Message From Sysco’s Nutrition Services Team
Over ten million people in Canada are diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes1. Treatment goals for diabetes can impact an individual's overall health & safety, along with quality of life.
This resource will focus on Type 2 diabetes education in senior living, including practical tips to manage blood sugar levels for residents within your communities. This resource will focus on topics such as:
• Diabetes in Older Adults
• Management of Diabetes in Senior Living Communities
• Nutritional Management of Diabetes in Senior Living Communities
Please reach out to your Sysco Sales Representative for more information on Synergy Tech Suite and product listings.
Note: The information provided within this toolkit are suggestions and should be implemented in consultation with a Registered Dietitian & Medical Team in accordance with your home specific policies
- Sysco Canada’s Nutrition Services Team
Resident Centered Medical Management
The nursing team and physician work collaboratively to determine the treatment plan and manage type, timing, and dosage of glucose-lowering medications.
Blood sugar levels are monitored by nursing staff as needed6.
Due to the high risk of hypoglycemia and malnutrition in the frail elderly population, some experts recommend adjusting medications to achieve blood glucose targets rather than restricting their diet6.
Lifestyle and Physical Activity
Lifestyle and physical activity is also important to support diabetes management. Residents’ activity program should be individualized and built to help enhance mobility, endurance, gait, balance, and overall strength7
Fluctuating Blood Sugar Levels
Other factors that may influence blood sugar levels include:
• Foods and beverages that are enjoyed by residents with friends and family6
• Foods and beverages that are enjoyed during programs and activities6
• High fruit juice or beverage consumption6
• Variable meal and snack intake6
• Changes in health status, such as with illness, injury, or surgery
Artificial Sweeteners
Diabetes Canada guidelines recommend that 10% of daily energy intake (12 teaspoons) can come from sucrose (i.e., table sugar)1
Artificial sweeteners may not be required for residents; however, it may help provide more variety without exceeding the recommended intake of added sugars6
