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Falling is a significant risk factor for seniors with diabetes. Past studies have found that at least 39% of elderly diabetic individuals experience multiple falls. New research shows that insulin therapy may be an important contributor to these accidents. Additionally, drug interactions for patients taking multiple medications can lead to falls.
A new study has traced this increased risk of falls to certain drugs and drug combinations. The study surveyed the nearly 47,000 type 2 diabetic people who are in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Diabetes Registry. The results found that patients who took four or more medications were at a greater risk of experiencing a fall. The researchers posited that drug combinations may result in muscle weakness, balance abnormalities, or vertigo. The study also found that patients who experienced falls related to insulin treatment may also indicate a more significant disease that requires additional diagnostic testing. These falls may also be connected to a hypoglycaemia episode. But, in general, diabetes medications and drug interactions both contribute to fall frequency and result in more dangerous fall outcomes.
The Increased Risk for Seniors
People who have diabetes, as well as those using these diabetes medications, should invest in a medical alert system with fall detection. This technology allows seniors to receive help in the event of a fall, even if they are unable to press their button. The device will trigger an alert when its built-in sensors detect a fall, and the user will be automatically connected to one of our trained emergency responders.
Alert1’s Command Center agents are better equipped to handle calls than most. Alert1 emergency response agents have extensive training, and they remain on the line with seniors until help arrives. The insistence on remaining on the line with those experiencing a frightening or traumatic fall separates Alert1 from other companies, most of whom don’t offer this important feature.
Even for seniors without diabetes, falls are unpredictable. You never know when you will experience an emergency and require immediate assistance. Alert1 can be there whenever you need us. Medical alert technology also helps seniors retain their independence. With our services, you’ll have the confidence to age in place knowing that Alert1 is never more than a button-push away.
Focusing on Elderly Diabetes Patients
The American Geriatrics Society recommends a greater focus on elderly patients with diabetes. By doing so, we can help prevent senior falls, as well as minimize dangerous fall outcomes. 10% of these falls results in anything from fractures to head injuries. In some cases, these falls may even contribute to a person’s death.
This can be troubling news for seniors who take diabetes medications. If you’re looking for added peace of mind, an alert system with built-in fall detection sensors is an essential complementary healthcare tool. People who take diabetes medications need these prescriptions to control their condition. However, any falls or fall-related injuries can compromise their well-being. A medical alert device from Alert1 can help seniors feel confident they will receive essential care whenever it is needed, 24/7/365.
What You Should Know About Senior Diabetes
Adults are more likely to become diabetic as they age. Around 25% of adults who are 60 or older have diabetes. If you have recently received a diabetes diagnosis, we’d like you to know that our technology provides the 24/7/365 protection you may need while navigating the side effects of your new medication.
Doctors may diagnose diabetes at different stages. Many people believe type 1 diabetes begins during childhood, but adults can develop new-onset type 1 diabetes later in life. This form of the condition can develop even if your family does not have a history of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common for seniors. This form of the condition can occur in people who are inactive or overweight. Additional risk factors can include a family history of the disease and certain ethnicities.
If you are diagnosed with either type of diabetes, your doctor will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. In general, older patients should avoid irregular blood pressure, and they should try to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes that may include diet and weight loss.
Many doctors will also suggest physical activity as a supplement to medicinal treatment. But for some older adults, increased physical activity might also introduce a risk of falling. If your doctor suggests increasing exercise, ask about working with a physical therapist. These professionals can help guide you through balance and muscle strengthening exercises, which can decrease your risk of falling. As always, be sure to wear your medical alert system when you head out for a sweat session.
But, in addition to lifestyle changes, doctors will likely prescribe certain medications. Thiazolidinediones (TZD) are some of the most common. These drugs are insulin sensitizers, and they allow the body to regulate insulin. TZD can also increase insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscles. Also, rather unfortunately, these drugs also pose a risk for elderly patients. New research shows that common side effects include an increased fall risk and poor fall outcomes.
