Managing a diagnosis of diabetes can be daunting, but the prospect is significantly easier once a customized plan of education, diet, and medical care is established with your medical professional. By taking advantage of a lifestyle change, you can manage symptoms and prevent complications and associated conditions from developing.

Diabetes is a common diagnosis for senior citizens; more than 25 percent of people over 60 have diabetes, one of the most frequently diagnosed diseases among senior citizens. Diabetes is a dangerous condition which makes it difficult our bodies to convert glucose into energy, type 2 diabetes is associated with many health issues, such as eye and kidney damage, an increased risk of strokes and heart disease. Diabetes can also cause nerve disorders called neuropathies which can lead to a host of other conditions.

While lifestyle changes and learning to how to live with diabetes and manage your symptoms can be difficult for seniors to work into their routines, a proactive, preventative plan can make any apprehension disappear. Fortunately, there is a licensed San Gabriel Valley home care organization that offers an excellent selection of professional in-home caregivers who can help you understand medications, make healthy diet decisions to control blood sugar levels, and integrate gentle exercise into your daily routine.

There are many resources available in your community to help you learn, treat, and prevent complications. Below, we have provided five of the best programs available for seniors in the San Gabriel Valley area.

1. Western Diabetes Institute
   This is your one-stop shop for full-service, comprehensive diabetes care and education. The Western Diabetes Institute provides complete cross-disciplinary coordination for diabetes patients, including periodontal care and eye health. Their team will work with your senior to develop an individualized treatment plan to help manage their diabetes through health screenings, lifestyle modifications, proper diet, and management of medicine. Headed by Andrew S. Pumerantz, DO, FACP, Founder and Executive Director, the Institute offers an open gym and an athletic support group to help patients realize their health and fitness goals in a comfortable setting.

2. Diabetes Care Connect
   Provided by Diabetes Care Partners, Diabetes Care Connect offers health and weight loss programs for diabetes patients near San Gabriel Valley. Their Diabetes Health Program provides support for patients living with diabetes. Their team includes educators, registered dietitians, and pharmacists who will work with your senior to oversee all aspects of blood sugar management. Diabetes Care Connect also offers a “6 Sessions to Health” to help your senior manage their disease through weight control. This innovative program combines diet, exercise, and lifestyle modification to facilitate weight loss, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, and improve blood sugar control.

3. Latino Diabetes Association
   With a focus on the needs of Los Angeles’ Latino community, the Latino Diabetes Association offers services and education to everyone through grassroots and community-based initiatives. Classes are available in 10-week blocks, and feature local podiatrists, nutritionists and registered dietitians, as well as community health educators and Certified Diabetes Educators. The LDA also connects diabetes patients who face barriers to health care with low-cost health care clinics and helps patients experiencing food insecurity locate food pantries and other services.

4. The YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program
   If you or your senior relative are prediabetic or at risk of developing the disease, your local YMCA offers a comprehensive Diabetes Prevention Program. Their team of health and wellness experts will help your senior family member to understand symptoms and risk factors, learn how to prevent the disease by changing their diet and lifestyle, and incorporate physical activity into their routines. This 12-month program includes a four-month membership at The Y, which offers access to any Los Angeles metropolitan area YMCA facility. Though the program is not free, it is covered by most insurance plans and scholarships are available if your insurance provider will not cover the cost.

   Your local YMCA also offers many fitness classes which are appropriate for seniors. The Active Older Adult program is designed for seniors 50 and up, and helps older bodies stay fit, healthy, and active. Making new friends and building community, is simple when you take advantage of the profoundly social atmosphere that surrounds class sessions. Aqua Fit Aerobics is a gentle, effective pool-based exercise program that can help seniors manage their weight. This course is offered at any location with a pool and has several time slots available each week.

   For more information about fitness, nutrition and lifestyle programs designed for older adults and seniors living with diabetes, please contact the local YMCA.

5. Citrus Valley Health Partners Diabetes Education Program
   Taking diabetes education “beyond the basics,” the Citrus Valley Health Partners Center for Diabetes Education offers a program recognized by the American Diabetes Association. Their educational program provides individualized instruction on exercise, nutrition, stress management, medication monitoring and management, and preventative treatments. A multidisciplinary team of medical professionals and nutrition specialists is available to help patients and their families manage your disease. Classes are available five days a week to anyone with a referral from their doctor.

Getting diagnosed with diabetes can be stressful, but it can be easy to manage by making use of local resources. Take control of your diagnosis by learning how to properly manage symptoms and prevent complications. There are many caring professionals in the San Gabriel Valley area who can help you understand medications, make healthy diet decisions to control blood sugar levels, and integrate gentle exercise into your daily routine. Through education, support, and a comprehensive health plan, seniors with diabetes will find their disease easy to understand and manage.