If you are providing Kitchener elderly care for a loved one who has diabetes, advances in treatment can greatly enhance his or her quality of life while also easing your burden and giving you greater peace of mind. Here are some recent advances in diabetes care you and your loved one might want to look into.
The SmartMat
Designed by enterprising university students, the SmartMat is a temperature-sensing mat that alerts diabetics to potential foot problems that could lead to amputation. Seniors with diabetes are especially vulnerable to poor circulation. This mat lets them know if one foot is colder than the other, which is one way to discover issues with lower extremity circulation. Hopefully, this development will lead to fewer diabetes-related amputations.
Mindful Eating
Mindfulness is a current trend that works well with helping seniors follow dietary guidelines designed to control their diabetes. The basic concept is to find ways to help your loved one become more aware of his or her food choices and how these choices impact his or her blood-sugar levels and overall health. These methods may include keeping a food journal or talking to a nutritionist who specializes in mindful eating.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
This technology is especially useful for newly diagnosed senior diabetics or those with poor control over their blood-sugar levels. CGM works through an implanted sensor that tracks blood sugar continuously in real time without the need to remember to test, which allows Kitchener caregivers to see more easily when levels spike or drop dangerously low. In addition, the information gathered can be invaluable to help physicians develop the best possible therapeutic regimen.
Innovative Medications
One of the more impressive new diabetic medications is Jardiance, which helps the kidneys clear excess glucose more efficiently, lowering blood-sugar levels. This medication is especially great for seniors because it is generally taken only once per day, making it easier to remember and dose properly. Jardiance also offers added health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular complications like heart attack or stroke, and it is becoming highly recommended as a treatment for older adults with diabetes.
Managing diabetes can be challenging without assistance. If your loved one needs additional support while living with diabetes, turn to Home Care Assistance. Our caregivers can cook nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, assist with exercise, and help with a wide variety of other daily tasks. For more information on the part-time and 24-hour care Kitchener, ON, families trust, call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at (519) 954-2111 and find out how in-home care in KW can enhance your loved one’s quality of life.