Tips for Diabetics Looking for Assisted Living Homes
Roughly 10.5 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes, and of those, roughly 7.3 million are undiagnosed. Diabetes, if left untreated, can lead to serious problems including blindness and amputation.
Those with diabetes can benefit from the convenience and care that assisted living has to offer.
But selecting the right assisted living community can be challenging. Therefore, we’ve provided some factors you should look for as well as useful facts about diabetes.
What Those with Diabetes Should Look for in An Assisted Living Community
Access to Medication Management
It’s important that your physician’s instructions be followed to the letter, and you need an assisted living facility near you that understands that. By helping you keep track of your insulin and other medicines, we help ensure that there are no complications further down the road.
Personalized, 24-hour Supervision
Not everyone with diabetes will need supervision, but it’s important that this is offered in case you have a non-healing wound or similar complication. By having qualified staff around you, your mind can be at ease.
Delicious Meals That Follow Your Eating Plan
At Cedar Cove, we’re able to accommodate residents who have dietary restrictions. Our goal is always to provide tasty breakfasts, lunches and dinners that are nutritious. When you join an assisted living community in Wilmington, you can put the headache of meal prep behind you.
Experience
Has the facility helped other residents with diabetes? What type of success did they have working with them? It’s important to go to an assisted living facility in Wilmington, NC –like Cedar Cove—that has plenty of experience working with this population.
How Do You Know If You Have Diabetes?
Believe it or not, thousands of Americans have diabetes and don’t know it. That’s because at first, the symptoms may be very mild. Typically, the early signs are higher blood sugar levels, but if you don’t test your blood sugar regularly, you won’t know your level until it’s evaluated in a doctor’s office.
Diabetes is defined as having a fasting blood sugar of 126 or higher on two different tests.
What Are the Signs of Diabetes?
The signs of diabetes include:
- Hunger
- Fatigue
- Urinating more often than normal
- Excessive thirst
- Itchy skin
- Dry mouth
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please schedule an appointment with your doctor.
How to Prevent Diabetes
The best way to combat Type 2 diabetes is prevention. Therefore, following are a few tips to help keep you from developing diabetes:
- Lose weight if you’re overweight. (You can calculate your body mass index online.)
- Get regular exercise.
- Eat healthy foods, particularly vegetables.
- Eat “good” fats that include olive oil and fish such as salmon and tuna.
- Avoid “fad diets.”
- Have an annual physical with your doctor so they can monitor and evaluate your health.
Can Diabetics Eat Fruit?
Diabetics can eat fruit, but they must do so carefully and in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. For example, if selecting a canned fruit, those with diabetes should avoid products labeled as “packed in syrup.” Instead look for those that proclaim no added sugar or unsweetened.
While dried fruit and 100 percent pure fruit juice are acceptable choices, the small serving sizes means that they may not be as filling.
Want to know more about diabetes and fruit? Check out this information from the American Diabetes Association.
The Best Care for Diabetic Residents at Cedar Cove in Wilmington, NC
We understand that those with diabetes have their own specific set of needs—and we go above and beyond to meet them.
We know that, if not properly monitored and treated, diabetes can lead to extensive complications. That’s why we have a stellar staff that will help ensure that you’re following your medication regimen.
Remember, at Cedar Cove, we celebrate your independence, but are always more than willing to give a helping hand when needed.
Want to know more about Cedar Cove? Contact us for a virtual tour today.