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July 27, 2022
Symptoms of diabetes are unfortunately often mistaken for general feelings of being unwell or tired. For this reason, sometimes a diabetes diagnosis can go undetected – it’s important to see a GP if you think you may have the condition.
Depending on the type of diabetes, it may be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication – and insulin injections for those with type 1 diabetes.
As a person ages, they may require professional support with managing their diabetes as well as other aspects of their life. This is where care options should be considered. Elder live-in care can provide a solution which allows people to retain their independence.
Diabetes is defined as a condition in which a person’s blood glucose (sugar) levels are too high..
Glucose plays an important role in how the body gains energy – it is essential in ensuring our energy levels remain stable. Glucose is produced when we digest food – it comes from the process in which we break down food.
Then, due to a hormone (insulin) produced in the pancreas – this glucose can enter the bloodstream. It is this essential process that doesn’t work properly in those with diabetes.There are different types of diabetes and, depending on the type a person has, there will be a different reason for this process not working.
The main types of diabetes, and those most people know about are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes develops rapidly, and symptoms can come on quickly over weeks or even days. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes can develop slowly and as the symptoms are so general they can go unnoticed for a long time.
It is important that, if you think you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you see your GP, as many of the symptoms of diabetes can often go undiagnosed due to them being passed off as general feelings of being unwell, such as:
There aren’t only two types of diabetes – but Type 1 and 2 are the most common forms.
While the above are the most common – there are thought to be around 11 types in total. One of these is gestational diabetes which is a form of diabetes that affects pregnant women.
Being diagnosed with diabetes doesn’t immediately mean you need to consider drastically changing your life – instead it just means making some lifestyle changes. These will mainly be to your diet, along with regular blood tests to ensure your blood glucose level is stable.
Those with type 1 diabetes will need to have regular insulin injections throughout their life whereas those with type 2 diabetes can often manage their condition through lifestyle changes for a long time. Eventually they may need medication, in the form of tablets.
For those living with diabetes there are various care options which may be appropriate – as it can often depend on the severity of the condition, and other potential conditions, as to what level of support is required.
Diabetes itself is not necessarily a reason to need care. However, as a person with diabetes ages, they may require additional support not only with their day-to-day lives but also with ensuring they maintain a healthy lifestyle and take any medication (such as insulin).
Often, those with diabetes may not require full nursing care. Therefore, supporting care options would be appropriate, such as:
