Diabetes Week 2022 (June 13-19)
This week is Diabetes Week, so what better reason to raise awareness about a condition that affects 4.7 million people in the UK – more than any other health issue?
Diabetes is a complicated condition that is caused when blood glucose levels are too high.
This blog will examine the different types of diabetes, how you, your loved one can manage it, supported by our carers and companions at Age Care Advice and Care At My Home, as well as the diabetes support available.
The main types of diabetes
Diabetes falls into two main categories: Type 1, in which the body can’t produce insulin. It affects around 4.6 million people.
With Type 2, the insulin produced either isn’t effective or there isn’t enough, and this version could affect an estimated 12.3 million people.
Other forms include Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults and type 3c, and you can find out about them here.
The signs of diabetes
Some of the most common symptoms of diabetes are:
- Going to the toilet a lot, particularly at night
- Feeling very thirsty
- Being more tired than usual
- Losing weight without trying to
- Blurred vision
Diabetes UK has a comprehensive list of signs and symptoms here.
Prediabetes: what to look for
People who register a slightly elevated blood sugar level can be diagnosed with prediabetes, and are therefore at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
If your family has a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or if your loved one is carrying a little extra weight around the middle, they could be at greater risk.
Some age groups and ethnic populations are also more vulnerable to developing diabetes, and therefore potentially vulnerable to other health complications. You can assess your risk using Diabetes UK’s tool here.
Preventing Type 2 diabetes
One of the main goals of Diabetes Week is to help people cut their risk of diabetes by healthier eating and a more active lifestyle. Our carers and companions can help make this happen as part of your loved one’s daily routine.
Eat a balanced diet
Eating a lot of food that is high in fat and low in fibre could put your loved one on a path to Type 2 diabetes, but switching to a balanced diet full of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and lean proteins, will reduce that risk.
Get out and about
Exercise is another key way to lower blood glucose levels and the risk of Type 2 diabetes, and it doesn’t have to be a major change.
Using the stairs rather than the lift, or taking a walk with our companions or carers can make all the difference to keeping diabetes at bay.
Helping to manage your loved one’s diabetes
Living with diabetes, whether Type 1 or Type 2, can take some adjustment, but your loved one will be supported by a specialist healthcare team, as well as our carers and companions.
We tailor our support to meet your loved one’s needs, and will work closely with you and their health support network to make sure all plans are carried out to a ‘t’.
Our carers and companions can help cook healthy, balanced meals for your loved one, administer medication where required, and accompany your relative for a gentle stroll through the cafe – keeping that blood sugar level under control!
You can contact Age Care Advice using this form, and Care At My Home here. Alternatively, call us on 01778 219639 or 07930 125081, or email agecareadvicecarrie@gmail.com.