Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes in Seniors
Personal care at home helps seniors manage diabetes with guidance, routine, and daily support.
Diabetes has unfortunately become a very common health condition for seniors. Some reports show that nearly one-third of adults older than 65 years of age have the health condition, and it seems to be growing. Personal care at home services can help seniors with diabetes with the support they need to age in place safely.
There are two types of diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2, but the vast majority of people have Type 2, and if your loved one wasn’t diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was younger, it’s most likely he’ll develop Type 2 diabetes if he does get it.
With Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas isn’t able to create the insulin needed, and while it can develop at any age, it is usually diagnosed before the age of 60. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body starts to become resistant to insulin.
Top Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can be hereditary, but the risk of developing it can also be increased by several health conditions and lifestyle choices. Lack of physical activity, obesity, an unhealthy diet, and even smoking can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms
Normal bloodwork can help you and your loved one keep track of how his blood sugar levels are doing and whether or not he’s reaching a point where they are getting dangerously high or low. If your loved one hasn’t been diagnosed with diabetes but his blood sugar levels are often high, knowing the symptoms of diabetes can help you help him catch it more quickly and take the action needed to manage it before it becomes worse.
Type 2 diabetes symptoms can develop slowly over time, so keep your eye out for any changes in these areas for your loved one:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Increased hunger
- Always feeling thirsty and needing to drink something.
- More frequently needing to urinate, especially at night or while sleeping.
- Vision changes in which things appear blurrier despite having an updated eyeglass prescription.
- Fatigue
- Weakened immune system, which can result in slower-healing sores or more frequent bouts of infection.
- Tingling or numbness in the extremities, like the feet and hands.
- Dry skin and lips.
Type 2 Diabetes Complications
Type 2 diabetes can often lead to other, more serious health complications as well as affect your loved one’s quality of life. Diabetes that isn’t managed well can result in cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, nerve problems, vision issues, and oral health problems.
Lifestyle Changes Can Help
If your loved one has Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes (which occurs before type 2 diabetes is diagnosed), there are often steps they can take at home to help slow down the progress of the disease or even halt it altogether. A personal care at home provider can support your loved one as he adjusts his diet and daily activity levels.
With personal care at home services, a provider can help your loved one create healthier meals and add more exercise to their week (according to the doctor’s recommendations). If he needs medication, a personal care at home provider can also help him manage his medications so that he has what he needs on hand when he needs it.
Type 2 diabetes can seem scary, but with proper health, a willingness to change bad habits, and support from personal care at home, your loved one can manage it and feel great.
If you or someone you know needs help with Personal Care at Home in Kentwood, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 560-4057 for more information.
Sources:
- When Is It Time to Consider Hospice Care? Signs Families Should Know - September 11, 2026
- Helping Seniors Feel Safer at Home - September 3, 2026
- Elder Care Helps Prevent Caregiver Burnout - August 28, 2026
