A high percentage of seniors develop diabetes each year, and this number is likely to increase with the next generation of seniors. However, new developments have been made to help seniors address this disease. Here are a few of these developments.
The SmartMat
Due to lack of circulation in the feet, some seniors face the risk of amputation. However, thanks to recent advancements, there’s hope that amputations might not be necessary for many seniors. This hope is due to an item called the SmartMat, which measures the temperatures of both feet, determining if one is cooler than the other. This device allows physicians to prevent a foot ulcer before it appears. The SmartMat could prevent amputations that are the result of unmanaged diabetes.
New Medications
Three pills have been developed to treat seniors with type 2 diabetes. The medications include:
- Linagliptin
- Saxagliptin
- Sitagliptin
The pills are all taken once per day and don’t cause weight gain. The purpose of each medication is to slow the breakdown of incretins. By doing so, insulin will be released for longer periods.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, medication reminders, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior home care Potomac families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Smart Insulin Patch
Thanks to this development, painful insulin injections could become a thing of the past for many seniors who live with diabetes. The smart insulin patch detects when a person has increased blood sugar levels. When high blood sugar levels are detected, the patch secretes doses of insulin directly into the bloodstream as needed. The patch is small and covered by more than one hundred needles that are no bigger than eyelashes. It works fast, is easy to use, and is made from nontoxic materials.
Helping a loved one maintain healthy blood sugar levels and prevent or handle diabetes can be challenging. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-care, Potomac, MD, Assisting Hands Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.
IBM Watson App
Medtronic and IBM, along with Panasonic, have come together to develop a new app with the capability of predicting hypoglycemia at least three hours before it occurs. This prediction helps seniors with diabetes make more informed decisions, including immediately eating foods that raise blood glucose levels.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help preparing nutritious meals that are appropriate for a diabetic diet. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of in-home care. Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Assisting Hands Home Care team today.
