Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Komal

Komal Jethmalani  |481 Answers  |Ask -

Dietician, Diabetes Expert - Answered on Feb 23, 2026

Komal Jethmalani is a practising dietician and nutritionist with over 26 years of experience.
She specialises in weight loss and diabetes management.
Jethmalani has completed her MSc in food and nutrition from SNDT University and trained at Jaslok Hospital.
She is a NDEP-certified diabetes educator.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Feb 18, 2026Hindi
Health

My elderly grandmother is 72 years old and has been living with diabetes for several years. Lately, she seems to be getting infections more frequently, especially minor skin and urinary infections that take longer than usual to heal. We are worried that her age and diabetic condition may be weakening her immunity. Could you please explain why elderly diabetic patients are more prone to infections and what preventive steps—both dietary and lifestyle-related—can help strengthen her immunity and reduce recurring infections?

Ans: Aging and diabetes each affect the body’s defenses, and together they can make infections more common and slower to heal. High blood sugar affects immune function, reduced circulation, nerve changes, age?related immune decline and higher glucose in urine. Stable blood sugar helps the immune system work more effectively. Your grandmother should have whole grains instead of refined grains, plenty of vegetables, lean proteins (lentils, eggs, fish, poultry, tofu) and healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olive oil); have adequate protein; limit added sugars and good hydration. Good hygiene habits, good skin and foot care, support for urinary health with adequate fluid intake, and adequate sleep.
DISCLAIMER: The answer provided by rediffGURUS is for informational and general awareness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
Health

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Latest Questions
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x