Living with diabetes can be a challenge for your senior loved one, but it's much easier with the help of wearable technology. Wearable technologies allow your senior loved one to make informed decisions about their health and stay in control of managing their condition. Here are some things to consider:
Benefits of Wearable Technology for Managing Diabetes
Wearable technology gives seniors the ability to monitor their diabetes constantly and stay on top of their condition. With continuous monitoring, there's a better chance of catching small changes before they become dangerous or cause complications.
Monitoring blood glucose levels can help your senior loved one make informed decisions on medication dosage so they are getting the maximum benefit from treatment. This leads to fewer diabetic episodes and less risk of serious health issues.
Types of Wearable Technology
There are a few different types of wearable technology available to help manage diabetes, such as:
Continuous Glucose Monitors
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are small devices that measure the amount of glucose in your senior loved one's blood and transmit the information to a smartphone or other device. It helps provide better insight into how insulin shots affect diabetic patients, making it easier for you to adjust their dosage accordingly.
Insulin Pumps
Insulin pumps are small, automated devices that deliver insulin to your senior loved one's bloodstream. This minimizes the risk of giving too much or too little, significantly reducing complications and side effects.
Smartwatches
Smartwatches can be used to track activity and alert your senior loved one if their sugar levels are too low or high. It also helps them stay motivated to maintain regular physical activity, as well as monitor their diet and identify any potential triggers for elevated glucose levels.
Smartphone Apps
Smartphone apps help your senior loved one and their caregiver analyze and manage their diabetes on the go. With tailored advice for managing medication, tracking blood glucose levels, and more, mobile apps can be a great way to stay informed about their condition and make adjustments whenever necessary.
Potential Risks of Wearable Technology
While wearable technology can be a great help to many seniors and their caregivers, there are potential risks to consider. For example, some devices may interfere with other medical equipment. You also want to be careful about the security of personal data that's shared through these devices. Privacy concerns should be addressed when using any type of mobile device or app for managing your senior loved one's health conditions.
Choose Senior Helpers Northwest Indiana to Provide Excellent Care for Your Senior Loved One
Wearables can provide many benefits for your senior loved one who is living with diabetes in Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Lake County, and East Chicago. However, you should consider potential risks before moving forward with adopting this technology.
With proper planning and guidance from a doctor or certified diabetes nurse educator, wearable technology can be an excellent tool that helps make life easier for seniors with diabetes. Senior Helpers Northwest Indiana can help keep your senior parent on track for monitoring and taking their medication with reminders. Contact us to find out more about our services.