Diabetes and the
Older Adult
Diabetes is a disease where
your body cannot convert the foods you eat into the energy you need to function.
After you eat, sugars and starches are changed to a sugar called glucose.
Glucose then travels through the bloodstream as the main fuel for your body.
Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, allows the glucose to get into your
body cells.
Types of Diabetes
In diabetes, the sugar
(glucose) cannot get from the bloodstream into the cells. There are two types
of diabetes:
Diabetes Facts
-
Diabetes is a chronic
disease that has no cure.
-
Diabetes is the fourth
leading cause of death by disease in the United States.
-
About 16 million
Americans have diabetes.
-
An estimated 8 million
Americans have diabetes and do not know it.
Risk Factors
Who is most at risk for
diabetes?
Anyone who has these risk
factors should see a doctor periodically to be tested for diabetes.
The Warning Signs of Type II
Diabetes
-
Frequent urination
-
Excessive thirst
-
Extreme hunger
-
Weight loss
-
Irritability
-
Weakness, fatigue,
sleepiness
-
Nausea and vomiting
-
Recurring wounds that
do not heal
-
Blurred vision
-
Tingling in hands or
feet
-
Itching
Please remember that some
people with Type II diabetes have no symptoms.
Complications of Diabetes
-
Cardiovascular
disease-heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke
-
Kidney problems--More
than half of the people in the United States on dialysis have diabetes
-
Blindness (diabetic
retinopathy)
-
Nerve damage--Most
common in feet and hands
The Good News
Diabetes can be controlled
with your physician's and dietitian's advice through:
-
Medications
-
Checking blood sugars
-
Exercise
-
Good nutrition
Checking blood sugars:
Frequent blood sugar testing will help determine if your good habits are
working, and will also help your physician and dietitian know if any
adjustments need to be made to your medications or lifestyle.
Exercise: If you are
overweight, losing even 10 or 20 pounds can help you to better manage your
blood sugar. If you have never been at your ideal weight in your adult life,
this may be a more realistic weight loss goal for you. In addition to the
weight-loss benefits of exercise, it also improves blood sugar control in Type
II diabetics. Exercise does not have to be a chore. Some fun activity, 30 to
40 minutes a day, four times a week, will improve your health. Think about all
the different activities you enjoy and get moving! Remember, before starting
an exercise program, check with your physician.
Good nutrition plans:
Diet is very important in managing diabetes. There are many different plans to
help you maintain a healthy diet, such as:
-
The Food Exchange List
-
The Food Guide Pyramid
-
U.S. Dietary Guidelines
-
Carbohydrate Counting
All of these plans work,
but only if you stick with them! Contact your physician, dietitian, or your
local Extension office to obtain this information.
Good nutrition factors:
There are some important things to remember with any meal plan:
-
Timing: Eating
meals and snacks at regular times will help regulate your blood sugar.
-
Quantity: Watch
those serving sizes! Overeating any food can cause problems.
-
Variety: The
best diet is one that includes different foods from the Food Guide
Pyramid.
Talk to your physician and
dietitian to develop a healthy lifestyle plan that is right for you.
Take time for your health.
If you have concerns, contact your medical specialist and access your local
American Diabetes Association.
An estimated 8 million
Americans have diabetes and do not know it. Some people with Type II diabetes
have no symptoms.
Reference
American Association of
Retired Persons. Living with Diabetes: A Winning Formula, (video, undated)
Ohio State University
Extension
Authors: Lisa Marie Gibson,
Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County Diana Short Manchester,
Dietetic Intern, The Ohio State University
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