Healing Nutrition: Ways to Manage Diabetes in Seniors

According to a May 2024 report by the U.S. CDC, an estimated 29.2% of U.S. adults 65 and older have diabetes (diagnosed and undiagnosed).

If your older loved one also has diabetes, the right senior nutrition program, coupled with healthier lifestyle choices, can help them keep their condition under control.

To that end, the expert staff at Rittenhouse Village At Lehigh Valley in Allentown, PA, created this guide discussing senior diabetes diets and elderly nutrition. Read on for tips to share with your older loved one so they can better manage their chronic condition.

Know the Key Nutrients Influencing Blood Glucose Levels

Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is the primary sugar in the blood and is the body’s primary energy source. It comes from the food a person eats, and when the body’s blood glucose levels increase, it signals and tells the pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin is the essential hormone that helps sugar enter the cells to become an energy source for later use.

Unfortunately, people with diabetes have problems with insulin production, use, or both. As a result, their blood glucose levels are too high.

The American Diabetes Association recommends the following blood sugar level targets for people with diabetes:

• 80-130 mg/dL before a meal
• Under 180 mg/dL one to two hours after a meal

Some nutrients, including carbohydrates, directly affect blood glucose levels. Other nutrients, such as fats and protein, impact blood sugar, albeit less significantly or indirectly. For these reasons, the first step in planning a healthy diet for diabetes is understanding these nutrients, their sources, and how they impact blood sugar.

Complex Carbohydrates

The body converts complex carbohydrates (starches) and simple carbohydrates (sugars) into blood glucose, so seniors with diabetes must control their intake. Complex carbs are a better option, as they are richer in nutrients, have more fiber, and get digested more slowly.

Some of the best sources of complex carbohydrates and other essential nutrients are:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Whole-grain bread, crackers, and cereals
• Products made of whole grains like barley, buckwheat, and oats
• Nuts, beans, and lentils

Dried fruits can also be a healthier sweet treat, but advise your senior loved one to avoid products with added sugars.

Healthy Fats

A healthy diet for seniors with diabetes doesn’t have to be fat-free; on the contrary, it must have fats because the body needs them to function correctly. As the American Heart Association (AHA) explains, they’re necessary because they support cell function, serve as an energy source, and help the body absorb nutrients and hormone materials.

However, too much fat consumption, especially the “bad” kind, can lead to weight gain, heart disease, and stroke. It may also result in insulin resistance and high blood glucose levels for an extended period.

The key to senior meal planning for better diabetes management is to eat foods with healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in moderation. Examples include:

• Liquid plant-based oils like sunflower, safflower, nut, corn, and soybean oils
• Fat-free or low-fat dairy products
• Skinless chicken or pork or lean meat parts

At the same time, seniors should avoid dietary fats that solidify at room temperature, such as butter and lard.

Lean Protein

Proteins, present in every cell in the body, are the building blocks of life. Without them, the body cannot make new cells or repair damaged ones.

Older adults, with or without diabetes, often need more protein because the body becomes less efficient at processing this nutrient as it ages. Because of this reduced function, some seniors experience sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss). According to Cleveland Clinic, sarcopenia impacts an estimated 5% to 13% of people aged 60 and older and 11% to 50% of seniors 80 and above.

Lean protein is crucial to a diabetes-friendly diet for older adults because it helps them feel fuller quickly and satisfied for longer. So, it reduces their odds of snacking on unhealthy, blood glucose-increasing treats.

When carbs aren’t available, lean protein also serves as an energy source. Since the body digests protein more slowly than carbs, it can help prevent dangerous blood glucose fluctuations.

Some of the top diabetes-friendly protein choices are:

• Lean meat and poultry
• Seafood
• Eggs
• Soy products like tofu and tempeh
• Low-fat or fat-free dairy
• Whole grains
• Black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, garbanzos, lentils, and split peas
• Nuts and seeds

Nuts can also be a healthy snacking option, but seniors should eat them in moderation since they contain fats.

Eat Well-Balanced Full Meals

Everyone should eat at least three full meals a day, but it’s even more crucial for seniors with diabetes, as skipped meals can mess with their blood glucose levels. As the Cleveland Clinic points out, missing a meal puts them at a higher risk of dangerous hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels).

If your older loved one with diabetes tends to skip meals because they live alone or cooking has become “bothersome” to them, moving them to a senior personal care assistance community would be in their best interest.

At Rittenhouse Village At Lehigh Valley in Allentown, PA, our residents enjoy three delicious, nutritious, well-balanced meals daily as part of our many community amenities. Your loved one may also find our social dining experiences more appealing than eating alone.

Avoid Added Sugar

Seniors with diabetes must minimize their intake of added sugars, as it raises blood sugar levels. Sweet desserts like pastries, donuts, candies, and sodas are all sugar-loaded foods to avoid.

At Rittenhouse Village At Lehigh Valley, we understand that desserts complete every meal. We’ve included sugar-free dessert options in our exclusive Sensations Dining program to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Staying Healthy With a Diabetes-Friendly Senior Nutrition Program

A diabetes-friendly senior nutrition program focuses on healthy complex carbs, healthy fats, and lean proteins. It also minimizes added sugar and provides a consistent stream of energy supply through three well-balanced meals.

Rittenhouse Village At Lehigh Valley offers diabetes-friendly senior dining options. Our chefs use only the best, freshest ingredients to prepare nutritious, delicious meals for our residents.

So, if you’re looking for a compassionate and welcoming personal care assistance community in Allentown, PA, for your loved one with diabetes, consider visiting us. Speak with our team today, and we’ll happily give you and your older family member a tour!