For seniors diagnosed with diabetes, eating the right food is the key to live longer and healthier lives. Elders with diabetes can have other complications that may occur in their health due to diabetes such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. With this, the Filipino/Indonesian caregiver must follow a strict diet for the elderly patient with diabetes. The right diet for diabetic elders must be nutrient-dense such as raw fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. High in nutrition and low calorie and fat diet must be followed by the Filipino/Indonesian caregiver for the elderly patient.
• Keep fat to minimum. Before buying and preparing processed food, the Filipino/Indonesian caregiver must keep an eye on the label and check the amount of trans-fats and saturated fats in each serving..
• Limit salt. Processed, packaged, and canned foods hides high amount of sodium. The Filipino/Indonesian caregiver must take note that 2000 mg of sodium per day is already enough.
• Eat less sugar. Packaged snacks and drinks like sodas and flavoured coffee creamers also contains big amounts of sugar, even labels that say “natural”, “fruit juice”, or “no sugar added” are often misleading.
• Watch your cholesterol. The Filipino/Indonesian caregiver must remember that the maximum intake for the diabetic elder must be 200 mg per day.
• Limit alcohol. Calories and sugar are both present in most alcoholic beverages. If the elderly patient is still mobile and is taking in alcoholic beverages occasionally, it is the Filipino/Indonesian caregiver’s duty to remind the elderly patient to limit the intake for their health.
The above mentioned are the dietary restrictions for the elderly patient with diabetes that the Filipino/Indonesian caregiver must keep in mind. Knowing the food restrictions, here are some food list that can be prepared for the diabetic elderly patient:
• Healthy carbs. Whole grains, legumes such as beans and peas, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and lentils are low in fat.
• High fiber foods. Slow-cooked oats, whole wheat, quinoa, and beans are high fiber foods. Apples and prunes are examples of high fiber fruits.
• Fresh fruits and Vegetables. When eating produce, always think color. The darker the color, the more nutritious it is.
• Lean protein. Make sure dairy is low-fat or non-fat. Meat and poultry must be skinless and lean.
• Eat the right fats. Healthy snacks such as avocados, olives and nuts are the healthy fats the elderly must indulge in.
The following food categories are helpful for the Filipino/Indonesian caregiver for easier preparation and healthy food for the elderly patient with diabetes.