Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a form of nerve damage that occurs with diabetes. It happens when blood sugar levels are too high for an extended period. Your dad has diabetes, but how do you know if he’s experiencing this nerve damage?
Signs of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
When the blood sugar levels are high for extended periods, the high blood sugar levels damage the nerves and impact blood flow. Eventually, the nerves are starved of oxygen and die.
There are three key signs of diabetic neuropathy. They include numbness, tingling, and burning in the legs, hands, and feet. They can appear elsewhere, but those are the common areas.
As numbness is a key indicator, it’s often hard to tell. You don’t feel anything, so nothing’s wrong. This is why many people with diabetes with this condition don’t realize they have sores on their feet that are becoming infected. They don’t feel it.
Steps Your Dad Needs to Take to Stay Healthy
When your dad is diagnosed with diabetes, he needs to work with his doctor on a care plan. He needs to regularly check his blood sugar levels and adjust his diet or insulin use to stabilize his sugar levels.
He needs to stay active. At least 30 minutes of exercise are required each day. Ideally, he should mix up his activities to ensure he’s working out all areas of his body. Walking might not strengthen his shoulder muscles, but arm exercises with weights a few days a week will.
If your dad smokes, he needs to stop. He needs to ask his doctor for advice on prescription or over-the-counter smoking cessation aids. If he drinks, he needs to stop drinking, too.
Your dad should ask his doctor if any supplements will help. Supplements like vitamin D or B vitamins may benefit him if they’re lacking in his daily diet. He could ask to have his blood tested to ensure his iron, potassium, and sodium levels are not too low or too high.
Hire Home Care Aides to Help
Your dad is struggling with a healthy diet. He can’t read the nutrition labels on items in the store, so he buys things without looking for hidden sugar. Hire senior home care aides to take him grocery shopping.
It’s time for your dad to take care of himself. If he can’t take care of himself without assistance, hire senior home care aides to help him. He may need medication reminders, assistance with meals, or someone to assist him with mobility.
Talk to his doctor about what he needs to do to take care of himself. Once you know, call a senior home care agency and schedule the necessary services.
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Manteca, CA, please contact the caring staff at Provident Care Home Care today at (209) 578-1210.
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