Maintaining sufficient levels of water intake is incredibly important for every individual, but especially seniors and those with diabetes. Dehydration in these demographics can have serious, long-term consequences. Unfortunately, both seniors and diabetics may face a more significant struggle to stay well-hydrated due to a number of potential challenges. Diabetic seniors and their caregivers need to know several key things about the risk of dehydration and how to prevent it.
Dehydration and Diabetes
Diabetes impacts virtually every area of the body, from vision to kidney function. It also has an influence on hydration levels. The development of high blood sugar or hyperglycemia may cause frequent urination as the body attempts to flush out excess sugar. Some diabetics may suffer from increased thirst as glucose is unable to be absorbed into cells. Furthermore, seniors may take medications that increase urine production, such as diuretics. In some cases, seniors who suffer from a variety of cognitive challenges may also simply forget to drink enough throughout the day.
Solutions for Dehydration in Diabetic Seniors
It is important for seniors with diabetes or pre-diabetes and their caregivers to develop strategies for ensuring adequate hydration intake each day.
1. Increase Access To Fluids
Making it easy for seniors with diabetes to access plenty of fluids will increase the odds that they will drink plenty of water or other liquids throughout the day. Increasing accessibility could include having beverages easily within reach at any time during the entire day–not just breakfast and lunchtime. In addition, it can be useful to keep a water bottle by the bedside overnight, to fill up a pitcher or other water container regularly, or to offer water regularly.
2. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels Carefully
Keeping blood sugar levels stable can go a long way toward helping to decrease the risk of dehydration since the body will not need to try to flush out excess sugar through urination.
3. Make Sure Seniors Know Their Hydration Needs
Sometimes, seniors may not be aware of their increased hydration needs. Providing education about the need to drink regularly can help seniors deal with that potential impact.
4. Monitor Fluid Intake
Many seniors may not know how much they actually drink throughout the day, which means that they may not spot warning signs of dehydration. Tracking fluid intake, on the other hand, can give senior diabetics a better idea of how much water they have actually consumed, which can increase the odds that they will drink more often.
5. Try Flavors
Adding flavors to water can help encourage seniors to drink more, which may increase overall hydration.
In-Home Care for Diabetic Senior Loved Ones
In many cases, as your loved one's health deteriorates, it can prove more difficult for them to manage daily tasks at home. When family members start to worry about their senior loved ones, an in-home caregiver can provide immense peace of mind. At Senior Helpers Greenville, we provide in-home assistance to seniors in Simpsonville and Greenville, including regular hydration reminders or help to keep up with insulin and other medication needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help.