How To Care For Your Loved One With Diabetes
Controlling diabetes
In the first place, diabetes is a debilitating condition. Furthermore, a chronic disease increases blood sugar levels beyond the ordinary. This happens due to the improper use of glucose by the cells. In other words, it is the faulty functioning of the pancreas, which does not allow the insulin to do its job and causes an abnormal rise in blood sugar levels.
Another critical point is that the effective management of diabetes is an essential component of any treatment plan. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can make matters worse for the elderly. In addition, they are paving the way for other secondary conditions to step in. But, by taking charge of the disease. And learning about different alternative methods of treating the condition. It can make a huge impact.
Medications and Natural Remedies
While medications can do their job, there are specific natural remedies that you should consider. For controlling diabetes in older adults. Before understanding the various natural remedies. It is necessary that we first understand the various lifestyle changes. That we need to abide by in elderly diabetics.
Various lifestyle changes that the elderly need to make
Opt for a “clean carbohydrate” diet
The conventional diet plan for diabetics. It is to include more carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. This is best for keeping blood sugar levels under control. Yet, even as per the alternative diet plan. Carbohydrates are good. But if they get them from grains, they are not considered healthy enough—alternative nutrition recommendations based on the theory. Grains contain certain irritating phytochemicals like gluten, which is not beneficial for people with diabetes, as it can upset their gut health. Thus, for diabetics, it is best to adhere to processed carbohydrates. They are also referred to as clean carbs. A clean carbohydrate diet should be free from all forms of wheat.
Citrus fruits are diabetic-friendly.
A diet containing a bountiful supply of antioxidants. It can help prevent two of the most common complications of diabetes. Such as free radical damage as well as inflammation. Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, berries, and grapefruits contain potent antioxidants that prevent and fight against radical damage. Citrus fruits also help in improving insulin sensitivity. Check out this article on nutrition can reduce the need for most medications.
Say goodbye to stress.
The diagnosis of diabetes, indeed, puts individuals under great stress. But little did we all know that focus is one of the significant factors. That not only aggravates but also is the main culprit behind the development of diabetes. So, adopting strategies to manage stress would be a good idea. In addition, both physical, as well as mental stress can cause stress hormones to release, which calls for a sudden rise in blood sugar levels.
Keep yourself well hydrated.
Drinking plenty of fluids is necessary to keep blood sugar levels under check. Research has shown drinking at least 10 – 12 glasses of water daily. It can have a positive impact on blood sugar levels under the conditions of dehydration. In addition, the liver increases glucose production, causing a rise in blood sugar levels. Therefore, drinking enough quantity of fluids. It can help keep blood sugar levels under control.
Eat more fibrous foods.
Fiber-rich foods take more time to digest. And thus release glucose into the circulation. This prevents a sudden rise in blood sugar levels after a meal.
Avoid soda in all forms.
Soda is not healthy for people with diabetes. It leads to weight gain and decreases the body’s ability to absorb glucose properly. Moreover, soda also causes a sudden rise in blood sugar levels, which is unhealthy for people with diabetes.
Exercise regularly
Research has stated that. Regular exercise helps to keep blood sugar levels under check. Exercising daily for about an hour causes the body to use energy from stored glucose. Thus promoting weight loss. Moreover, when the glucose stores are full. The body uses glucose from the bloodstream, which in turn keeps the blood glucose levels under control.
Suppose older adults with diabetes can adopt these lifestyle changes. Then diabetes can be manageable and secondary complications can also be avoidable in addition to these lifestyle changes. Furthermore, if specific natural remedies are also practiced, diabetes can be well controlled.
Effective natural remedies for controlling diabetes
Basil leaves
Basil leaves have healing properties to control diabetes. These holy leaves contain various essential oils as well as antioxidants. Basil leaves can improve insulin sensitivity.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a common spice used in various culinary dishes. This spice has a positive impact on blood glucose levels. And helps in keeping the weight under control, about ¼ Tsp of cinnamon powder a day. It is enough for people with diabetes to keep their blood glucose levels under check.
Flax seeds
Flax seeds are a great source of fiber. And consuming a tablespoon daily with warm water on an empty stomach can do wonders.
Drumstick leaves
Use drumstick leaves to improve the satiety value. Thus preventing a sudden rise in blood sugar levels. Take about 1/4 cup of juice from the drumstick leaves every morning. Then, on an empty stomach, keep blood sugar levels checked if you cannot tolerate the taste of raw juice. You can also consider adding the leaves to any vegetable while cooking.
Neem leaves
Neem leaves have exceptional medicinal properties. Regular consumption of neem leaves not only controls blood sugar levels. But also reduces the dependency on hypoglycemic drugs. Moreover, you can drink the juice of tender leaves every morning on an empty stomach for the best results.
Bitter gourd
Vegetable bitter gourd contains a plant insulin-polypeptide – P, which can mimic insulin—produced by the pancreas inside the human body. Therefore, consuming bitter gourd in the form of cooked vegetables or raw juice. It will yield positive results in controlling blood sugar levels.
Indian blackberry
Blackberry contains glycoside, which prevents the conversion of starch into sugar. You can eat the fruit in its original form or turn the seeds into a powder mixed with water or milk for the best results.
Bilberry leaves
Bilberry leaves are rich in anthocyanin. They stimulate the production of several proteins. In addition, they are in fat metabolism and the transportation of glucose. Due to this unique property, these leaves can control blood sugar levels. You can crush 100 grams of bilberry leaves that can be taken on an empty stomach every morning.
Diabetes can not hurt you if you manage your symptoms. And these natural remedies are sure to help older adults manage their blood sugar levels. With proper medications, lifestyle changes, and these natural remedies. You can live a fulfilling life with diabetes.
Conclusion
Remember, while untreated diabetes puts you at significant risk of severe health problems, this risk can be vastly improved by getting diagnosed and appropriate medical and lifestyle treatment. Following the above tips and suggestions can keep diabetes under control.
It can be challenging to attend to your loved one with diabetes, but it’s not impossible. With the proper knowledge, you can do this. Remember to care for yourself and keep your business going while caregiving. I’m here to assist you on this journey; schedule your planning session with me so we can look at how to keep your life and your business running smoothly.
