To regulate their blood sugar levels, senior diabetics should know which foods they must avoid and which are permissible. While the dietary choices are many, some options include superfoods. On the other hand, some foods pose a greater risk.
Healthy Superfoods
Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, cauliflower, and kale are classified as healthy superfoods because they contain a chemical compound known as sulforaphane, which stimulates anti-inflammatory processes in the body that protect the cardiovascular system and regulate blood sugar levels. Sulforaphane also stimulates the body’s immune system to convert potentially harmful substances into less dangerous forms.
In addition to eating nutritious foods, diabetic seniors can regulate their blood sugar levels by making healthy lifestyle choices. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care service. You can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
Berries
Blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries contain insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber eliminates fat from the body, and soluble fiber slows the digestive process, which deters hunger. Berries also harbor chemical compounds known as anthocyanins, which give these fruits their bright color. Anthocyanins also shrink fat cells and stimulate adiponectin release, which increases insulin sensitivity in cells and regulates blood sugar levels.
Oatmeal
As a rich source of magnesium, oatmeal stimulates the pancreas to release insulin while helping cells effectively use glucose. While some may prefer quick-cooking oats, healthcare providers often recommend steel-cut oats, which are considered whole grains. In whole grain form, oats provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals along with antioxidants.
Fish
In addition to being a rich source of protein, oily fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that also reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Unhealthy Foods
White Flour Products
Almost all types of white flour products lack the bran found in whole wheat. The refining process makes the flour fluffy, light, and soft to give baked goods a more appealing texture.
White flour causes blood glucose levels to spike without providing anything substantial in the way of nutrition. The loss of fiber also makes seniors feel hungry, which leads to unhealthy snacking. Baked goods contain high levels of fat, carbohydrates, sodium, and sugar, which raise blood sugar levels substantially.
Chinese Food
Chinese dishes are often high in fat, sodium, calories, and carbohydrates, all of which cause a dramatic rise in blood sugar levels. Sweet-and-sour dishes also contain large amounts of sugar, which isn’t healthy for diabetics.
Seniors who need help switching over to healthy meals should consider professional in-home care. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of elderly home care. Northern Kentucky Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years.
Trail Mix
Nuts are generally deemed a healthy snack. However, trail mix combines nuts with unhealthy foods such as dried fruit, honey, and chocolate. Dehydrated fruit contains concentrated amounts of sugar. Milk chocolate also contains large amounts of sugar along with fat.
Energy or Protein Bars
Although touted as being a healthy snack choice, energy bars are high in sugar and carbs. One bar often contains more than 400 calories and 60 grams of carbohydrates. Diabetics should read labels carefully to find snack options that offer a healthy balance of protein and carbohydrates while being low in fat.
Older adults with diabetes may need help with an array of daily tasks. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care of Northern Kentucky, a trusted provider of home care Northern Kentucky seniors can depend on. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today to schedule a free consultation.
