as dietary and exercise habits that are learned at home, may have a role in this. If your loved one has a parent that had diabetes, he or she has a 20 percent chance of being diagnosed. If both of his or her parents had it, your loved one has a 50 percent chance of contracting diabetes.

Excess Sugar

Individuals who consume a lot of sugar have a higher risk of diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, this seems to be particularly true for sugary drinks such as sodas and alcoholic beverages. Encourage your loved one to eat sweet treats in moderation and switch out soda and sports drinks for water or fruit juice. You loved one can also minimize sugar intake with the help of diligent Dayton caregivers that prepare nutritious meals for seniors and encourage regular exercise.

Sedentary Lifestyle

A study that was published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity showed that individuals who sat for more than four hours a day were more likely to get diabetes. If your loved one remains seated for long periods of time throughout the day, encourage him or her to walk around and be as active as possible. Seniors who have mobility issues may be able to get adequate physical activity by employing the use of arm exercises or assisted swimming.

Ethnicity

African Americans and Hispanic Americans have a higher incidence rate of diabetes. Diabetes is also more likely to occur in those who are Native American. Additionally, diabetes is six times as common among people of South Asian descent compared to Caucasians in the United States.
If you’re looking for ways to meet your senior loved one’s care needs, Home Care Assistance can help. We provide a wide range of services including stroke, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and dementia home care Dayton families can trust. With 24-hour availability, our caregivers work around the clock to prepare healthy meals for your senior loved one and encourage him or her to get regular exercise. Call us today at 937.353.7997 to speak with an experienced Care Manager and learn how Home Care Assistance can help your senior loved one.