by Thomas H. and Nurse Kim
This guide is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice.
Diabetes: A Quick Guide for Caregivers
Diabetes is a condition where the body can’t make or use insulin correctly. Insulin helps control blood sugar levels, and without it, blood sugar can get too high.
It’s important for caregivers to know about the prevalence of diabetes and learn to recognize symptoms. According to the American Diabetes Association, 38.4. million Americans, or 11.6% of the population, had diabetes in 2021. The ADA estimates that 8.7 million of those people were undiagnosed. Also, the prevalence of diabetes among people 65 and older is high, at 29.2%, or 16.5 million seniors. This includes both diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals. [SOURCE: Statistics About Diabetes | ADA]
Two Types of Diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t make insulin. The immune system mistakenly attacks cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This type is usually diagnosed in children or young adults, but it can appear at any age. People with type 1 diabetes need daily insulin to stay healthy.
In type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t make or use insulin properly. This type is more common in middle-aged and older adults, although it can develop at any age. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. [SOURCE: Diabetes Basics | Diabetes | CDC]
Symptoms of Diabetes
Both types of diabetes share some symptoms. In Type 1 diabetes, symptoms often start quickly and are more severe. Common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Hunger and Fatigue: The body uses insulin to help cells absorb glucose for energy. Without enough insulin or when cells resist insulin, glucose can’t enter the cells. This causes fatigue and hunger.
- Frequent Urination and Thirst: People with diabetes may need to urinate more often because high blood sugar causes the kidneys to produce more urine, which can lead to dehydration and thirst.
- Dry Mouth and Itchy Skin: When the body uses more fluids to make urine, less moisture is available elsewhere, leading to dry mouth and itchy skin.
- Blurred Vision: Changing fluid levels can affect the eyes, making it hard to focus.
- Slow-Healing Sores or Cuts: High blood sugar can damage blood flow and nerves, slowing down healing.
- Pain or Numbness in Feet or Legs: Nerve damage from high blood sugar can cause pain or numbness, especially in the feet and legs. [SOURCE: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/signs-symptoms/index.html SOURCE: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7104-diabetes]
Diagnosis and Early Action
The best way to manage diabetes is through early and accurate diagnosis. Anyone experiencing the above symptoms should talk with their doctor.
Help from JEVS Care at Home
JEVS Care at Home helps seniors and adults with disabilities live fully and independently at home. For more information about our services, contact us today: https://www.jevshumanservices.org/jevs-care-at-home-form/
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