Diabetes and the Aging Population

As we age are bodies are more prone to disease than our younger, more active, and vibrant self. An astonishing 33% of all adults over 65 are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes every year! If caught early, typically from results of bloodwork during a routine physical, simple changes in diet and exercise can be a game changer!

First it is important to understand what Diabetes is, and how it affects our body.

• Type 1 Diabetes: The body does not make insulin. Although adults can develop Type 1, it is predominately first diagnosed in children, and is lifelong.
• Type 2 Diabetes: The body does not make or use insulin properly; this is the most common form of diabetes. It occurs most often in middle to older aged adults, with chances increasing for
  adults who are overweight, have a sedentary lifestyle or a family history of diabetes.
• Prediabetes: The bodies glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Millions of older Americans suffer from prediabetes putting them at higher risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes, having a stroke or heart attack.

It is always critical to manage diabetes properly to minimize the risk factors to other parts of your body. Diabetes gone un-managed can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, nerve damage, cancer, and Alzheimer’s Disease.

There are lifestyle changes you can make for prediabetes to prevent or delay becoming Type 2. Healthy eating, physical activity, and for smokers, quitting, are the keys to staving off diabetes. Symptom’s of Type 2 Diabetes: Fatigue, increased hunger or thirst, weight loss without trying, blurred vision, urinating often, bruises or cuts heal slowly. If you have not had a routine physical and some of these symptoms are too familiar, contact your primary care doctor for a checkup.

Type 2 Diabetes can be managed with a combination of things like diet, pills, and insulin. Your healthcare professional will help setup the best plan for you. Managing your diabetes can change over time based on how well or conversely how poorly it is going. There are often new medications that offer more flexibility with less testing that your doctor may want to introduce to you over time. Always be sure to communicate with your doctor if you do not care for your current plan, or medication. Be specific as to how you physically feel taking suggested medications as there could be a better alternative for you.