When a senior is starting to develop diabetes there may be warning signs that in-home care can help them look for. They may not know they are experiencing symptoms or warning signs of diabetes and it is something many elderly people need to focus on whether they know it or not. Diabetes is a condition where too much sugar is in a seniors blood and they can no longer use it for energy. As someone ages they have more sugar in their system and they may not process it as well as when they were younger. However, not every senior develops diabetes, but it is something to keep an eye on. Here are some symptoms or signs that a senior could be developing diabetes. This is a list for in-home care, seniors, and family members, so they can pay attention.
Seniors May Become Super Thirsty
It’s normal for people to get thirsty but when a senior feels excessive thirst it may be a sign of diabetes. Sometimes the body becomes super thirsty when it is trying to get rid of any extra sugar in the body. Fluids help a senior go to the bathroom more so it is a way to flush their system. A senior should be staying hydrated throughout the day and should be drinking 8-12 glasses of water per day but when they start drinking more than that it is something for in-home care can watch for and they can help them get fluids throughout the day when needed.
They May Need To Go To The Bathroom Often
Your loved one may start going to the bathroom more often or even having incidents where they can’t make it to the restroom even without drinking extra water or fluids. As sugar enters the body the body tries to filter it out through the kidneys which mean they work more. As the kidney’s work more the human body will naturally use the restroom more to urinate. A senior may start urinating more at night which can lead to a disrupted sleep pattern and bad sleeping habits which can impact their quality of life while aging in place.
They May Feel Hungry
Your senior may have just eaten a massive meal and still feel hungry. The truth is when they are suffering from diabetes they are not getting any energy to their cells from any sugar in their body. This means they may want to eat more to receive that energy they are lacking. Food consumption is something to focus on whether or not they have diabetes. On the other hand, a senior should be listening to their body. When they are hungry, in-home care can help prepare meals for them to enjoy, when they are not hungry they don’t need to eat.
Seniors May Experience Dizziness
When a senior has lower blood sugar they can experience a wave of dizziness. If your senior becomes dizzy they need to sit down, check their blood sugar, and drink some juice if they are suffering from super low blood sugar. A doctor should be informed how often this happens and it is something seniors need to pay attention to. Being on a regular eating schedule can help them maintain a steady blood sugar level all day.