Type 2 Diabetes affects one in four U.S. veterans, making them nearly twice as likely to develop the condition compared to the general population. For elderly veterans, a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis can significantly impact their quality of life. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize the risk factors and symptoms early and take proactive steps to prevent or manage the disease.
Community based care plays a vital role in supporting veterans with Type 2 Diabetes, providing personalized healthcare options that address their unique needs. With resources like the VA Community Care Network, veterans can access high-quality care closer to home, ensuring they receive the support and respect they deserve.
Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes
While certain risk factors increase the likelihood of Type 2 Diabetes, anyone can develop the disease, and it’s not always due solely to having some known risk factors. It’s important not to use lifestyle choices or behaviors as a way to blame your loved one for developing the disease.
The hope is that by knowing the risk factors, you and community based care options can help your loved one be proactive in reducing his risk or reducing the progression of the disease in the areas he can change.
- Obesity and being overweight are the biggest risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.
- Being inactive and not participating in regular aerobic activity
- Consuming highly processed, high-carbohydrate foods and saturated fats frequently
- Excessive fat around the abdomen and organs, often called visceral fat
- Chronic high levels of stress
- Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Certain races and ethnicities, such as being African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, and/or Pacific Islander, can increase your loved one’s risk.
Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms
Symptoms often develop slowly, and people live with it for years before knowing they have Type 2 Diabetes. Common symptoms that might present themselves include:
- Feeling thirsty all the time
- An increase in hunger
- Needing to urinate more often, sometimes several times during the middle of the night
- An unintended and unexpected weight loss
- Feeling more fatigued than normal without any direct known cause
- Sores or injuries taking longer than normal to heal
- Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet
- Darkening of the skin on the neck and armpits
- Blurred vision that isn’t improved with new eyeglasses
- Excessively dry skin
Finding Help for Type 2 Diabetes with Community Based Care for Veterans
Sometimes, despite your elderly loved one’s best efforts, he might still develop Type 2 Diabetes and will be required to find resources to help him manage his disease and continue to live a full life.
The Veterans Administration (VA) Community Care Network (CCN) is an integral part of the healthcare system for U.S. Veterans, offering an expanded network of community based care beyond the typical VA healthcare facilities. This can be a great option for your loved one if he doesn’t live near a VA healthcare facility or is looking for other options to help him manage his Type 2 Diabetes.
The community based care options include a large array of healthcare services, providing diversity to ensure that Veterans like your loved one have access to comprehensive healthcare solutions that meet their unique needs. They understand and respect the services your loved one has performed for this country and all that he may have had to sacrifice in that service, and will treat him with the honor and care he deserves.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Community Based Care in Withamsville, OH, please contact the caring staff at Freedom Home Care today at (513) 461-2780
Freedom Home Care Serves Veterans in Clermont County, Batavia, Amelia, Milford, New Richmond, Goshen, Bethel, Williamsburg, Loveland, Withamsville, Brown County, Felicity, Georgetown, Mount Orab, Ripley, Hamersville, Sardinia and surrounding areas.
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Our team is committed to providing the highest standard of care, ensuring that each Veteran we serve can live a dignified and independent life in the comfort of their own home. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each Veteran, reflecting our deep commitment to their well-being.
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