1 year ago · kayla@marketburst.net · Comments Off on November Is Diabetes Awareness Month: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
November Is Diabetes Awareness Month: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Diabetes affects an estimated 33% of people aged 65 and older. It’s a chronic disease common among older adults, caused by a lack of insulin produced by the body, an inability to use insulin properly, or a combination of both. The trouble with insulin results in the body having too much glucose in the bloodstream. This is called hyperglycemia, left untreated, and it can eventually wreak havoc with your health.
The most common form of Diabetes in older adults is type 2 diabetes. In fact, nearly half of all people with type 2 diabetes are people aged 65 or older. While this condition is serious at any age, older adults with Diabetes face unique challenges. This group is at greater risk for developing complications related to Diabetes, including hypoglycemia, heart disease, and kidney failure. That’s why it’s important to learn about diabetes symptoms if you’re an older adult.
Seniors Are at Higher Risk of Diabetes
If you are a senior with difficulty maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, you must closely monitor your numbers, activities, and what you eat daily. When blood sugar levels become low, you may be subject to fainting, develop memory problems, and be at risk of death.
This population group is at higher risk of developing diabetes-related complications such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), heart disease, and kidney failure than younger people living with Diabetes.
Seniors who have difficulty maintaining healthy blood sugar levels must closely monitor their numbers, their activities, and what they eat each day. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause memory problems, fainting, and even death. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) may cause kidney, nerve, eye, and heart problems over time. To learn more about normal blood sugar levels for older people https://www.homecareassistancedesmoines.com/normal-levels-of-blood-sugar-for-elderly-people/
New information is constantly emerging to improve the understanding and treatment of Diabetes in seniors. Special considerations should be addressed to support overall health and quality of life in older adults as they often have one or more co-existing conditions like cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease, and others that impact Diabetes education and management.
Prevention Is Key
To protect yourself from Diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends screening every three years if you are aged 45 and up. Younger people with risk factors like obesity should also get themselves checked. Regular screenings will increase your chances of early detection and will prevent serious complications.
Most of all, be aware of the symptoms of Diabetes in order to get treatment sooner and maintain your good health for many more years to come.
Use National Diabetes Awareness Month to Learn More About This Chronic Disease
Check out the links below to learn more about Diabetes and the complications it can cause.
Signs of Diabetes to Watch For
Contact Tribute Senior Living
If you are looking for support for yourself or a senior loved one, always feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you stay informed and answer questions about Diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other issues affecting you or your senior loved one.
