Type II, also called “late onset” Diabetes is a challenging chronic disease that is often difficult to manage- imagine what it’s like for an elderly person with a new diagnosis of Type II Diabetes. Not only is the body changing with the aging process, but for a person with a new diagnosis of diabetes, the disease can be a serious struggle to manage. In this 2-part series, we will examine common symptoms of Type II Diabetes in elders, as well as tips for family members and caregivers to help seniors manage and treat the disease.
Common symptoms of diabetes:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry – even though the person is eating
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Blurry vision
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Weight loss – even though the person may be eating more
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet
The list of symptoms may seem daunting, but there are a number of things that seniors and their loved ones or caregivers can do to ease the strain. Keep in mind that often type II diabetes symptoms are either minimal, or overlooked by elders and family members all the while damage to organs and tissue is occurring. Simple blood testing can help lead to diagnosis. Join us again in two weeks where we’ll discuss several helpful tips for managing and treating diabetes as it specifically relates to seniors. At Nightingale Homecare, our skilled and supportive clinicians and caregivers can help manage chronic illnesses like diabetes through our unique PATHlink program. Using nationally recognized standards of care, PATHlink promotes self-management techniques that help elders living with a chronic disease improve their quality of life. To learn more about Nightingale’s progressive in home nursing care options, or to speak with a Nightingale representative, call (602) 504-1555 or contact us online http://www.ngcare.com/contact-us.
