Managing dementia and diabetes at Home

It is estimated that more than 5.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes. Among older adults, managing the condition requires daily attention. When someone is also living with dementia, the challenges increase significantly. Tasks like remembering medication, maintaining regular meals, or recognising symptoms of low blood sugar become serious health risks.

At Hometouch, our clinical team understands how these conditions interact and the specialist care both require.

Why both conditions need specialist attention

Managing diabetes demands consistent daily routines: medication timing, blood sugar monitoring, proper nutrition, hydration, and activity. When cognitive changes affect memory and reasoning, families often feel overwhelmed trying to maintain this level of oversight.

Without proper support, small gaps in care can lead to serious consequences:

• Hypoglycaemic episodes from missed meals or insulin
• Dangerous blood sugar fluctuations
• Dehydration, fatigue, or increased fall risk
• Emergency hospital admissions

Trained carers with clinical oversight help prevent these complications.

When dementia and diabetes occur together

Around 1 in 7 people with dementia also have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is particularly common among older people living with dementia. However, dementia can reduce the ability to:

• Recognise symptoms of low or high blood sugar
• Administer insulin or oral medication safely
• Follow consistent meal routines
• Communicate discomfort or illness clearly

This combination makes diabetes harder to manage and increases hospitalisation risk. It also creates significant emotional pressure for families trying to coordinate care from a distance or alongside their own responsibilities.

How we support families managing both conditions

At Hometouch, we combine clinical expertise with consistent, personalised support. Here’s how we help families manage both conditions:

Specialist training

Every Hometouch carer receives comprehensive training in both diabetes and dementia care. This includes recognising early warning signs, managing nutrition requirements, and understanding behavioural changes that may indicate health concerns.

Clinical oversight

Your clinical manager designs a custom care plan that addresses both conditions, with regular in-person reviews as needs change. If a carer notices something unusual, such as changes in appetite, unusual fatigue, or increased confusion, the clinical team acts quickly.

Collaborative healthcare partnerships

We work alongside diabetic nurses, district nurses, and GPs to provide coordinated support at home. This multi-disciplinary approach reduces fragmented care and helps families avoid emergency escalations.

Supporting independence at home

Familiar surroundings help maintain cognitive function and reduce anxiety for people living with dementia. Our care allows your loved one to remain at home with the clinical oversight both conditions require.

“Live-in care provides essential, continuous support for people managing diabetes, ensuring medication, nutrition, and lifestyle routines are followed safely and consistently. With a dedicated carer on hand, individuals can maintain their independence and confidence while reducing the risks of complications and hospital admissions.”

Dimple Chandarana, Head of Clinical Governance at Hometouch

Support for families

If someone you love is living with both diabetes and dementia, you don’t need to manage it alone.

Our clinical team can explain how we support families in your situation:

• Book a call with our care experts to discuss your specific needs
• Review how our care plans address both conditions
• Understand the level of clinical oversight we provide

Managing dementia and diabetes together requires specialist knowledge and consistent attention. Professional support can make a significant difference to safety and quality of life at home.

Our doctor-founded approach means families receive the clinical guidance they need to feel confident about their loved one’s care. Our care experts are here to answer your questions about managing both conditions.