Diabetes and Elderly People

diabetes-in-old-age

http://Diabetes in Old Age (Practical Diabetes)

Type 2 diabetes is linked to an unhealthy lifestyle. Major risk factors  for  type 2  diabetes include age, being overweight, genetic predisposition to diabetes, and a reduction in activity levels. The rates of type 2 diabetes steadily increase with age.

Type 2 diabetes is most likely to occur if you:

are over 45 years old and have high blood pressure

are over 45 years old and are overweight

are over 45 and have (or have had) one or more family members with Type 2 diabetes

If you are overweight and have had a heart attack in the past

have heart disease

have or have had a blood sugar test that is in the prediabetic range

have or have had high blood sugar levels during pregnancy (a condition called gestational diabetes)

have polycystic ovary syndrome and are overweight

What are the Effects of Diabetes on Elderly People?

A key issue for seniors with diabetes is that, sometimes, the symptoms may not be very obvious.
The well-known symptoms of diabetes, such as urinating excessively and feeling thirsty all the time, are not as obvious in the elderly as in young people.

In addition, symptoms of type 2 diabetes, such as feeling tired and lethargic, can often be misinterpreted as just part of the normal ageing process.
As a result, older people with diabetes may remain undiagnosed until damage has been done.

If left unchecked, the accumulation of glucose in the blood can cause enormous damage to nearly every major organ in the body, including kidney damage, artery damage which increases the risk of stroke and heart attack,eye damage leading to vision loss, erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men and nerve damage possibly leading to limb amputation.

It’s unlikely you’ll be able to mend all of the damage that has already been done but you and your doctor can work together to control your blood sugar and help minimise the impact of diabetes in the future!

How Do Other Conditions Affect My Diabetes?

Diabetes-among-older-people

http://Diabetes Among Older Adults (Management of the Chronic Condition)

Many older people also have other conditions as well as diabetes and this can complicate diabetes management.

People with diabetes whose blood glucose levels are high are more prone to infections than people with normal blood glucose levels so it is important to keep your blood glucose levels stable!

You should also take precautionary measures against additional illnesses for example, by having regular vaccinations against ‘flu and pneumonia.

Some medications, herbs and supplements can also have an impact on your blood glucose levels, so make sure you tell your doctor,GP, pharmacist and herbal professionalist who treats you that you have diabetes so they can recommend the appropriate treatment for you.

Knowing the associated risks of diabetes is one of the most important things you can learn!

The only risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are being overweight,consuming a high carbohydrate diet and very little physical activity!

Another vital component of care is customization.  No two people are alike some people have Type 1 diabetes and some people have Type 2 diabetes and every person needs a customized diabetes care plan.

Tight blood glucose control can lower the risks of diabetes-related complications!

The risk of heart attack or stroke can be diminished with normal blood pressure and good diabetes management!

Caring For An Elderly Person With Diabetes

nursing-care-of-older-people-with-diabetes

http://Nursing Care of Older People With Diabetes

Caring for an older adult with diabetes may include special challenges such as coexisting medical conditions, physical limitations and failing memory.

Whether the person lives alone, with you, or in a nursing home, your involvement can help them obtain better diabetes care and quality of life.

I was at a funeral on Sunday,well not really I was attending Sunday mass where a funeral was taking place,a women of ninety years of age had died.

Her name was Bridget and she had been in a nursing home for a few years.She had a difficult life according to the priest’s sermon,with many hardships which was common in her day!

Her daughter gave a lovely arbitrary at the end of the mass saying she was a lovely women with a friendly personality and a great sense of style!

She was into fashion in a big way especially colourful clothes!

I love colourful clothes myself especially bright red that is my favourite colour!

I like it because I have dark hair and fair skin and the colour suits me!

One of my favourite dresses is red,I have it matched here with a purple wrap!

She enjoyed giving presents to family and friends especially colourful clothes!

Do you like colourful clothes like me and Bridget if so it would be great if you could take a picture of them!

