Helping Older Family Members Manage Diabetes and Even Achieve Reversal
More than 100 million people live with diabetes. As you get older, more complications lead to significant other health problems. You can take action to manage the disease better and even reserve it. Adults in their 40s through 60s might still be able to obtain Long-Term Care Insurance despite their diabetes.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), more than 100 million Americans have diabetes, with 25% of them over the age of 65. There's no cure for the condition; however, the good news is that some of the symptoms can be reversed. Although there's no cure for Type 2 diabetes, studies show some people can reverse it, which benefits their overall health and lifestyle.
Diabetes makes other health problems even worse. Plus, diabetes can lead to several health problems, including heart disease, vision loss, mobility problems, and kidney disease. These health issues become more complicated combined with aging, often leading to a higher risk of long-term health care.
To manage and ultimately reverse the effects of Type 2 diabetes, individuals need to follow a healthy diet, exercise and take the medication prescribed by their physician. Monitoring glucose levels is another essential factor, which is made easier through the technological advances in this field.
Monitoring Glucose
Monitoring the glucose levels in the blood helps people living with diabetes assess their medication and dietary needs. It is a crucial aspect of managing diabetes.
By using a new Continuous Glucose Monitoring system (CGM), older adults won't have to remember to use the Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose tests (SMBG), which are often painful. The real-time test results are then sent directly to them or their caregivers and doctors. Needless to say, this has significantly improved the long-term management of Type 2 diabetes for seniors.
The new CGM system involves wearing a very small device just underneath the skin. The information the device collects, including trends in glucose levels, is then assessed. The measurements are sent via Bluetooth to a display device or smartphone app, such as FreeStyle Libre and Veri. A senior's health care team can review these to adjust medication as necessary.
Weight Management
Obesity is one of the critical risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes. The risk of diabetes is one reason why it is crucial to managing your weight if you are diagnosed with the condition or have prediabetes.
Reversing Type 2 diabetes through weight management is possible, and following a low-carb, low-sugar diet can help with this. Maintaining a healthy weight will reduce the need for medication and also help to lower your blood sugar.
If you are obese and diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, you are more likely to go into remission if you lose weight steadily and safely. It will also lower your risk of the health complications associated with diabetes, including vascular disease, heart disease, and stroke.
Making Healthy Food Choices
When you live with Type 2 diabetes, it is vital to make healthy food choices and keep your intake of sugary, high-fat foods as low as possible. Cooking with fresh ingredients and plenty of fruits and vegetables is the best option, but this might not always be possible for older adults.
There are plenty of meal services for those living independently that deliver nutritionally-balanced meals that just need to be heated up. For seniors buying ready meals from the grocery store, carefully check the ingredients, as many convenience foods contain high sugar levels.
Diabetes must be carefully managed. Type 2 diabetes is a condition that can seriously impact your health. By embracing a healthy lifestyle, Type 2 diabetes can even be reversed or, at least, better managed.
Diabetes and Long-Term Care
Diabetes is associated with a significant increase in the amount of health problems and care required by older adults and increases the cost of long-term health care in any setting. Many individuals living in long-term health care facilities have Type 2 diabetes. Many people receiving in-home care also have the disease.
Care guidelines emphasize the need to individualize the care goals and treatments related to diabetes. Better management of the disease will improve the care recipient's overall health and quality of life. Experts say had the individual better managed their diabetes before their care situation, it would have been easier to manage.
If you have diabetes in your 40s or 50s, you would be well advised to take proactive steps with your health and retirement planning to avoid these pitfalls when you become older.
You can still obtain Long-Term Care Insurance if you have Type 2 diabetes; however, it must be well managed with stable A1C results. It is also better if you are a non-smoker and do not have other significant health issues in addition to diabetes.
A qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist can assist you in finding the best insurance company that matches your age, health, and family history. Few financial advisors or general insurance agents have this knowledge. In addition, every insurance company has its own underwriting guidelines. Plus, premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies.
Most people obtain coverage in their 50s. A Long-Term Care Insurance policy will offer you guaranteed tax-free benefits, so you have the choice of quality care options, including in-home care. Plus, you will preserve your income and assets from the growing costs of long-term health care.
About the Author
Sally Phillips is a freelance writer with many years’ experience across many different areas. She enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family, and traveling as much as possible.
Sally Phillips
Contributor since November 4th, 2017
Editor's Note
It may not be diabetes, but we all have declining health and aging issues as we get older. Preparing for the consequences of aging should be a crucial part of your overall retirement plan. People need long-term care services due to an illness, accident, or the impact of aging. Health insurance and Medicare (including supplements) will not pay for most of these costs.
Family caregivers find it hard to juggle their careers and family responsibilities with that of a caregiver for an older parent. The burden is something most people have said in surveys that they don't want to place on their family.
The solution is affordable Long-Term Care Insurance. LTC Insurance provides guaranteed tax-free benefits to access your choice of quality care options, including care at home. You will protect your income and assets and reduce the stress and anxiety otherwise placed on loved ones.
Planning Tools and Resources on LTC NEWS
You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis.
To help you plan the costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
- The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
- The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
- Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
- A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Seek Professional Guidance
Insurance rates are regulated, so no insurance agent, agency, or financial advisor can give you special deals. However, insurance companies' premiums vary over 100% for the same coverage.
Experts suggest using a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many options available to you and your family.
A specialist who works with the top companies can match your age, health, family history, and other factors and find you the best coverage at the best value. A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Finding Quality Care for Mom or Dad
Start by reading our guides -
- Finding Quality In-Home Care | LTC News
- Adult Day Care Centers (ADCCs) | LTC News
- Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities | LTC News
- Finding a Quality Nursing Home | LTC News
If they are lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
Get Help in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim
Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care. If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help.
LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work, free with no obligation.
You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Benefits of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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