Table of ContentsSummaryConsequences of Diabetes MellitusReferencesSummaryThis research paper will explain five consequences of diabetes as they relate to the health, safety and well-being of older adults. Additionally, the following will describe how healthcare professionals can teach older adults how to manage their care and ultimately prevent such consequences. Finally, I will briefly discuss the importance of diabetes in my life and why I chose this topic. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayConsequences of Diabetes MellitusDiabetes is a major health problem that has reached epidemic proportions globally. According to the American Diabetes Association, one in four people age 65 or older has diabetes. The most significant events have taken place in populations where lifestyles have undergone rapid and significant changes. As the population ages and becomes increasingly sedentary and overweight, these numbers will only increase. It is the seventh leading cause of death among older adults in the United States. Poorly controlled diabetes has serious consequences in the elderly. Consequences include hypo/hyperglycemia, malnutrition, falls, depression and visual impairment. To prevent such undesirable outcomes, it is the responsibility of healthcare professionals to assess, educate in an easily understandable manner, and treat each client on an individual basis. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia can have potentially devastating consequences in the elderly population. Thus, education on hypoglycemia prevention should be a top priority for healthcare professionals. The client should learn to recognize the classic symptoms of hypoglycemia such as sweating, tremor, irritability, dizziness, delirium, and in extreme cases, seizures or loss of consciousness. Alternatively, high blood sugar is indicated by blurred vision, fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting and, if left untreated, fruity breath caused by a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Assessing one's cognitive and functional abilities is essential to determining one's ability to manage their diabetes. Essential education should include using a glucometer, knowing normal blood sugar ranges, understanding the purpose of each prescribed medication, calculating insulin dosage, and mastering medication administration technique. Many people with diabetes continually struggle to adhere to a well-balanced diabetic diet. diet. This is especially true among the older adult population due to circumstances such as misconceptions about diet, loss of appetite, altered taste or smell, teething problems, dysphagia, and loss of function. affecting the customer's ability to purchase and prepare diabetic-friendly meals. This consequently leads to malnutrition and potential weight loss. Assessing a client's oral intake capacity, diabetes-specific nutritional understanding, presence of family support as well as their living situation and functional abilities in reference to their means of transportation as well as his culinary skills will guarantee the best possible result. Encourage resources such as Meals on Wheels to alleviate the stress of cooking, meals at senior centers to promote social interaction with meals, and takemake an appointment to consult a registered dietitian. (Hill, J. 2019)Whether the cause is hypoglycemia, malnutrition, dehydration, clients with diabetes are at increased risk of falls. Diabetes and its treatment can interfere with good balance and regular gait. High blood sugar often causes nerve damage or neuropathy in about half of people who develop diabetes. Clients should be encouraged to exercise and stay active to maintain strength and improve balance and gait. For those who suffer from impaired functional abilities, adapted exercises focusing on balance and gait can still be performed. Therapy may be indicated, if appropriate, for clients who have had a recent fall or are at high risk of falling. Teach ways to prevent falls, such as a safe and unobstructed environment, appropriate footwear, adequate lighting, etc. Falls can cause serious, long-lasting consequences and further worsen diabetes complications, so prevention is vital. (Haltbakk et al., 2019)In 2017, U.S. adults aged 85 or older accounted for the second highest suicide rate at 20.1%. Although the link between diabetes and depression is not fully understood, it is likely that if you have diabetes, you have an increased risk of developing depression. Often, the stress of managing the illness triggers depression. And if you're depressed, you're more likely to develop diabetes. Clients with depression often have a reduced quality of life due to social isolation, poor self-management due to noncompliance with diet and medications, and a higher risk of developing depression. complications associated with negligent control of diabetes. Interventions include screening clients for depression, medication changes, psychotherapy, and collaborative care. Encourage the spouse or family to more actively support the client in managing the illness. Referring the client to mental health therapy and/or support groups can help alleviate the perceived isolation and emotional distress of diabetes. (Jones et al., 2015) Uncontrolled diabetes can have serious health consequences. Diabetics are at higher risk of developing vision impairments such as glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss among U.S. adults ages 20 to 74. The retina is a thin layer of tissue located at the back of the eye. It makes vision possible by converting light into signals that can be interpreted by the brain. Poorly managed glucose levels cause permanent damage to blood vessels in the retina, leading to symptoms such as blurred vision, vision loss, blind spots, and the appearance of dark spots or floaters (small specks in your field of vision). Currently, treatment aims to prevent, delay or reduce vision loss. Educate clients on the importance of eating a healthy diet, complying with medication management, monitoring blood pressure and glucose levels (normal range), exercising, as well as scheduling exams routine health and vision. (Boyer, D & Tabandeh, H, 2014) Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Diabetes is a chronic disease capable of causing disastrous consequences if poorly managed. I chose to carry out my project on this subject because of my experience working in,.2019.06.002