Diabetes in the elderly

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Diabetes in the elderly

Your body gets glucose from the food you eat. Your liver and muscles also supply your body with glucose. Blood carries glucose to the body’s cells. Insulin, a chemical hormone, helps the body’s cells take in glucose. Insulin is made by the beta cells of the pancreas and released into the bloodstream.

If the body does not produce enough insulin or if the insulin does not work as it should, glucose cannot enter the body’s cells. Instead, glucose must stay in the bloodstream, causing blood glucose levels to rise. This high level of glucose in the blood causes pre-diabetes or diabetes.

Pre-diabetes means that the glucose level in the blood is higher than average, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Having pre-diabetic blood glucose levels increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease and stroke. If you have pre-diabetes, there are many ways to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Moderate physical activity and healthy eating with modest weight loss can prevent type 2 diabetes and help a person with pre-diabetes return to normal blood sugar levels.

Symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, feeling tired, effortless weight loss, slow healing wounds, dry and itchy skin, loss of feeling or tingling in the feet and blurred vision. Yet some people with diabetes have none of these symptoms.

Diabetes can develop at any age. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is also called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. We usually diagnose it with children, adolescents, or young adults. In this type of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas can no longer produce insulin because the body’s immune system has destroyed them.

Type 2 diabetes is also called adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. It can develop at any age, including during childhood. This type of diabetes results from insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells do not interact properly with insulin. Initially, the pancreas can produce more insulin to meet the increased demand for insulin. However, over time, it loses its ability to compensate for the inability of the body’s cells to interact properly with insulin. Insulin cannot help the cells take up glucose, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. An unhealthy weight because of a high-calorie diet and lack of physical activity increases the risk of developing this form of diabetes.

African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Asians, and Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes refers to the onset of diabetes late in pregnancy. Hormones associated with pregnancy and a lack of insulin cause it. This form of diabetes goes away after the baby is born, but puts the mother and child at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Diabetes is a serious disease and, when not properly controlled, can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, gums and teeth. The risk of heart disease or stroke is twice as high in a person with diabetes as in a person without diabetes.

It is important to control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol to avoid the serious complications associated with diabetes. Taking steps to control diabetes can have a significant impact on a person’s health.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Diabetes is a serious and incurable disease. Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol can help prevent or delay complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease and stroke. Much research is being done to treat diabetes.

Risk Factors

We classify type 1 diabetes as an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease results from the body’s infection-fighting immune system turning against a part of the body.

Currently, it is not known exactly what causes the body’s immune system to turn against itself and attack and destroy the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Genetic and environmental factors, such as viruses, are involved in the development of type 1 diabetes. Researchers are working to identify these factors and prevent type 1 diabetes in people at risk.

We associate type 2 diabetes with overweight, high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels. Being overweight can prevent the body from using insulin properly.

Other risk factors include:

Having a family history of diabetes, perhaps in a parent or sibling.

Being of African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, or Hispanic/Latino descent.

Have a history of heart disease.

Have a history of gestational diabetes.

An inactive lifestyle.

Prevention

Modest lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in people at risk. Here are some helpful tips.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight has many negative health effects and can prevent the body from using insulin properly. It can also contribute to high blood pressure. Research shows that even modest weight loss can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Make healthy food choices. What we put into our bodies has a big impact on our health and on how our bodies function. Eating a healthy diet can help control weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

Be active. Find a physical activity that you enjoy and that gets your heart pumping, such as brisk walking, dancing or gardening. Try to be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Research shows that this helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Diabetes is sometimes called a “silent” disease because people with diabetes may not have any signs or symptoms. Symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, feeling tired, effortless weight loss, slow-healing sores, dry and itchy skin, loss of feeling or tingling in the feet and blurred vision. However, some people with diabetes have none of these symptoms.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop gradually, while those of type 1 diabetes develop more quickly.

Doctors use different tests to diagnose diabetes. Tests to diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetes include the fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A random plasma glucose test allows doctors to diagnose diabetes only.

If any of these tests show that you may have diabetes, your doctor will need to repeat the fasting plasma glucose test or oral glucose tolerance test on another day to confirm the diagnosis.

Because type 2 diabetes is more common in older people, especially those who are overweight, doctors recommend that anyone 45 years of age or older be tested for diabetes. If you are 45 or older and overweight, we strongly recommended that you get screened.

Older people have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially if they are overweight. Doctors recommend that people over the age of 45 get tested for diabetes, especially if they are overweight.

Diabetes is a serious disease that can cause pain, disability and death. Sometimes people have symptoms but do not suspect diabetes. They delay making an appointment for a checkup because they don’t feel sick.

Despite the risk of diabetes related to age and weight status, people often delay getting a checkup because they have no symptoms. Sometimes people who have symptoms don’t realize that they may have diabetes. Yet diabetes is a serious disease that, if left untreated, can lead to dangerous complications and even death.

We do not diagnose diabetes until one of its complications, such as heart problems or difficulty seeing, is experienced. Early detection can prevent or delay these complications, which makes checkups even more important.

Treatment

There is no cure for diabetes, but we can manage it with careful control of blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure.

People with type 1 diabetes use insulin injections, either by injection or insulin pump, to control their blood sugar levels. People with type 2 diabetes use oral medication, insulin, or both to control their blood sugar levels. Sometimes of type 2 diabetes, a person may use diet and exercise alone to maintain blood sugar levels.