Alert1 Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection are Ideal for People Using Diabetes Medications
Our systems are made to operate simply and quickly. Users simply press the button alarm if you’ve fallen and require assistance. With the automatic fall detection feature enables, the alarm’s sensors detect a fall and send the Command Center an alert even if the user can’t press the button. The button alarm is 100% showerproof and can assist seniors under any circumstances, at any time, indoors or outside.
After an alert is triggered, a US-based Command Center operator will come on the line within seconds. These operators are trained to respond to emergencies — even if the member is non-verbal and unable to communicate.
Our response team will stay on the line until help arrives. These professionals will also help to minimize any worry your loved ones may be feeling. The team can contact family members, doctors, and neighbors to let them know you have had an accident.
Our members have different options when choosing products, but the highest level of protection is offered by fall detection technology. This includes our At Home Alert System with Fall Detection device and our On the Go unit with Fall Detection option. For the optimal level of security, members may combine At Home and On the Go systems with Fall Detection.
If you’re not sure which device to get, know that we offer guidance to help figure out which medical alert system is best for you. When at home, you can select either a necklace or wristband to wear on your person. In the event of a fall, a first responder will be right there to assist you when you need it.
We also offer variable pricing models, which can be important for seniors living on fixed incomes. We provide month-to-month options for all of our devices, as well as longer plans with discounted rates.
The unfortunately reality of aging, medical conditions, and various medications is that falls are often unavoidable — especially for those with multiple contributing factors at play. A medical alert system enables users to ask for and receive help quickly in the event of a life-threatening or otherwise serious medical emergency. If you’re looking for a safety device to complement your diabetes medication or new diagnosis, please reach out for a complimentary consultation. We’re more than happy to help.
Additional Methods of Staying Healthy
· Dietary Changes: A healthy diet is essential to healthy living. Adjustments to your diet can include cutting out or decreasing sugar and saturated fats. Focus on eating foods that are high in protein and fiber. Seniors should also consume more whole grains, vegetables, and beans.
· Get Active: Senior diabetics can remain healthy by staying active. Most doctors recommend that seniors exercise 30 minutes a day for five days a week. Consistent exercise helps regulate and maintain lower blood sugar levels. Walking, light stretches, or gentle water aerobics can also lead to healthy weight loss.
· Schedule Regular Visits to the Doctor: If you have a diabetes diagnosis, getting regular care is essential. Consider visiting a diabetes management clinic or a primary care medical service. Regular visits with knowledgeable medical care providers can make a huge difference. These specialized clinics assist seniors who have complications from diabetes. The clinics also allow you to collect information and tools to improve your quality of life.
· Get Your Vaccines: Interestingly, getting vaccinated is a very important part of living a healthy life as an older diabetic. Your immune system weakens as you grow older, and seniors often catch illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Seniors who are diabetic are highly susceptible to these types of illnesses.
· Learn to Relax: Reducing stress levels can go a long way. Many seniors struggle to embrace stress-free lives. High stress levels can also cause spikes in your blood sugar levels. Try taking up meditation, or possibly adopting a pet for companionship.
In addition to trying the above recommendations, explore medical alert system options that work for you. We have a variety of products designed for every senior lifestyle — from the homebody to the busy bee.
Assistance Can Be Right Beside You
Seniors who take diabetes medications have a heightened risk of falling, but this doesn’t mean they can’t continue to age in place. An alert system can help seniors mitigate potential injury by getting them the help that they need fast.
We at Alert1 are there for our members in their most vulnerable moments. Even in a power outage, the home medical alarm system has a 24-hour backup battery, and our mobile devices are not affected at all by power outages. Regardless of location, Alert1 products can assist seniors. We also provide family members with the essential peace of mind of knowing first responders are only seconds away.
For those with Diabetes, there are more reasons than ever to invest in a medical alert system. There is a population swell of seniors aged 65 and older. That swell also increases the number of seniors who are living with diabetes. It is crucial to ensure that the senior population is safe and that assistance is readily available should a fall occur. An alert system can eliminate some of the fear and uncertainty that come from experiencing an unexpected fall, providing reassurance that help is always standing by and no one ever has to face an emergency alone.