Helping an elderly parent with diabetes

In Europe, over half of all the people with diabetes are aged over 60, so it is likely that you will have a parent or friend with diabetes and you will find it helpful to know as much as possible about their condition and the treatments available, particularly if your parent is living with you, or in receipt of care

There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2.  Although they are different conditions, the treatment of both types of diabetes has three factors in common, which are medication (insulin or tablets), diet and exercise. All three factors are important as they all affect blood sugar levels and they all affect each other.  So in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in order to achieve good diabetic control, you must balance all three

As Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent diabetes amongt older people, for the purpose of this short introduction we will focus on this type of diabetes. The onset of Type 2 diabetes is very gradual and can remain undetected for many years, but during this time the blood sugar levels are too high. This causes physical damage to the body and some of the complications of diabetes.  In fact, people are often diagnosed as a result of their complications, rather than because they suspect they have Type 2 diabetes. The risk of developing complications, or further complications, can be reduced by treatment and lifestyle changes.  Good control means trying to keep blood sugar levels consistent and as close to normal as possible.

Treatment of diabetes consists of 3 elements:

1. Diet : which means eating a ‘healthy’ diet that controls carbohydrates, is low in fat and has plenty of fruit and vegetables
2. Exercise: Recommended exercise is at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, wherever possible
3. Medication: There is a range of drugs that treat Type 2 diabetes and these should be used alongside diet and exercise. They work in different ways to stimulate the body to make more insulin, slow down the rate at which glucose passes from the gut into the bloodstream and they act on the brain to produce a feeling of fullness which reduces the appetite

 Every patient should have a care plan and this should always be discussed in conjunction with a doctor or diabetes specialist – so make sure that your parent gets the support that they need.  If they are confused, then it’s a good idea to go with them to the doctor, or write down a list of questions that you’d like answered. It’s particularly important that people with diabetes know their rights and have the 9 key tests[1] (that NICE recommends).  These should be done at least once a year at their hospital, or GP appointment

The 9 key tests to be carried out are:

1. Weight measurement
2. Blood pressure
3. Smoking status
4. HbA1c
5. Urinary albumin
6.  Serum creatinine
7. Cholesterol
8. Eyes
9. Feet

ASK QUESTIONS TOO – and if you’re not happy with the answers that you receive – then ask them again, or insist on being referred to a specialist

For further information, choose ‘tried and tested’ websites such as the Independent Diabetes Trust (IDDT) www.iddtinternational.org and NHS Choices www.nhschoices.nhs.uk, who are unbiased and not influenced by any commercial constraints – and besides your GP – High Street pharmacists will give advice on medication and other concerns that may affect people with diabetes.

For FREE leaflets and Helpline support contact IDDT on:

Telephone:       01604 622837

Email:              [email protected]

Website:          www.iddtinternational.org