Diabetes affects nearly 35% of the senior population. It’s a serious illness that requires lifestyle changes and medical monitoring to manage. But it can be very difficult for seniors who have diabetes to get to the doctor regularly for monitoring and routine care. In-home doctor visits help seniors who have diabetes manage their condition and can also help them successfully manage some of the side effects of diabetes. The side effects of diabetes can be very serious.
Stroke
Having diabetes doesn’t necessarily mean that seniors will have a stroke. Although it does increase the risk of having one, and that risk for seniors is already high. When seniors with diabetes get routine medical monitoring from their doctor at home, they can lower that risk. In-home doctor visits can track heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar at home. Any change in their vitals that could indicate a potential problem can be addressed by their doctor right away.
Blindness
When diabetes isn’t managed well seniors can start to go blind. Vision problems need to be carefully monitored because they can let a senior’s doctor know if their diabetes is not being managed properly. And of course, it’s not safe for a senior that is experiencing vision changes or problems to be driving or trying to get themselves safely to a medical facility. When seniors with diabetes start to experience vision problems it’s better for them to have in-home doctor visits for treatment.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a very common side effect of diabetes. It can be one of the first symptoms of diabetes that seniors experience. Neuropathy is a tingling sensation or painful sensation like a pins-and-needles feeling in the toes and legs, and sometimes in the hands and fingers too. If left untreated it can be uncomfortable or painful and may cause permanent nerve damage. Because peripheral neuropathy can make it difficult for seniors to walk having a doctor come to the house to provide monitoring and treatment is ideal for seniors.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease can also be a side effect of diabetes. All of these side effects of diabetes can get worse when a senior isn’t managing their diabetes properly. When a doctor performs a house call to provide treatment for a senior with diabetes it can provide valuable information for that doctor to help them discover why the senior is having trouble managing their diabetes.
The doctor can see what food is in the pantry and what that senior is typically eating. And they can make suggestions and provide guidance in addition to medical care so that seniors will have an easier time getting their diabetes under control. If they can do that then they may be able to avoid serious complications like kidney disease or blindness.
Primary Care @ Home treats patients between ages 18-100+ years of age. We specialize in Primary & Preventive Care, Chronic Conditions, Homebound Patients, Geriatrics and Intellectually Disabled patients all in the comfort of our patient’s own homes. If you or an aging loved one in Avon, IN could benefit from our services please contact us today! (317) 471-0774
Dr. Horine treats adults including seniors and those with special needs. Dr. Horine Graduated from Indiana University and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, where he practiced until 2019.
He has a special interest in assisting home-bound patients to remain in their homes and out of the hospital.
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