Diabetes is both one of the most common and potentially debilitating diseases seniors in Arizona face. It is a chronic condition, meaning that management must happen over the long term. Management is often complex, and as seniors age, the condition generally becomes more difficult to manage, due to age-related challenges.
However, with careful monitoring, dietary interventions, and high-quality coordination of medical care, seniors can safely and effectively manage diabetes into old age. When things become overwhelming, it may be time to consider residential care, such as skilled nursing.
Skilled nursing provides the expertise and clinical oversight to manage diseases like diabetes, while at the same time, protecting independence, quality of life, and longevity.
Today, we’ll help you better understand the condition, consider when it might be time to seek professional help, and inform you of how Haven Health supports seniors with diabetes and other chronic conditions.
Understanding Diabetes In Seniors
Diabetes is a disease that happens when the body is unable to regulate sugar in the blood. There are two main types of diabetes that affect seniors.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body is not able to use insulin effectively, often due to lifestyle factors.
Diabetes can also be complicated by age-related changes in the body and lifestyle. Changes in the body due to natural aging, other chronic conditions, and medication usage can all make the management of diabetes more complex for seniors. Symptoms may also be less noticeable in older adults, and complications more severe.
The Challenges Of Managing Diabetes In Seniors
Left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to serious consequences, up to and including death. It can also contribute to other serious conditions, such as heart disease, kidney problems, vision issues, and slower wound healing. These complications can become even worse for seniors, due to the various factors surrounding aging.
Managing diabetes later in life presents unique challenges that make independent care more difficult than for a younger person. Seniors often have additional health challenges that interact with the condition, are on additional medications, or have mobility and other lifestyle difficulties.
Seniors may also have physical limitations, such as reduced mobility or vision impairment that can interfere with proper self-care. Cognitive decline or memory issues may also increase the risk of missed doses, incorrect insulin administration, or delayed response to symptoms.
Additionally, seniors living alone may lack immediate support if blood sugar levels drop too low or rise too high.
When Is It Time For Professional Help Managing Diabetes In The Elderly?
Understanding when it is time for professional help in managing chronic conditions, like diabetes in seniors, is essential.
Signs that indicate it may be time for professional help include:
- Hospital visits due to diabetes complications.
- Frequent fluctuations in blood sugar.
- Forgetting to take medication.
- Limited ability to acquire medication from the pharmacy.
- Difficulty managing medications or needles.
- Noticeable changes in cognition.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Slow-healing wounds.
The bottom line is, when diabetes begins to interfere with the activities of daily living and everyday life, it is time to consider professional help, offered here at Haven Health.
How Haven Health Supports Seniors And Diabetes
Skilled nursing care offers many distinct advantages to senior diabetics. Professional oversight ensures blood sugar stays within acceptable levels and is well managed. It also ensures that any complications are dealt with promptly and fully. Lastly, it ensures medication is consistently properly administered.
At Haven Health, our diabetes care is guided by our mission and commitment to provide individualized, compassionate support. Our skilled nursing teams develop personalized care plans based on each resident’s medical history, lifestyle, and goals. These plans are continuously reviewed and adjusted to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Our care is provided by licensed nurses under the supervision of a physician, and our staff is among the best in the business. You’ll feel right at home at our comfortable state-of-the-art facilities, and our patient-centered approach to care ensures seniors feel empowered, respected, and safe.
Contact Haven Health Today For The Best Skilled Nursing Care Arizona Has To Offer
If you or your loved ones have diabetes and are looking for compassionate, professional care, Haven Health is here for you. We offer more than a dozen facilities across Arizona, so that you can be close to your family, and receive many levels of care.
Sources:
Diabetes. (2025).
Pandya, N., et al. (2020). Challenges and Strategies for Managing Diabetes in the Elderly in Long-Term Care Settings.
Stein, A. (2024). Diabetes in Older Adults: Risks, Treatments and Health Habits to Know.