Issue 3, June/July, 2008
FEATURE ARTICLE - REVERSE MORTGAGES
UPCOMING EVENTS - FUTURE SEMINARS
HEALTHLINE - DIABETES AND AGING
CAREGIVER HELPLINE - CARE AT HOME CAN HELP THE CAREGIVER

DIABETES AND AGING

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which the glucose (sugar) levels in the blood are too high. One in five older adults may develop it, making it one of themost common diseases of aging. Poor nutrition, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles have all contributed to the increase in the prevalence of diabetes in the 65 and older population. Having a family history of diabetes is also a factor linked to an increased risk for the disease. In fact, about 40% of people with diabetes in the US are 65 and older and this percentage will likely increase.

The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin which controls how glucose is used by the body. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, and in Type 2, the body is unable to use the insulin that is there. Type 2 is the more common type in older adults. Diabetes is a serious condition associated with many complications, including blocked arteries, stroke, nerve damage, loss of vision, and kidney disease. Older adults with diabetes tend to have more problems with daily living activities and disability. The goal, therefore, is early diagnosis and proper management to minimize the development of complications. Some syptoms of diabetes and high glucose levels in the elderly may include wieght loss, excessive hunger and thirst, lack of energy, frequent urination, feeling tired, memory loss, and vision problems. However, not everyone with diabetes show these symptoms, and some people with diabetes go for years without any obvious symptoms. Unfortunately, diabetes without showing symptoms is still associated with increased risk for many serious illnesses. It is important to discuss any concerns you may have about diabetes with your health care provider.

Diabetes can be treated with insulin. However, your health care provider may determine that this is not necessary and prescribe other options first, including lifestyle changes such as modifying your diet, losing weight, increasing physical activity, and stopping smoking. If this doesn't help control high sugar levels, oral medication may be the next step. Other conditions that coexist, such as high blood pressure, may increase the problems in treating diabetes, since taking various medications for multiple medical problems increases the risk of adverse drug reactions. If you need oral medication or need to inject insulin to control your diabetes, your health care provider will recommend a medication regimen specifically for you, tell you when and how you should take your medication, and how to monitor your blood sugar. Your health care provider may refer you to a diabetic specialist or diabetic educator to learn more about how to manage the disease. It is important to realize that you have to manage diabetes daily to delay or control of the disease. This is true for caregivers as well, since a caregiver may need to take over the management of diabetes if the older person with the disease begins to have problems with their functioning.

For more information contact the American Diabetes Association, 1-800-DIABETES, http://www.diabetes.org or the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging, http://www.healthinaging.org.

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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation. Copyright © 2009 by Levandowski & Darpino, LLC. All rights reserved. You may reproduce materials available at this time for your own personal use and for non-commercial distribution. All copies must include this copyright statement.