Approximately 26% of Americans age 65 and older have diabetes. If you have this condition, keeping your blood sugar under control helps you maintain a high quality of life. The guide below outlines how you and your senior care providers should work together to protect your health.

How to Manage Diabetes Symptoms

1. Check Glucose Levels Regularly

When you have diabetes, your body isn’t able to produce insulin or has trouble using it. This causes glucose levels to fluctuate.

To ensure you’re within the recommended levels, check your blood sugar before and after eating since different foods affect the levels. Levels can also change when you wake up, after exercise, and when taking medications. You can increase levels with insulin and decrease them with exercise or medications.

2. Follow the Recommended Diet

While there isn’t one specific diet you should stick to, you must follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Generally, people with diabetes need to limit carbohydrate intake, eat smaller portions, avoid sugar, and consume a variety of low-calorie fruits and vegetables. A low-calorie diet also helps with weight loss, which prevents complications.

3. Remain Physically Active 

To stay healthy, exercise for at least 20 minutes a day, three to five days a week. This helps lower glucose levels and reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of nerve and heart problems.

Physical activity includes walking, jogging, biking, and yoga.

4. Take Every Dose of Medication 

You must take your prescription medications every day. These drugs prevent your blood sugar levels from plummeting or rising, which can lead to dizziness and falls.

If you need help keeping track of your prescriptions, use a pill holder and set alerts on your phone.

At Beehive Homes of Columbia Falls in Flathead County, MT, seniors live comfortably knowing staff is always available to tend to their needs. They’re committed to offering high-quality senior care and have a doctor that comes to the facility regularly. They also provide healthy meals and exercise opportunities. Call (406) 261-2388 to find out more about their community, or visit them online for additional information on their senior care services.