These 5 steps will help caregivers manage their aging parent's diabetes and live a long and active life.
1. Educate Yourself About Diabetes in the Elderly
The more you know about diabetes, the better you as a caregiver can work with your health care team to manage your elderly parent's disease and reduce their risk for problems. You should know what type of diabetes your parent has. If you do not know, ask your doctor whether they have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Terms that suggest that diabetes is not serious, such as "a touch of diabetes," "mild diabetes," and "sugar's a little high," are not correct and should no longer be used.
2. Take Care of the ABCs of Diabetes
A major goal of treatment is to control the ABCs of diabetes: A1C (blood glucose average), Blood pressure, and Cholesterol.
Talk to your health care team about how to manage your A1C (blood glucose or sugar), Blood pressure, and Cholesterol. This will help lower your chances of having a heart attack, a stroke, or other diabetes problems. Here's what the ABCs of diabetes stand for:
- A for the A1C test
The A1C Test shows you what your blood glucose has been over the last three months. The A1C goal for most people is below 7. High blood glucose levels can harm your heart and blood vessels, kidneys, feet, and eyes.
- B for Blood pressure. The goal for most people is 130/80. High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard. It can cause heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
- C for Cholesterol.
The LDL goal for most people is less than 100. The HDL goal for most people is above 40. LDL or "bad" cholesterol can build up and clog your blood vessels. It can cause a heart attack or a stroke. HDL or "good" cholesterol helps remove cholesterol from your blood vessels.