Although diabetes is relatively common in aging adults, it’s also a preventable disease. Understanding the root causes of diabetes may help seniors stave off this health condition. Here are some of the most common diabetes risk factors for older adults.
1. Age
As seniors progress in age, their risk of diabetes increases. Researchers believe that as people age, the ability of the pancreas to produce and pump insulin becomes impaired. Over time, the body’s cells may also become more resistant to available insulin.
If your aging loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a senior home care agency you may trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
2. Genetics
If your senior loved one’s family has a history of diabetes, your loved one is more likely to develop the disease. Also, individuals of Aboriginal, African, Asian, Hispanic, and South Asian descent are statistically more likely to develop diabetes. It’s unclear how much of this statistical gap is due to social and lifestyle factors and how much is due to genetic predisposition.
3. High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
Elevated cholesterol and hypertension damage blood vessels in the heart and may lead to obesity and changes in metabolism. The onset of diabetes causes further cardiovascular damage. Maintaining a healthy weight by staying physically active and eating a proper diet prevents many health conditions, including diabetes. If your loved one has high cholesterol and hypertension, make sure he or she takes prescribed medications on time.
4. Obesity
Being overweight, especially being obese, impairs the body’s use of insulin and puts increased strain on the pancreas. Too much fat in the diet and a sedentary lifestyle are lifelong contributors to diabetes. A lifetime of unhealthy eating wears down the body’s ability to process sugar, and physical exercise often becomes more challenging as the body ages. Encourage your loved one to eat more lean meats, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
5. Inactivity
Adults who don’t regularly engage in some form of physical activity are more likely to become obese and diabetic. Maintaining a healthy weight prevents insulin resistance. Routine exercise not only decreases the likelihood of obesity in seniors but also reduces blood sugar and makes insulin absorption more effective.
If you usually help your loved one exercise but need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance may benefit greatly from professional home care. Cincinnati, OH, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties may turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
6. Poverty
Diet and lifestyle are crucial factors in determining a person’s risk of developing diabetes. Individuals with the lowest income levels are more likely to be obese, eat fewer fruits and vegetables, be physically inactive, and smoke, all of which are major risk factors for diabetes.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that may make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face may be easier to manage if their families opt for professional homecare services. Cincinnati families may rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Assisting Hands Home Care. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call 513-540-0826 today.
