Diabetes Self-Management for the Elderly: Tips for Daily Blood Sugar Monitoring

Effective diabetes self-management is essential for individuals of all ages, including the elderly population. Regular blood sugar monitoring is a crucial aspect of diabetes management, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their diet, medication, and overall well-being. In this blog, we will discuss practical tips for daily blood sugar monitoring specifically tailored to the elderly, considering challenges such as bedsores and adult diaper rashes.

1. Create a Routine: Establishing a regular schedule for blood sugar monitoring helps make it a consistent part of daily life. Set specific times, such as before meals, bedtime, or as recommended by healthcare professionals. Stick to this routine to maintain consistency and ensure accurate readings.
2. Simplify Testing: Make blood sugar monitoring as easy as possible for the elderly. Use simple and user-friendly glucose monitoring devices with large, easy-to-read screens and clear instructions. Consider devices with features like voice prompts or high-contrast display options to accommodate visual impairments.
3. Accessibility and Safety: Ensure that the blood glucose monitoring supplies are easily accessible. Keep them in a convenient location, preferably within reach of the elderly individual. Store them in a clean and dry area, away from extreme temperatures, to maintain the accuracy of the readings.
4. Gentle Skin Care: To minimize the risk of bedsores and adult diaper rashes while maintaining optimal skin health, follow these tips:

• Keep the skin clean and dry, especially in areas prone to moisture.
• Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and soft cloths or wipes to avoid skin irritation.
• Moisturize the skin regularly with a gentle lotion or cream to prevent dryness.
• Address any signs of redness, irritation, or breakdown promptly and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Apply Soreze Adult Diaper Rash Gel 2-3 times a day or every time you change the adult diaper on areas of skin that are prone to accumulation of moisture such as the groin, perianal area, under the folds of skin, etc. 
• Regularly apply Soreze Gel on the Bedsores-prone areas for preventing bedsore from happening. In case the wounds have already developed, use Soreze Advance Gel for wound healing. We also recommend consulting your doctor in case of a developed Bedsore wound.
  
  
  

Engage Support: Encourage the elderly individual to involve a trusted caregiver or family member in the blood sugar monitoring process. This can provide assistance, support, and an extra set of eyes to ensure accurate readings. Additionally, involving loved ones can foster a sense of shared responsibility and promote better overall diabetes management.

Document and Share: Encourage the elderly individual to maintain a blood sugar monitoring log or use digital health tracking apps to record readings consistently. This documentation can help identify patterns, identify triggers, and facilitate discussions with healthcare professionals. Sharing this information with the healthcare team allows for personalized recommendations and adjustments to the diabetes management plan.

Regular Review with Healthcare Professionals: Schedule regular check-ups with healthcare professionals to review blood sugar monitoring results, discuss any concerns or challenges, and adjust the management plan as needed. Healthcare professionals can provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support to ensure optimal diabetes control.

Daily blood sugar monitoring is a critical component of diabetes self-management for the elderly. By creating a routine, simplifying testing, ensuring accessibility and safety, practicing gentle skin care, engaging support, documenting readings, and regularly reviewing with healthcare professionals, the elderly can effectively manage their diabetes. Remember, with proper blood sugar monitoring and overall diabetes management, individuals can minimize the risks associated with the condition and maintain better health and well-being.