You can leave your photos in the comment section below or send me an email!

Click Here For More Information

 

Importance of Nutrition For Elderly People With Diabetes

21-superfoods-for-the-elderly

http://21 Superfoods for the Elderly: The Top 21 Superfoods in Every Elderly Diet to Keep Them Healthy and Strong

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is essential throughout all stages of life.

Warning signs such as a weight loss or gain of more than 10 pounds in six months, can indicate that your loved one is not eating properly.

Click Here For More Information

Importance of Minerals and Vitamins For Elderly People With Diabetes

http://

People with Type 2 diabetes are very prone to eating a lot of processed foods especially high carbohydrate foods such as potatoes,white bread,white pasta ,white rice and all meat!

It is very important for everyone to eat foods that contain a lot of vitamins and minerals!

Fruits and vegetables contain a lot of vitamins and minerals and these are the only way of getting theses vital minerals into your body!

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EXERCISE FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH DIABETES

functional-fitness-for-older-adults

http://Functional Fitness for Older Adults

It’s no secret that exercise is good for you and it’s especially important for older adults with diabetes.
Did you know, for example, that muscle strength declines by 15% per decade after age 50 and 30% per decade after age 70?

By regularly participating in strength-building exercise,muscle mass and strength can be restored!

What’s more, exercise also makes it easier for older individuals to maintain their strength, balance, flexibility and endurance, all of which are important for staying healthy and independent.

Lastly, exercise improves insulin sensitivity and can improve a person’s response to blood glucose medications such as insulin.

Exercise is safe for everyone!  Exercise improves all conditions!

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Get-Fit Advice for Women Over 50

What Exercises Can Elderly People With Limited Mobility Do?

 

The benefits of exercise are not restricted to people who have full mobility. In fact, if injury, disability, illness, or weight problems have limited your mobility, it’s even more important to experience the mood-boosting effects of exercise.

Exercise can ease depression, relieve stress and anxiety, enhance self-esteem, and improve your whole outlook on life. While there are many challenges that come with having mobility issues, by adopting a creative approach, you can overcome your physical limitations and find enjoyable ways to exercise.

Limited mobility doesn’t mean you can’t exercise!

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Workouts For Elderly People

GARDENING-FOR-SENIORS

 

http://The Illustrated Practical Guide to Gardening for Seniors: How to Maintain Your Outside Space with Ease Into Retirement and Beyond

Exercise can play a vital role in reducing weight and managing type 2 diabetes. It can stabilize blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure, and slow the progression of neuropathy.

A good first step to exercising is to incorporate more activity into your everyday life.

Gardening, walking to the store, washing the car, sweeping the patio, or pacing while talking on the phone are all easy ways to get moving. Even small activities can add up over the course of a day, especially when you combine them with short periods of scheduled exercise as well.

Cardiovascular Workouts For Elderly People

http://

Weight-bearing activities such as walking, dancing, and climbing stairs are cardiovascular exercises! Start with just a few minutes a day and gradually increase your workout times. Make activities more enjoyable by walking the dog, dancing with a friend, or climbing stairs to your favorite music.

If you experience pain in your feet or joints when you stand, try nonweight-bearing activities.

Water-based activities such as swimming or water aerobics place less stress on your feet and joints. Look for special classes at your local health club,  or swim center where you can exercise with other people. Other nonweight-bearing activities include chair exercises .

Strength Training Workouts For Elderly People

Many  people find using an exercise ball is more comfortable than a weight bench. Or you can perform simple strength training exercises in a chair.

If you opt to invest in home exercise equipment, check the weight guidelines and if possible try the equipment out first to make sure it’s a comfortable fit.

While strength training at home, it’s important to ensure you’re maintaining good posture and performing each exercise correctly. Schedule a session with a personal trainer or ask a knowledgeable friend or relative to check it out.

To exercise successfully with limited mobility, illness, or weight problems, start by getting medical clearance. Talk to your doctor, physical therapist, or other health care provider about activities suitable for your medical condition or mobility issue.

