A high percentage of seniors develop diabetes each year, and this number is likely to increase with the next generation of seniors. However, new developments have been made to help seniors manage this disease. Mississauga, ON, 24-hour care professionals discuss a few of these developments.
The SmartMat
Due to lack of circulation in the feet, some seniors face the risk of amputation. However, thanks to fresh advancements, there is hope that amputations might not be necessary for many seniors. This hope is due to an item called the SmartMat, which measures the temperatures of both feet, determining if one is cooler than the other. This device allows Mississauga caregivers and physicians to handle the issue before a foot ulcer appears. Once released, the SmartMat could help prevent amputations that are the result of unmanaged diabetes.
New Medications
Three pills have been developed to help treat seniors with type 2 diabetes. The medications include:
• Linagliptin
• Saxagliptin
• Sitagliptin
The pills are all taken once per day, and do not cause weight gain. The purpose of each medication is to slow the breakdown of incretins. By doing so, insulin will be released for longer periods.
Smart Insulin Patch
Thanks to this development, painful insulin injections could become nonexistent for the many seniors who live with diabetes. The smart insulin patch detects when a person has increased blood sugar levels. When high blood sugar levels are detected, the patch secretes doses of insulin directly into the bloodstream as needed. The patch is small and covered by more than one hundred needles that are no bigger than an eyelash. It works fast, is easy to use, and is made from nontoxic materials.
IBM Watson App
Medtronic and IMB, along with Panasonic, have come together to develop a new app with the capability of predicting hypoglycemia at least 3 hours prior to it occurring. This prediction helps seniors with diabetes make more informed decisions, including immediately eating foods that raise blood glucose levels.
Diabetes can be challenging to manage, but your senior loved one can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of a professional caregiver from Home Care Assistance. Our caregivers are available around the clock to provide timely medication reminders and transportation to medical appointments, prepare nutritious meals, assist with mobility, and help with a wide array of daily household tasks. For more information on the Mississauga home care families trust, call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at 905-337-1200 to schedule a free in-home consultation.