Understanding diabetes: prevention and health implications for older adults

According to a 2018 report by the CDC, 21.4% of Americans aged 65 and older have been diagnosed with diabetes. If we then factor in those with undiagnosed diabetes, that percentage rises to over a quarter (26.8%) of older adults affected by diabetes. I don’t know about you, but that’s more than I expected.

Let’s dive into the details of what’s involved in diabetes, understand important health considerations that can result from it and examine how we can make small changes to our lifestyle to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Diabetes: What Is it?

There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, and while the former typically begins in childhood or young adulthood, either type can begin in adulthood.

When we eat food, our bodies turn that food into sugar (glucose) to supply us with energy, but glucose needs the help of the hormone insulin to get into our cells.

People with Type 1 diabetes do not make insulin at all, and those with Type 2 do not make enough insulin, and/or their bodies do not use it properly. As a result, the bloodstream has too much glucose; over time, this causes various other health issues. Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms of diabetes:

• Frequent urination

• Fatigue

• Unexplained weight loss

• Blurred vision

• Bruising easily

• Skin issues, such as cuts that are slow to heal

Furthermore, some people might have high levels of glucose in their blood, but the levels are not high enough to be considered diabetes. This condition is called prediabetes. Those with prediabetes can delay or even prevent the onset of full-fledged diabetes with lifestyle changes.

Additional health concerns

When diabetes goes untreated, several serious health concerns can arise. Not only does Type 2 diabetes increase the risk of developing depression, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, but even when it’s being managed properly, watch closely for following conditions:

• Nerve damage, especially in the legs and feet

• Vision problems

• Kidney disease

• Heart disease

• Stroke

Prevention

If you have diabetes, several lifestyle modifications can help you manage the condition. as well as delay or prevent its onset for those with prediabetes.

You should always talk to your doctor first to develop a plan for diabetes prevention, but the following changes have been shown to make a difference:

• Exercising

• Eating a healthy diet

• Quitting smoking

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Getting regular eye exams

• Taking medications as prescribed

• Regularly checking for skin changes

The Hickman is a senior living community located in the heart of West Chester. Guided by Quaker principles and traditions that value all life and welcome diversity, The Hickman offers individualized care allowing older adults the opportunity to enjoy a productive life and to explore the richness of all of life’s possibilities.