Emotional Aspects of Diabetes In Elderly People

psychology of ageing

http://The Psychology of Ageing: An Introduction

 Inevitable physical and social changes occur as people enter old age. The senior years have their challenges that affect people’s diabetic management!

From time to time, we all come down with a case of the blues, but did you know that older adults with diabetes are almost twice as likely to suffer from depression? It’s true. An estimated 28% of older adults with diabetes will experience depression, which is nearly double the average occurrence rate for the general  adult population.

Click Here For More Information

 

If you have any information,questions, or feedback you would like to include in this post.

Please email momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.

16 thoughts on “Diabetes and Elderly People”

  1. I read the article about diabetes and elderly people.

    You have done a good job bringing attention to both types of this disease.

    I will say that I want to leave you with a trick of the trade, I would put your images inline with your text and I would use this code (less than sign)center(greater than sign) before each of your Amazon codes, this will center your ads in the sidebar.

    Overall, good article.

    (I cannot put html in this section, so I wrote out the symbols)

    Reply
    • Hi William,

      Thanks for your positive feedback and providing the solution to centering my ads in the sidebar.

      I spent hours trying to fix this problem. I rectified the problem in a few minutes with your help.

      Thanks so much!!!

      Reply
  2. l have always heard the word Diabetes, but l did not know anything more, did not even know that there are different kinds of diabetes.
    But as you say, l do hear a lot of elderly people saying they have diabetes or know someone who does.
    l always thought all diabetes are insulin dependant and im surprised at how much l have learned from reading your post.
    Again, thanks for a very informative post

    Reply
    • Hi Roamy,

      Thanks for your positive feedback.Its great that you learned some new facts by reading this post.

      I hope this website increases diabetic awareness and provides solutions for treatment and prevention.

      Reply
  3. Whoa, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your time and effort in making such a high quality post! If this doesn’t shine a light on diabetes then I don’t know what will.
    I truly was not aware of all the symptoms and types of diabetes that were out there. But to counter react there are all sorts of remedies for this disease and you do a good job in showing all the healing ways 🙂

    Reply
    • Hi Billy,

      Thanks for taking the time to read another one of my posts and I am really happy that you find this website so helpful and informative.

      Reply
  4. Wow, I too am diabetic, Type 2 diabetes to be specific. It runs in my family. We Filipinos tend to eat very unhealthy, that’s a contributing cause to high amount of diabetes among us. It’s not even just “old people”, literally it’s the youngins too, it’s become a very rampant ailment, and most people don’t know that they have it.

    Reply
    • Hi Lakan,

      Unfortunately diabetes is often caused by genetic factors.However there are a number of ways to combat Type 2 diabetes through good healthy nutrition and regular physical activity.

      I know how difficult it may seem to change your way of life and eating habits but even small changes each day can have huge benefits to your health.

      I recommend you and your family read the posts on nutrition,exercise and type2 diabetes in this website.

      I so hope you come across some useful tips to manage your diabetes more effectively so you live a happy healthy life!

      Reply
  5. Hey,

    Wow there is a lot of information here. What a great post. It was really informative.

    I wasn’t quite sure about what exactly diabetes is but I definitely know more than I need to now 🙂

    It’s good sites like these exist. Especially because of all the options you’ve shown how to take care of your body etc.

    Thanks so much for writing this out and I’m glad I’ve come across this.

    Keep up the good work,

    Esteban

    Reply
    • Hi Esteban,

      I am really happy you now have a better understanding of diabetes after reading this post.

      Thanks so much for all of your encouraging comments.

      Reply
  6. Without a doubt, Diabetes affect people all over the world regardless of all ethnic groups, especially the elderly.

    You have presented a lot of good information, including the effects and care for the elderly who have the disease.

    This is very good information. Are speaking from experience or are you a healthcare professional?

    WMcNeal40

    Reply
    • Thanks so much for viewing this post.

      I have a good knowledge of diabetes especially Type 1 diabetes as i have lived with the illness for over 26 years.

