Diabetes can occur when your loved one has lost the ability to keep the level of sugar in their blood down to a safe level. Type 2 diabetes is the more common form of diabetes that affects people later in life. It occurs when a person’s insulin doesn’t work as well as it should to keep blood sugar levels at a safe level, or their body is no longer able to make large enough amounts of insulin. If your loved one also has Alzheimer’s, their dementia care provider could help with managing both conditions.
Type 2 Diabetes can develop in anyone, meaning that your loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease is just as likely to develop type 2 diabetes as anyone else who has risk factors that can lead to the disease.
Diabetes Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Patients
Unfortunately, having to manage one serious chronic disease doesn’t make your loved one exempt from developing another. The factors that put the general public at risk for diabetes are the same for those with Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can increase the possibility of your loved one developing some of these risk factors.
- Being overweight
- Not exercising regularly
- Consuming an unhealthy diet
- Having health conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol
Five Challenges Alzheimer’s Patients Face When Trying to Manage Type 2 Diabetes
- He might forget to eat, causing his blood sugar levels to fall to dangerous levels.
- His food preferences can become very rigid, making him desire or be willing to only eat a specific food. When that food choice is an unhealthy option, it can create spikes in his blood sugar levels. It’s not uncommon for Alzheimer’s patients to become obsessed with highly sweet and overly sugary foods.
- He might forget he already ate, and eat a meal twice if not watched, causing him to consume too many calories, and spiking those blood sugar levels.
- He might resist regular glucose tests, making monitoring them difficult.
- If he has medication, he will need help managing his medication so he doesn’t accidentally take double doses or skip a dose completely.
Managing Diabetes With The Help of a Dementia Care Provider
As your loved one’s Alzheimer’s disease progresses, you might find it more difficult to manage all aspects of his care and health on your own. A dementia care provider who regularly visits your home can help you both with day-to-day activities as well as assist in making sure your loved one is receptive to any dietary regulations his doctor may have recommended.
A dementia care provider can help during meals, assisting your loved one with eating, and encouraging him to eat enough to keep his blood sugar levels where they should be. Your dementia care provider can also help keep your loved one active by encouraging physical movement when visiting, such as walking, dancing, or participating in household chores, which will help their body stay healthier.
There is a lot you need to do as a caregiver to keep your loved one healthy, and it can be especially tricky if your loved one develops another health condition in addition to his Alzheimer’s disease. A dementia care provider can support you and your loved one by taking a bit of the burden off of you with regular care visits.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Dementia Care Services in Ontario, OH, please contact the caring staff at Central Star Home Health today. Call 419-756-9449
Central Star Home Health is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Ohio, including Ashland, Bellville, Bucyrus, Crestline, Galion, Lexington, Mansfield, Marion, Mt. Vernon, Ontario, Shelby, and Willard.
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