When we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and one of the most significant health concerns for seniors is diabetes. Often referred to as a “silent condition,” diabetes is a chronic disease that causes our body’s blood sugar (glucose) levels to fluctuate at unhealthy levels.
As our body turns the food we eat into sugar, called glucose, it also needs insulin to help said glucose get into our cells for energy. If you have diabetes, your body either isn’t producing enough insulin on its own, or is unable to facilitate it, or both. What makes diabetes especially concerning for adults over 65 is how quietly it can progress and how serious its complications can become if not managed properly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 33% of adults aged 65 and older live with diabetes. Yes, that’s a pretty big number. But here’s the good news: with the right information and some smart lifestyle tweaks, you can keep it in check and keep living your best life.
You may be a senior yourself or caring for a loved one, whichever it is, understanding the facts about diabetes in seniors can be life-changing.
In this article, we’ll explore five essential facts every senior should know, along with practical advice for managing diabetes and promoting a healthy lifestyle in your golden years.
Fact 1: The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
First and foremost, understanding the difference between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes is key to effective care and management.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in your body not producing enough insulin. This eventually causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream. While type 1 diabetes usually develops early in life, it can manifest in older adults, as well. And the unfortunate truth is, there are no known risk factors and therefore surefire ways to prevent it.
Type 2 diabetes on the other hand may be more common, and is also more lifestyle-based. Factors such as poor diet, inactivity, and being overweight contribute significantly to its onset. Good news is this can be reduced by losing excess weight through proper diet and exercise, which improves the body’s ability to use insulin and process glucose. Moving your body just 30 minutes a day can have a huge, healthy impact. Coupled with healthy eating habits that focus on fresh veg and fruit, whole grains, and lean protein while simultaneously cutting back on red meat.
While type 1 diabetes requires insulin therapy for life, type 2 diabetes can often be managed or even reversed with diet changes, regular activity, and weight control.
Your Next Steps:
- Know your diagnosis. Ask your doctor which type you have. Treatment plans can be quite different.
- Track blood sugar regularly, as seniors may experience fluctuating glucose levels.
- Consider joining a diabetes education class through your local senior center or health provider.
Fact 2: Five Other Health Problems That Can Stem from Diabetes
Managing diabetes isn’t just about controlling blood sugar. It’s about protecting your whole body. If left unchecked, you can have too much blood sugar (glucose), it can damage your blood vessels and nerves throughout your entire body.
Here are five serious conditions linked to diabetes in seniors:
- Heart Disease and Stroke
Diabetes doubles the risk of heart attacks and strokes in seniors. It can accelerate the buildup of plaque in arteries, leading to cardiovascular events. - Kidney Disease (Nephropathy)
Over time, diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney failure. Seniors may need dialysis if not addressed early. - Vision Issues and Blindness
Diabetes is a leading cause of diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and even complete vision loss. In this case, regular eye exams become necessary. - Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
Tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet are signs of nerve damage, which can eventually lead to mobility issues or even amputation. - Foot Problems and Infections
Seniors with diabetes often experience slow-healing wounds. Left untreated, small cuts or sores can become serious infections.
Tips for Seniors:
- Schedule annual eye exams and kidney screenings.
- Inspect your feet daily for cuts, swelling, or redness.
- Don’t ignore symptoms like numbness or pain. These could be signs of diabetes-related complications.
Fact 3: Symptoms Often Look Like Something Else
One of the most challenging things of diagnosing diabetes in seniors is that its symptoms often resemble other age-related issues. It manifests in the body with symptoms that range from mild to severe.
Fatigue, vision changes, and frequent urination might seem normal with age. But they could be signs of something more serious. So, if you have any doubt at all that a symptom might be pointing towards a larger issue, do not hesitate to contact your trusted healthcare provider right away.
Common diabetes symptoms include excessive thirst and hunger, frequent urination, especially at night, blurred vision, fatigue or dizziness, unexplained weight loss, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, and slow-healing cuts or sores.
What Can You Do As A Senior?
- Keep a symptom journal to observe the changes.
- Share even minor concerns with your doctor. The earlier you detect, the better.
- Get routine blood glucose screenings during wellness checkups.
Fact 4: Watch Out for “Prediabetes”
Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. It’s a wake-up call, not a life sentence. According to StatsCAN Plus, from 2016 to 2019, 4% of Canadians aged 20 to 79 were living with prediabetes. Among them, Canadian seniors aged 60 to 79 (8%) were twice as likely to be living with prediabetes as those aged 40 to 59 (4%).
Prediabetes is when the body has higher than normal levels of glucose, putting it at greater risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. A healthy lifestyle is often all it takes to get back on track, but it’s still important to get your glucose levels checked regularly and speak with your trusted healthcare provider if further testing or medication is required.
Key risk factors for prediabetes include — being over 45, overweight or obese, having a family history of diabetes, lack of physical inactivity, and high blood pressure or cholesterol.
For the next step, ask your doctor about your A1C level, which reflects your average blood sugar over 3 months. Aim for 30 minutes of gentle activity (like walking or swimming) most days, and choose meals rich in fiber, whole grains, and vegetables.
Fact 5: Do Not Underestimate the Power of a Healthy Lifestyle
It may sound simple, but adopting a healthy lifestyle is one of the most powerful tools seniors have for preventing and managing diabetes. Even if you’re already diagnosed, prediabetic, or at risk, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the most effective ways for seniors to manage diabetes and support overall well-being.
Even light physical activities like chair yoga, gardening, or a daily walk can significantly improve insulin sensitivity. A balanced diet that includes lean protein, whole grains, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is essential, while limiting processed foods and sugary drinks helps keep blood sugar levels in check.
Furthermore, chronic stress can also impact glucose levels, so incorporating calming activities such as deep breathing exercises, listening to music, or spending time in nature can be super beneficial. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night, and stay proactive with regular doctor visits and routine health screenings to catch potential issues early.
Additionally, small steps, such as swapping white bread for whole grain or adding a 15-minute walk after dinner, can also make a big difference over time.
Let’s Keep It Simple, Shall We?
Truth be told, living with or preventing diabetes in seniors doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the type of diabetes, recognizing the symptoms, and addressing related health issues early on, seniors can stay in control of their well-being.
Remind yourself that you are not alone, and diabetes is manageable with the right knowledge, support, and habits.
Take proactive steps today. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Book a check-up, tweak your diet, and add more movement to your day. This new chapter you’ll start today can lead to better health outcomes for tomorrow.
Explore Healthy Aging Tips and Resources
Need some more inspiration to get started? Read about ways to promote healthy aging in our Inspiring Stories, and check out just how Verve’s resident-centric support promotes health and wellbeing in our residents.
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