Diabetes is one of the common terms that can be heard in the nook and corner of the world. It has become so common that, it is no more considered in a serious way. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), there are 537 million diabetics worldwide.
Diabetes a common disorder among elderly
One chronic condition that significantly impacts people’s life is diabetes. As the body’s metabolism slows down and doesn’t support an elder’s healthy life, elderly in particular are the ones who have been most negatively impacted by it. World Diabetes Day is marked annually on November 14 to raise public awareness and promote education about the condition. This year’s theme for world diabetes day is “education for better tomorrow”. This blog will enlighten seniors about the foods that can help in diabetes management and alter their lifestyles to keep their blood sugar levels under control.
Diabetes Symptoms and risk factors of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes can both cause the following symptoms:
- Feeling thirsty
- Often Urination
- Loss of weight
- Fatigue and weakness
- Having slow-healing sores
- Getting prominent infections
Additionally, if diabetes is not well managed, there is a chance of developing Diabetes Nephropathy. Diabetes that is not properly managed over time might harm blood vessel clusters in your kidneys that filter waste from your blood. High blood pressure and renal damage may result from this.
How Can Diabetes controlled?
A person’s diet has a big impact on them. In a similar fashion, if you have diabetes, what you eat is crucial. Keeping your blood sugar levels under control is important. It is necessary to select some foods while avoiding others in order to keep it under control. If you have diabetes, eating a lot of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein is key, just as it is for everyone leading a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, stay away from processed carbs, white sugary meals, and starchy veggies. This aids in reducing the potentially dangerous side effects and issues that prevent seniors from living better lives.
The intake of carbohydrates, protein, fats, and fibre has a significant impact on how blood glucose levels change over time. Seniors with diabetes may benefit greatly from following a rigorous diet that contains these foods in the appropriate amounts. Even though it is hard to keep a control on food habits for seniors, some tips of diabetes-friendly foods can be of help in including them in the diet. The finest foods for elderly folks that lessen diabetes symptoms include good fats, vegetables, fruits, and proteins, as well as healthy and high-quality carbohydrates. Moreover, an anti-inflammatory foods can be effective at weight loss which can be a preventing factor of diabetes in obese elders.
Here are some list of foods that can be included in your vegetarian diet to help seniors eat well without much hassle in their diabetic levels.
Whole grains: Whole grains are high in fibre, folate which may help stabilize blood pressure, iron, magnesium, vitamin B, chromium, and other vitamins and minerals. E.g.: Quinoa, barley, and oats.
Broccoli: Broccoli, which has elevated protein content, is a diabetes-friendly food that can regulate blood sugar levels and lower them.
Nuts: They make an excellent snack to quell hunger and are a healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Beans & Lentils: Beans and lentils are rich in fibre as well as vitamins and minerals including magnesium and potassium. Don’t eat too many beans because they contain carbs.
Spinach and leafy vegetables: foods like spinach are rich in fibre and minerals that help reduce blood sugar, such as magnesium and vitamin A.
Citrus fruits & Berries: Grapefruit, limes, lemons, oranges, and more are rich in potassium, vitamin C, folate, and fibre. Berries on other hands are superfoods for diabetes since they are high in fibre and antioxidants. Avoid adding sugar and eat berries like blueberries, blackberries, strawberries.
Good Fats: Avocados, nuts, and butter are healthy fat foods. Your cholesterol levels can be lowered with the help of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Although consuming low glycemic foods and employing a few straightforward strategies will help keep diabetes levels under control. Seniors find it difficult to incorporate these foods into their routines because they may live alone or because of other reasons. Facilities like assisted living centers are aware of these issues and have a skilled nutritionist on staff to keep an eye on things. One such facility that offers a nourishing vegetarian meal tailored to the residents’ health concerns is Athulya Assisted Living. This enables seniors to follow their healthy food plans on schedule and at regular intervals, resulting in the mental and physical well-being they need to age happily, healthily, and safely.