Managing blood sugar involves several lifestyle changes. These include:

Following a meal plan that makes sense to you and how your body responds to the original foods you eat.

Incorporate physical activity into your daily life.

It is also essential to take diabetes medications and check your blood sugar levels as recommended by your doctor.

Treatment and Research - Diet and Exercise

Follow a meal plan

Making healthy food choices is very important to keep your blood glucose levels in the right range. People with diabetes need to have their own meal plan that considers how their body reacts to the different food they eat. If you ask, doctors can give you contact information for a dietitian or diabetes educator who can help you develop an appropriate meal plan.

When developing your meal plan, there are several things to consider, such as your weight, daily physical activity, blood glucose levels and medications. A meal plan will help you achieve a healthy weight for overweight people, as well as help you control your blood sugar. A dietitian can help clarify misconceptions about healthy eating and help you and your family create a plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.

People with diabetes don’t have to eat only specific foods; foods that are good for everyone are also good for people with diabetes. These foods include those that are low in fat, salt and sugar. Foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables, are also excellent choices. Making healthy choices in your diet will help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, control your blood sugar and prevent heart disease.

Get regular physical activity

Staying active is very important for people diagnosed with diabetes. Research has shown that blood sugar levels are better in older adults and seniors who take part in a regular fitness program. Exercise has many health benefits that are especially important for people with diabetes. It helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, helps insulin work to lower blood sugar, strengthens the heart and lungs and increases energy.

If you are new to exercise, talk to your doctor before you start. Some exercises, such as weight lifting, can be dangerous for people with eye problems or high blood pressure. Ask your doctor to check your heart and feet to make sure you don’t have any special problems related to diabetes. Also, ask your doctor to help you find exercises that are safe for you.

Make physical activity part of your daily routine. Go for walks, ride your bike or do some gardening.
Try dancing or swimming or just stay active by doing chores around the house.
Try different activities and look for ways to increase the physical activity in your daily life.
Try to get some exercise every day for at least 30 minutes. If you are new to exercise, start slowly and escalate the amount and intensity of your exercise.

Medication

Insulin

People with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes use insulin to lower their blood sugar levels. People need to take insulin when their body does not absorb enough of it. Insulin is a liquid hormone that must be injected through injections or an insulin pump.

Diabetes pills

Most times of type 2 diabetes, the body produces enough insulin, but the body does not use properly it. Diabetes pills are used to correct this problem. I took once some a day, while others must be taken more often. It is important to ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take your pills. Also, remember to talk to your doctor if you have any side effects or if your pills make you sick. Finally, remember that we should use diabetes pills besides a healthy diet and exercise.

Other cases of type 2 diabetes do not need insulin or diabetes pills, but healthy eating and regular exercise to treat their diabetes.

Self-monitoring

It is important to monitor your blood glucose levels regularly with a blood glucose meter. It can also be helpful to keep a diary to get a better idea of how your treatment is going. Some people need to check their blood sugar several times a day, while others check it once a day. Ask your doctor how often you should test your blood.

Monitoring your blood sugar will help you detect “highs” and “lows. A condition called hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels are too low. When this happens, the person may feel shaky and disoriented. If the blood sugar drops too low, the person may faint. Following your doctor’s recommended treatment plan and monitoring your blood sugar can help you avoid “fainting. If you check your blood sugar and it is too low, you can increase it by eating or drinking sweet foods or drinks such as fruit juice.

When your blood sugar is too high, it is called hyperglycemia. If blood sugar levels are too high, a person can go into a coma. If you have persistent high blood sugar, talk to your doctor. You may need to adjust your treatment plan.

The ABCs of Diabetes Monitoring

People with diabetes are at particularly high risk of developing heart disease and stroke. For this reason, it is very important to monitor your diabetes using the “ABCs.”

A. A1C or average blood glucose

B. Blood pressure

C. Cholesterol

The A1C (A-one-C) test is a good measure of what your blood glucose level is most of the time. A result below 7 is a positive sign your diabetes is under control. A result above 7 means your blood glucose is too high. If your A1C is too high, take action. Talk to your doctor about changing your treatment plan and lifestyle to reach your goal. Bringing your A1C down to a healthy level will help you avoid complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease and kidney damage.

High blood pressure can lead to stroke, kidney disease and other complications. People with diabetes want their blood pressure to be below 130/80. Have your blood pressure checked at every doctor’s visit. If it is too high, talk to your doctor about ways to lower it.

Cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol, is a fatty substance that builds up in the arteries. If your cholesterol levels are too high, your arteries become narrower. This can lead to heart disease or a heart attack. People with diabetes should try to keep their cholesterol levels below 100. Ask your doctor to check your cholesterol levels and, if they are too high, discuss how to reach your cholesterol goal.

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Foot and skin care

High blood sugar and reduced blood supply to the limbs can cause severe nerve damage and loss of sensation. Unnoticed injuries can contribute to the development of ulcers, which can lead to amputation. For this reason, foot care is very important for people with diabetes. Check your feet daily for cuts, rust spots, sores, infected toenails or swelling. Report any problems to your doctor and be sure to have your feet checked at every doctor’s visit. People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from skin injuries and infections, so it’s also important to take care of your skin.

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