Is Your Aging Relative at Risk for Prediabetes?

Senior Care Big Timber, MT: Prediabetes and Seniors

People who have prediabetes have blood sugar levels that are higher than they should be but have not yet reached the levels required for a diabetes diagnosis. Older adults who have prediabetes are at high risk for developing full-blown type 2 diabetes. In addition, damage to the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels caused by diabetes can start during prediabetes. Knowing if your aging relative is at risk for prediabetes can help them to make lifestyle changes to prevent it.

Prediabetes Risk Factors

Doctors don’t know what makes some people develop prediabetes. They do know that the bodies of people with prediabetes don’t use sugar the way they should. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used to fuel cells. While the exact cause of prediabetes is unknown, there are several known risk factors, such as:

  • Weight: Carrying excess pounds is one of the chief risk factors for prediabetes. Fatty tissue causes cells to be resistant to insulin. This is particularly true in people who carry their weight around their waistline. Women with a waistline larger than 35 inches and men with a waistline larger than 40 inches are at greater risk for developing prediabetes.
  • Diet: People who eat a lot of red meat, processed meats, and drink sugary beverages are at greater risk.
  • Lack of Physical Activity: The more time your older family member spends inactive, the more at risk they are for prediabetes. Exercise helps the body to use up sugar and increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
  • Age and Race: Prediabetes is more likely after the age of 45. It is also more common in people of some races, such as African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics.
  • Family History: If the senior has a sibling with type 2 diabetes or if one of their parents had it, they are at greater risk for prediabetes.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Prediabetes

The same lifestyle choices that prevent other kinds of diseases, like heart disease, can also help your aging relative to prevent prediabetes. Some lifestyle changes to make are:

  • Eat a healthier diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Increase physical activity. Aim for 150 minutes of activity per week.
  • Lose weight.
  • Keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check.

If your aging relative is at risk for prediabetes, senior care can help them to make the necessary changes to prevent the condition. A senior care provider can prepare healthy meals that limit red and processed meats and include lots of plant-based foods. Senior care providers can also help the older adult to be more physically active by taking them for walks or doing activities with them at home, such as gardening.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Care in Big Timber, MT please contact the caring staff at AdvoCare Home Care Services today at 406-582-5402.

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355278

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317206.php

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/diabetes/understand-your-risk-for-diabetes/prediabetes-modifiable-risk-factors