Diabetes is not an uncommon diagnosis in older adults and more people are diagnosed with this disease every year. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in 10 U.S. adults has diabetes now and predicts that by 2050, as many as one in three U.S. adults could have diabetes. With diagnosis numbers on the rise, it is important to be aware of support systems that can help with diabetic care.
South Coast Post Acute is one of southern California’s leading post-acute facilities ready to partner with you in your diabetes care. It’s never easy managing a chronic health condition, but our skilled staff will be there to guide you every step of the way. Read our blog post below to learn how post-acute care can help with diabetes management.
Diabetes Requires Close Monitoring
Adults with diabetes have special concerns that need to be closely monitored at all times. They must maintain strong levels of physical activity and hydration, be very aware of their nutrition needs, and focus on controlling blood sugar as well as preventing injury. Living with diabetes does not mean you cannot live a long and healthy life, but these lifestyle changes can be difficult to manage alone. A medically supervised environment like post-acute care, can assist with monitoring many day-to-day needs, while still encouraging as much independence as possible.
Better Diagnosis for Diabetes
Of the 26 million people currently living with diabetes, only 19 million actually know they have the diagnosis. Seven million people are unknowingly living with the effects of the disease. Living without a diagnosis means that these diabetics are not giving the proper attention to their diet, physical activity levels, and medical needs. Skilled nurses at post-acute care facilities can play a major role in catching the warning signs of diabetes and giving patients a diagnosis that helps them to deal with diabetic complications head on.
Diabetes Friendly Dietary Management
All diabetics must pay careful attention to blood sugar levels, which are largely impacted by diet. Meal planning must be carefully individualized in order to stabilize blood sugars.
General guidelines for diabetic nutrition include:
- Three to five servings of carbohydrates per meal
- Making at least half of your grains whole grains
- Eating four to six ounces of protein daily
- Including healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts while limiting saturated and trans fats.
Strict diet regulations can be difficult to understand and follow. In a post-acute care facility, educated staff can help people with diabetes make carefully planned healthy meal choices that help keep blood glucose levels in check.
Managing Diabetes Related Diseases
Over time, diabetes can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves, so taking preventative measures is important. Diabetics are known to have higher risk of other problems such as chronic kidney disease, causing a permanent loss of kidney function. Patients in a post-acute care facility may be able to get dialysis treatment for kidney disease in their facility, rather than as outpatients in a hospital.
Overall, they have better access to treatments that prevent and control diabetic complications.
Rehabilitation After Amputation
In certain cases, an amputation is necessary because of a diabetic complication. After an amputation, patients need to rebuild strength, coordination, and endurance. They may also need to be fitted with prosthetics and taught to use them. Post-acute care provides a straightforward rehabilitation process for regaining as much physical function as possible as well as recovering from the physiological effects of the surgery.
South Coast Post Acute is Your Partner in Diabetes Care
South Coast Post Acute is a 5-star rated Medicare facility and private healthcare community in southern California. For over 40 years, we’ve provided first-class service that emphasizes a high level of compassion and spirit. When you enroll in our facility, you aren’t just treated as a patient, you’re treated like family. With an educated staff who understands your needs, our team of professionals is capable of helping you.
Contact us today and learn how South Coast Post Acute’s staff can help you with diabetes management.