Columbia Aged Care

Diabetes is a chronic condition where your body is unable to produce or respond to insulin resulting in high blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone that allows the sugar in your blood to enter the cells of your body to be used for energy.

Without this hormone your body does not receive enough sugar which can result in hypoglycaemic shock, however, too much of this hormone means your body absorbs too much sugar which can produce the same reaction.

There are two types of diabetes; type one diabetes is usually diagnosed during childhood while type two diabetes is diagnosed in adults. If you are over the age of 45 then you could be at risk of developing type two diabetes. 

MyDr has provided some helpful tips on the risk factors and symptoms of diabetes.

Diabetes can occur if you are:

• Over 45 years old and have high blood pressure
• Over 45 years old and are overweight
• Over 45 and have one or more family members with diabetes
• Over 55 years old
• Have heart disease
• Have had a heart attack in the past
• Have had high blood sugar levels during pregnancy

Some symptoms of type two diabetes:

• Excessive urination
• Feeling thirsty all the time
• Tired and lethargic

These symptoms are difficult to detect in elderly people because they are often misinterpreted as normal signs of aging. This means that many elderly people remain undiagnosed which can lead to serious health problems such as kidney damage, eye damage and increased risk of a stroke or heart attack.

However, if you have been diagnosed with diabetes you can manage your condition effectively by consulting with your doctor. You can also help manage your condition by not smoking, losing weight and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Read the full article here.

Diabetes is a condition commonly associated with the elderly. It is important to understand what Diabetes is, how it can be prevented, what the risk factors are and how it can be managed. 

There are two main types of Diabetes; Type 1 and Type 2.

Medical professionals are not positive on what causes Type 1 Diabetes. It is a condition in which the body's immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The problem with this, is that we need this insulin because it is what allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide energy.

The other type, Type 2 Diabetes, is much more prevalent affecting between approximately 90% of all Diabetics. As Australia's fastest growing chronic disease it is also the type that many elderly people are diagnosed with.

Type 2 Diabetes is a condition where high blood glucose levels are caused by either a lack of insulin or the body's inability to use insulin efficiently. Certain lifestyle factors increase the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

The Better Health Channel  define Type 2 Diabetes as a ‘lifestyle disease’. 

They go on to identify it as 'more common in people who do insufficient physical activity and are overweight or obese. It is strongly associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and an ‘apple’ body shape, where excess weight is carried around the waist'

Diabetes.co.uk highlight important points to consider about the elderly and Type 2 Diabetes. 

Symptoms
Elderly people who are at risk of developing diabetes, or who have already developed the disease, may not exhibit the classic symptoms expected.

Certain drugs may be less suitable for the elderly
Managing diabetes amongst the elderly may often have different objectives to treating the condition in younger patients. Some drugs may be less suitable for elderly patients, and treatment plans will almost certainly have to be adjusted.

Goals may surround reduction of diabetes related complications
Treating geriatrics with diabetes requires the caregiver to take a multidisciplinary role. The goals should always be the reduction of diabetes-related complications.

Read the full article "Diabetes and the Elderly"

The International Diabetes Institute outlines that "the aim of treatment is to control blood glucose levels and to prevent long term problems associated with diabetes such as heart disease."

The International Diabetes institute recommends that eating healthy and participating in regular physical activity so to stay active are the first steps to getting blood glucose levels and blood pressure under control.

Aged care facilities can ensure that your loved one is involved in a physical activity suited to their abilities and conditions daily. At such facilities professionals can also devise a nutritious diet that ensures your loved one receives all the necessary nutrients and dietary requirements.

Jake Ryan makes some helpful suggestions regarding diet in "Type 2 Diabetes Diet";

Recommended diet for Type 2 Diabetes
* Determine exact number of complex & simple carbohydrates to be eaten at each meal with Doctor

* Reduce intake of saturated trans fats (anything with hydrogenated oil or partially hydrogenated oil has trans fat in it)

* Reduce amount of sodium in diet

* Eat more natural, less processed foods

To learn more about Type 2 Diabetes read The Better Health Channels article.