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Diabetes is a lifelong disease, and the fall risk from diabetes is serious. The American Diabetes Association reports that there are currently about 25.8 million Americans living with the illness. This accounts for about 8.5 percent of the total national population. Of this group, 10.9 million are over the age of 65. This makes diabetes a very common condition among America’s seniors.
Diabetes symptoms may include blurred vision, fatigue, hunger and weight loss. For older adults who suffer from the disease, this can lead to an increased risk of falling. There are a few ways to decrease the fall risk from diabetes, including regularly seeing a doctor and making a home safe for seniors. That said, it all starts with investing in a medical alert system.
Getting Help Fast for Seniors with Diabetes
One in every three adults over 65 falls every year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Senior adults with diabetes were four times more likely than those without the disease to fall, according to The Columbia University Medical Center. Their study speculates that problems with peripheral nerves caused by diabetes may impact sensation in the feet, thus increasing the fall risk from diabetes. Additionally, the risk for stroke is 2 to 4 times higher among people with diabetes, and strokes can result in falls and losing consciousness.
A medical alarm can provide protection and peace of mind for a senior with diabetes who is living independently. If an elderly person with diabetes does fall or have a stroke, getting help fast can increase their odds of a successful recovery from the incident. Should they fall or have a stroke, an older adult will be able to quickly contact emergency services by pressing a wearable button. If that person has a medical alert system equipped with fall detection, they won’t even need to press a button. The device will detect the fall and immediately call for help.
Living Safely and Independently with Diabetes
It is important for older adults who have diabetes to stay healthy. This can mean managing the condition, maintaining a level of physical fitness, and experiencing enough social interaction to remain mentally and emotionally healthy. The National Institute of Health states that regular medical checkups - such as eye exams, getting cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure checked - can be beneficial to preserving an older adult's health. If you’re concerned about your fall risk from diabetes, prevention starts with regular visits to the doctor’s office.
The agency also stresses the importance of keeping an eye on an aging adult's feet. Things such as red patches and sores could mean trouble and increase the risk of a fall for folks with diabetes. Staying healthy helps seniors with diabetes live independently in the homes they love – and a medical alert system can help them feel comfortable and confident in their ability to do so. Choose a medical alert system that works with your lifestyle, whether you spend all your time at home, like to go outside, or need added fall detection.
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