Caring for an older person with diabetes may mean helping them get regular checks for diabetes-related complications, or supporting them to manage any complications they already have.
Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels. When blood vessels are damaged, the organs that rely on them can also be affected. This can cause diabetes-related complications such as heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease and problems with the eyes and feet.
Older people with diabetes are also more likely to have other chronic (ongoing) health conditions in addition to diabetes.
Annual cycle of care
GP management plan
Information and support
Everyone living with diabetes should have regular checks for diabetes-related complications with their health professionals. This is called the annual cycle of care. Making sure the person you care for gets these health checks will help detect any problems early and reduce their risk of diabetes-related complications.
Use the annual cycle of care checklist to keep track of what health checks are recommended, and when to book them in.
Talk to the person you care for about getting a GP management plan from their doctor. This can give them access to Medicare rebates on visits to health professionals, including diabetes educators, dietitians, podiatrists and exercise physiologists.
Diabetes health checks
Use this interactive checklist to find out what health checks are recommend for the person you care for.
Caring for someone with diabetes
Learn how to best support someone you care for in managing their diabetes.
You and your healthcare team as you age
Learn more about what health professionals may be part of an older person’s healthcare team.
Visit our dedicated web pages with information, resources and support for people as they age.
Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.
