6 Ways to Help Seniors Manage Diabetes

Maintain optimal health and enhance quality of life by following these tips.

January 8, 2025

3 min read

Older woman pauses gardening to talk to older man on bench

Diabetes is a challenging condition to manage, but it can be particularly demanding for older adults. As we age, the body’s response to insulin changes – along with any additional health concerns – can complicate a diabetes treatment plan. However, it’s possible to maintain stable blood sugar levels and lead a healthy life with the right approach.



6 Key Strategies for Managing Diabetes in Seniors

  1. Regular monitoring
  2. Eat a balanced diet
  3. Physical activity
  4. Manage medications
  5. Routine physician visits
  6. Emotional support


1. Regular monitoring

Consistently monitoring blood sugar makes it easier to keep track of glucose levels, enabling timely adjustments to diet or medication. Consider the following to make the process smoother:

  • Purchase a reliable, easy-to-use blood glucose monitoring device.
  • Set reminders to avoid missing any readings.
  • Maintain a log of blood sugar levels to share with healthcare providers.


2. Eat a balanced diet

While it’s important to limit sugar and refined carbs, a diet consisting of nutrient-rich foods – such as whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables – is essential for managing diabetes. Avoiding highly processed foods and controlling portion sizes are also key. For tips on encouraging healthy eating habits for your parent, watch the video below.





3. Physical activity

Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and can help lower blood sugar levels. Strenuous activity may not be possible for all older adults, so here are some things to consider when creating an exercise regimen:

  • Focus on enjoyable activities such as walking, swimming or dancing.
  • Set realistic goals; aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 days a week.
  • Incorporate light weights, resistance bands and other strength training activities to maintain muscle mass.


4. Manage medications

Proper medication adherence can help control blood sugar levels and prevent complications. To make it easier for your parent to stay on top of their medications, use pill organizers to keep track of daily doses. Ensure they take medications as prescribed without skipping doses, and consult with their physician for any needed adjustments to medications or dosages.



5. Routine physician visits

To monitor the progression of diabetes and detect any complications – such as foot sores or changes in vision – it’s important to have regular check-ups with a primary care physician or endocrinologist. A1C levels should be tested every three months to evaluate long-term blood sugar control. During appointments, come prepared with a list of questions to ask your parent’s doctor.



6. Emotional support

Managing a chronic condition can be emotionally taxing and have a negative impact on mental health. To keep your parent connected, encourage regular gatherings with friends and family – even a group meal or game night can do wonders for a person’s mental health. Joining a diabetes support group and practicing stress-relief techniques such as meditation, deep breathing and yoga can also be helpful.



Focus on living well

By following the tips and strategies in this guide, you can help your parent maintain optimal health and enhance their quality of life while managing diabetes.

For more personalized advice on your family’s unique situation, contact a healthcare provider or Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. For additional tools, resources and assistance, the American Diabetes Association makes it easy to search for support programs in your area.

illustration of three people gardening together

Not sure where to start?

There’s a lot to learn when you become a caregiver, and you may be wondering where to start. Fortunately, many of the experiences you’ll encounter are common, and we've pulled together resources to help you along your journey.