Serious Health Problems That Seniors Face Diabetes
The side effects of diabetes can be scary, but older people, they can also be life threatening. Many elderly people suffer from type 2 diabetes (which affects about 95% compared to diabetes) and fight every day to keep it under control.
The senior community, diabetes was out of control. For example:
€ acquiring diabetes increases with age more likely. More than half of all diabetes occurs in people older than 55 years and nearly 20 percent of Americans aged 65 and older, or seven million people have the disease.
€ It is estimated that about 65 percent of all people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke, and the odds are that those with diabetes die younger than those without the disease.
€ It is the leading cause of blindness in adults
€ Older people with diabetes are twice as likely to be hospitalized for kidney infection.
€ More than 70 percent of those with the condition to have severe forms of diabetic nerve damage, which can lead to amputation of the lower limbs.
Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and insulin resistance (which prevents the glucose to enter the cells, instead of building it into the bloodstream). Diabetes may have no symptoms for many years. As a result, many overlook the most common initial symptoms - increased thirst and frequent urination. This excess glucose in the blood sucking water from the tissues thus forcing the body to take a more fluid, and as a consequence, produce more fluids.
Diabetes education is important because many of those who are, or not understand or ignore the disease and take action only when the situation gets worse.
Early diagnosis is extremely important - especially for those who tend (or genetic or due to certain risk factors). When the disease has progressed, it often leads to more obvious symptoms such as:
€ Feeling rundown and lethargic, as if no gas car
€ Weight loss or weight gain as a diabetic can eat more to make up for lost fluids or lose weight because muscles are not getting enough glucose
€ Blurred vision, because excess levels of sugar pull fluid out of the eye lens
€ Slow-healing sores or wounds or frequent urinary tract infections
€ numbness, tingling or burning sensation in the arms and legs due to reduced circulation, which can cause nerve damage
€ Gum disease, which poses a serious risk of diabetic teeth
What can be done?
Seniors diagnosed with diabetes can fight back. Many live a normal and healthy life with diabetes - but it often means a change in lifestyle. One of the most effective treatment, as well as the best prevention is a gradual and permanent weight loss. This means that the decline in calorie intake and at the same time, to increase their level of exertion. This means you eat less and exercise more.
One can start by cutting out dessert and avoid second servings. Increase vegetables, fruits and whole grains that are high in complex carbohydrates, and reducing red meat and sugar consumption. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Start exercising.
Medication may be necessary. It is important to consult your doctor as there may be side effects and contraindications. In addition, older people with diabetes need to:
€ Have regular blood tests to make sure the disease is under control.
€ Have their eyes checked regularly to keep track of diabetic retinopathy, which causes deterioration of the blood vessels of the retina.
€ Watch your weight and blood pressure and make adjustments, if necessary,
€ Check the health of your feet for any foot ulcer or infection
€ monitor their cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat found in the bloodstream)
€ undertake regular urine tests to look for any kidney problems
€ vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia as a precaution against further infection
€ Quit smoking
€ Manage your stress level
Elderly people with diabetes have a solid way forward. But diabetes can effectively manage becoming educated on what they can and can not do, and make a lifelong commitment to change your lifestyle.
The senior community, diabetes was out of control. For example:
€ acquiring diabetes increases with age more likely. More than half of all diabetes occurs in people older than 55 years and nearly 20 percent of Americans aged 65 and older, or seven million people have the disease.
€ It is estimated that about 65 percent of all people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke, and the odds are that those with diabetes die younger than those without the disease.
€ It is the leading cause of blindness in adults
€ Older people with diabetes are twice as likely to be hospitalized for kidney infection.
€ More than 70 percent of those with the condition to have severe forms of diabetic nerve damage, which can lead to amputation of the lower limbs.
Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and insulin resistance (which prevents the glucose to enter the cells, instead of building it into the bloodstream). Diabetes may have no symptoms for many years. As a result, many overlook the most common initial symptoms - increased thirst and frequent urination. This excess glucose in the blood sucking water from the tissues thus forcing the body to take a more fluid, and as a consequence, produce more fluids.
Diabetes education is important because many of those who are, or not understand or ignore the disease and take action only when the situation gets worse.
Early diagnosis is extremely important - especially for those who tend (or genetic or due to certain risk factors). When the disease has progressed, it often leads to more obvious symptoms such as:
€ Feeling rundown and lethargic, as if no gas car
€ Weight loss or weight gain as a diabetic can eat more to make up for lost fluids or lose weight because muscles are not getting enough glucose
€ Blurred vision, because excess levels of sugar pull fluid out of the eye lens
€ Slow-healing sores or wounds or frequent urinary tract infections
€ numbness, tingling or burning sensation in the arms and legs due to reduced circulation, which can cause nerve damage
€ Gum disease, which poses a serious risk of diabetic teeth
What can be done?
Seniors diagnosed with diabetes can fight back. Many live a normal and healthy life with diabetes - but it often means a change in lifestyle. One of the most effective treatment, as well as the best prevention is a gradual and permanent weight loss. This means that the decline in calorie intake and at the same time, to increase their level of exertion. This means you eat less and exercise more.
One can start by cutting out dessert and avoid second servings. Increase vegetables, fruits and whole grains that are high in complex carbohydrates, and reducing red meat and sugar consumption. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Start exercising.
Medication may be necessary. It is important to consult your doctor as there may be side effects and contraindications. In addition, older people with diabetes need to:
€ Have regular blood tests to make sure the disease is under control.
€ Have their eyes checked regularly to keep track of diabetic retinopathy, which causes deterioration of the blood vessels of the retina.
€ Watch your weight and blood pressure and make adjustments, if necessary,
€ Check the health of your feet for any foot ulcer or infection
€ monitor their cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat found in the bloodstream)
€ undertake regular urine tests to look for any kidney problems
€ vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia as a precaution against further infection
€ Quit smoking
€ Manage your stress level
Elderly people with diabetes have a solid way forward. But diabetes can effectively manage becoming educated on what they can and can not do, and make a lifelong commitment to change your lifestyle.