      My professional background is mainly in research and development.I worked for many years in a global pharmaceutical company.

      Also i have completed numerous courses in subjects such as Applied Chemistry,Psychology and Human Nutrition.

      I am also an avid reader so i enjoy learning about all different subjects and gaining new information.

      Reply
  7. Very nicely done in my opinion! I don’t know a lot about diabetes but I am much more educated now. I should know more because my dad has it and I will refer your site to him.
    I may have missed it but did you touch on any of the side effects of the medicines? That’s something that will probably interest him…

    Reply
    • Hi Daniel,

      Thanks for your great feedback.

      Great idea about including a post on the website about the side effects of diabetes medication.

      I will definitely include this topic in an article in the near future.

      Reply
  8. Diabetes at any age is a life adjustment, my mother has type 2 diabetes she has had it for years now. I am 57 years old , over weight about 20 pounds. No high blood pressure or heart problems, none of the other health problems you suggest in your article other then I am over weight and my mother has diabetes.

    So what are my chances of beating getting diabetes, I eat a healthy diet of vegetables, fruit and lean grass fed meat with healthy snacks of nuts and chocolate.

    Only a few times per week I have any grains, only gluten free grains when I do rice and corn based. So am I doing anything right?

    Reply
    • Hello there,

      Type 2 diabetes can be hereditary. That doesnt mean that because your mother has type 2 diabetes, youre guaranteed to develop it, instead it means that you have a greater chance of developing type 2.

      Genes do play a role in type 2 diabetes, but lifestyle choices are also important.

      You can have a genetic mutation that may make you susceptible to type 2 diabetes, but if you take good care of your body, you may not develop type 2 diabetes.

      Lifestyle choices that affect the development of type 2 diabetes include:

      Lack of exercise: Physical activity has many benefits one of them being that it can help you avoid type 2 diabetes, if youre susceptible.

      Unhealthy meal planning choices: A meal plan filled with high-fat foods and lacking in fiber (which you can get from grains, vegetables, and fruits) increases the likelihood of type 2.

      Overweight/Obesity: Lack of exercise and unhealthy meal planning choices can lead to obesity, or make it worse. Being overweight makes it more likely that youll become insulin resistant and can also lead to many other health conditions.

      It is important that you follow a healthy lifestyle which includes following healthy eating guidelines and taking regular activity.

      As you are overweight it is important that you lose weight gradually.

      Losing 1-2 lbs a week is a safe amount to lose. Weighing yourself once a week means you can monitor your progress.

      The main points regarding healthy eating are as follows:

      Eat regular meals. Have regular meals at regular times each day. Have a breakfast, a lunch and a dinner. If you are hungry in between your meals you can have a low fat snack e.g. fruit,nuts or a diet yogurt.

      Include a starchy carbohydrate food such as bread, cereal, potato, rice or pasta (eat the appropriate portion) at each meal.

      Limit your intake of sweet and sugary foods.

      Reduce your fat intake and change the type of fat you eat.

      Eat fruit and vegetables regularly, a total of 5 portions of a mix of fruit and vegetables every day.

      Eat fish at least twice a week: white fish once a week and oily fish once a week.

      Avoid adding salt to food and cut down on processed foods.

      If you drink alcohol, the recommendations are no more than 4 standard drinks in one sitting.

      For women no more than 10 standard drinks weekly. For men no more than 15 standard drinks weekly.

      As well as healthy eating, you should take physical activity regularly.

      This means walking for a minimum of half an hour every day.

      Other suitable exercise is cycling, swimming, dancing, golfing or attending the gym.

      Being overweight you will need to do at least 60-75 minutes of activity a day to ensure you lose weight.

      Start slowly and gradually increase in time and pace.

      Other activities you can do to keep active are using the stairs, washing the car, gardening and housework.

      When exercising always wear good-fitting comfortable footwear so you wont damage your feet.

      If you have not exercised regularly in the past you should consult with your GP before commencing an exercise programme.

      Reply

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