While there is no known way at this time to prevent Type 1 diabetes, you can help your elderly loved one to lower their risk of getting Type 2 diabetes. While genetic factors do play a role in this condition, there are numerous lifestyle changes that your elderly loved one can make to reduce their risk.
Eating Healthier
The number one way for your elderly loved one to reduce their risk of getting Type 2 diabetes is to start eating healthier. If your elderly loved one’s caregivers generally do the shopping for them, give them a list of healthier foods to bring home to your loved one. To lower the risk of this condition, your elderly loved one should avoid eating refined sugars and processed carbohydrates. Instead, they should be eating more vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, and whole grains.
Getting More Physical Activity
Another way that your elderly loved one can lower their risk of getting Type 2 diabetes is by getting more physical activity throughout their day. This will build up their mental and physical strength. It will also lower stress levels. Getting more physical activity also helps to keep your elderly loved one’s blood pressure, HDL cholesterol level, and blood glucose levels balanced. When this happens, the chance of getting Type 2 diabetes significantly lowers. To prevent this condition, your elderly loved one should be getting a minimum of 150 minutes of aerobic activity each week. Two of the days each week your elderly loved one should be doing exercises devoted to strength training.
Managing Weight
Your elderly loved one can lower their risk of Type 2 diabetes by managing their weight, as well. If they are currently overweight, it is time to start implementing a plan to help them lose weight. This could be a combination of exercising regularly, eating healthier every day, and other lifestyle changes such as stopping drinking alcohol. It is important to know what a healthy weight is based on your elderly loved one’s height and age. From there, you can implement the best plan to help them reach a healthy weight and maintain that weight.
These are some of the best ways that your elderly loved one can lower their risk of getting Type 2 diabetes. Start by helping your loved one to implement small changes. This will increase the likelihood that they will stick to these changes.
Sources: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/disease-prevention/diabetes-prevention/preventing-diabetes-full-story/#T2D_can_be_prevented
https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-risk/prevention
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/healthy-eating-physical-activity-for-life/health-tips-for-older-adults?dkrd=hispt0911+/health-information/weight-management/health-tips-older-adults
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