Over time, diabetes can also cause serious health problems. Make sure you have diabetes health check-ups to prevent complications resulting from diabetes. What can I do? Manage your diabetes independently As you grow older physical changes may affect your ability to manage your diabetes independently. It is easy to assume that your symptoms are due to the ageing process or because you have diabetes, but it is important to seek advice for any new symptoms. Ask for support if managing your diabetes by yourself is becoming difficult. Failing eyesight and reduced mobility may lead to a reduced level of daily foot care, meaning early problem signs are missed. Managing diabetes as you age This booklet gives you information to help you manage your diabetes as you grow older. Ask for support if managing your diabetes by yourself is becoming difficult. Download Keep active Keeping active in later life helps to strengthen muscles, maintain mobility and balance and improve insulin sensitivity. It can help you to continue to self-care, improve your mental well-being and prevent falls. Aim to be as active as you can be. FootSmart This online program will give you the skills and knowledge to create a simple foot care routine that will help you avoid future foot problems. Find an online program Organise my diabetes health checks It is important to do an annual cycle of care to identify any health concerns with your doctor and diabetes health care team. Regular checks help prevent complications that can affect your whole body, including your kidneys, eyes, feet, nerves and heart. Read more in our fact sheets. Your diabetes annual cycle of care fact sheet The diabetes annual cycle of care is a checklist for reviewing your diabetes management and general health each year. Download now Diabetes-related complications fact sheet Looking after your diabetes is important for your long-term health. If your diabetes is well managed and you take care of your general health, you can reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. Download now Eat well As we get older, it can be challenging to stay nourished and maintain healthy eating habits. Our lifestyles and appetites can change and chronic conditions such as diabetes can take up our time and energy and affect our food choices. Healthy eating as you age Healthy eating and food choices for older people living with diabetes. Download Talk to your health care team As you age you may have more health issues to deal with. You need to work out who can help you with health issues and maintaining your wellbeing. Ask the Expert A dietitian, exercise physiologist and diabetes educator will be available to answer your questions about type 2 diabetes. Find an online program Free access to diabetes programs Learn to manage your diabetes confidently with diabetes programs, available face-to-face and online. Register for a diabetes program. Supporting older people with diabetes Providers of care are in an ideal position to help support an older person living with diabetes. Early recognition of possible diabetes-related issues can have a significant impact on someone’s quality of life and wellbeing. Working in residential aged care facilities Find out more Working as a Home Care Provider Find out more Caring for an older person Find out more
