Nearly half of all Canadians who are living with a diagnosis of diabetes are over age 65. Older adults with diabetes may face numerous health challenges. Among these difficulties are movement and balance issues that make it harder to lead an active lifestyle, dietary restrictions that complicate meal planning, and age-related health problems like reduced vision or memory.Combined, these factors present obstacles to managing blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes complications.The good news is that there are actions older adults and their caregivers can take to create a routine for living a better, healthier life with diabetes. HEALTHY LIVING TIPSAlthough it is important for all those living with diabetes to work with their diabetes care team to create a plan that will help manage the condition, it is especially important for older adults to create an individualized care plan that meets their personal needs.Here are some tips that may help.Visit your doctor regularly to monitor your health and address any health concerns before they become serious. Physical exams, regular lab tests, and education about preventative health strategies will all be part of your care.Schedule a medication review with your pharmacist once or twice a year to learn about each of your medications and address any problems you may have.If you have concerns about the costs of your medications, tell your pharmacist. They can help you understand government and insurance coverage or recommend medication changes to your prescriber.Keep up with recommended vaccines like influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal, RSV, and shingles. They will reduce your risk of illness and serious complications.Work with a dietitian to create a customized meal plan that won’t interfere with any health conditions you have or with the medications you take for them.Get regular dental checkups to prevent problems that can interfere with getting proper nutrition.Engage in regular physical activity that includes balance, strength training, and cardio exercises to help you be as fit as possible.Use assistive devices such as walkers or canes to help you be more active if you have problems with balance.Check your blood glucose level frequently to make sure you are within your goal target range. Alert your doctor right away if your results are out of range.Watch for hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels), because this tends to be a greater risk in older adults.Monitor your blood pressure regularly using an in-store kiosk or home blood pressure device. High blood pressure can affect your heart, eyes, and kidney health.Perform daily checks on your skin and feet so any problems can be identified and treated early, preventing serious complications.Visit an optometrist yearly for a dilated eye exam to monitor your eye health and prevent vision problems.Get enough sleep. Aim for 7 to 9 hours. This is important for your general health and will help you regulate your blood sugar better.Attend a diabetes education program. Free sessions are usually included in public health plans. They provide assessment and education to help you manage your diabetes.Your London Drugs Pharmacists including Certified Diabetes Educators are here to assist you. Ask us if you have questions or concerns about your health. If you need blood glucose testing supplies or other diabetes devices, we can guide you to the right products and help you understand how to use them. Just let us know how we can help. Related
