The Elderly Diabetic Resident

Roughly 25% of people over age 65 and 80% of individuals living beyond 80 years have diabetes and its related complications. The risk of developing diabetes increases with age and experts believe that the current diabetes epidemic is primarily due to the significant increase of elderly individuals in the United States. While there are many risks associated with diabetes in later life, three of the most concerning are increased mortality, decreased functional status and increased risk of institutionalization.

Complications Associated with Diabetes

Unless elderly diabetic residents receive proper care and treatment, they may experience many complications, some being severe. Diabetes is a complex disease that is associated with several risks that are age-related. Older diabetics may experience elevated rates of physical and mental disabilities including high blood pressure, hearing loss, vision problems, cardiovascular disease (micro- and macrovascular), stroke, cognitive impairment and premature death. It is therefore imperative that healthcare professionals deliver the best diabetes care possible.

Diabetic Care

It is important for the elderly diabetic to keep his or her blood glucose or sugar levels within acceptable ranges. Significant health problems can arise if blood sugars become either too high or too low. Diabetic care is very complex and should be handled by trained nursing staff, and involves both hands-on care as well as guiding the resident in self-care and healthy decision-making.

One of the most typical forms of care provided to the resident is the administration of diabetic medication. If the resident’s blood sugars become too high or low, medications can be given to bring the blood sugar levels back into the normal range. Another area that requires skilled attention is nutrition. Encouraging the resident to maintain a healthy diet to maintain normal blood sugar levels is important. The facility should be able to offer the diabetic resident plenty of healthy food choices.

Nursing assistants should monitor and document how much food is being consumed by the diabetic resident. Encouraging dietary compliance can help maintain normal blood sugars and avoid unnecessary health complications. The interdisciplinary team can remind the resident to stay at a normal and healthy body weight and avoid excess fats and cholesterols.

Nurses are responsible for using a glucose meter to monitor the blood sugar levels and adjust medications based on the reading on the meter. For residents who are rather stable and control their blood sugar levels through diet and exercise, blood sugar levels may only have to be tested a few times a week. If the resident is insulin-dependent, levels may need to be taken 2-4 times per day.

Final Words on The Elderly Diabetic Resident

Diabetes is now the 3rd leading cause of death among adults in the United States. It used to be number 7. Some experts believe that the massive increase in older adults in our population has caused a dramatic increase in the amount of people diagnosed with diabetes. Many will need skilled nursing care. Proper care must be delivered or the resident may develop co-morbid conditions and complications including high blood pressure, cognitive deficits, and premature death.

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