Diabetes Care Changes For The Aging: 5 Things To Know

Here Are 5 Things to Know about Diabetes Care for the Aging Population

The Risk for Type II Diabetes Increases with Age

Type II diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, and it typically develops later in life. The risk for type II diabetes increases with age, so older adults should be aware of the signs and symptoms of this disease.

Older adults may experience different symptoms of type II diabetes than younger people. They may have trouble processing glucose, or their bodies may be less able to produce insulin. As a result, older adults with type II diabetes may need to take different medications and manage their disease in different ways than younger people with the condition.

Older adults should talk to their doctor about how to best manage their type II diabetes.

Older Adults Are More Likely to Experience Complications from Diabetes

Older adults with diabetes are more likely to experience complications from the disease. These complications can include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve damage.

Complications from diabetes can be serious and even life-threatening. As a result, it’s important for older adults with diabetes to see their doctor regularly and follow their recommended treatment plan.

Older adults should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of complications from diabetes, so they can seek medical help if necessary.

• Signs and symptoms of heart disease include chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat. 
• Signs and symptoms of stroke include sudden paralysis or weakness, sudden confusion or trouble speaking, and sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes. 
• Signs and symptoms of kidney disease include fatigue, swelling in the legs and feet, and changes in urination. And signs and symptoms of nerve damage include numbness, tingling, and pain.

Diabetes Can Make It Difficult to Manage Other Health Conditions

Older adults with diabetes may also have other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Having multiple health conditions can make it more difficult to manage all of them.

It’s important for older adults with diabetes to see their doctor regularly and to follow their recommended treatment plans for all of their health conditions. In some cases, older adults with diabetes may need to see a specialist, such as a cardiologist or a nephrologist, to manage their disease.

Older adults should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of complications from their other health conditions. 

• For example, the signs and symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat. 
• And the signs and symptoms of a stroke include sudden paralysis or weakness, sudden confusion or trouble speaking, and sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.

Older Adults May Need Help Managing Their Diabetes

Older adults with diabetes may need help from family, friends, or caregivers to manage their disease. They may need help with activities of daily living, such as shopping for groceries and preparing meals. They may also need help with managing their medications and monitoring their blood sugar levels.

If you’re a family member or friend of an older adult with diabetes, you can help by offering to do some of these things for them. You can also help by being there for them emotionally and providing support and encouragement.

If you’re a caregiver for an older adult with diabetes, it’s important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of the disease and its complications. You should also know how to manage the disease and what to do in case of an emergency.

There Are Resources Available to Help Older Adults with Diabetes

There are many resources available to help older adults with diabetes. These resources can include support groups, educational materials, and hotlines.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is a good resource for older adults with diabetes. The ADA offers information about the disease, its complications, and its management. The ADA also offers support groups and educational materials.

The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is another good resource for older adults with diabetes. The NDEP offers information about the disease, its complications, and its management. The NDEP also offers educational materials and resources for caregivers.

These are just a few of the many resources available to help older adults with diabetes. If you or someone you know is living with diabetes, be sure to take advantage of these resources.

Do you have any tips for managing diabetes in older adults? Share them in the comments below or contact us today.