Diabetes is a serious disease at any age but may be especially serious for older adults. It happens when the level of glucose (also known as blood sugar) in a person's blood is too high. People can manage high glucose levels to help control the disease and prevent or delay future problems.
The body breaks down the food we eat into glucose to feed our cells. The cells cannot process the sugar alone; the body produces a hormone called insulin to help. People with diabetes either do not make insulin, cannot use insulin effectively, or both. As a result, they often feel tired, hungry, or thirsty; they may lose weight, urinate often, or have trouble with their eyes. Diabetes can cause heart disease, strokes, sores that may not heal, and even the need for an amputation.
There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. In Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, the body produces insulin but can't use it properly.
Diabetes tends to run in families, but such factors as being overweight and/or sedentary may add to the risk of developing the disease. There are many unknowns surrounding diabetes, and research continues looking at what causes it and how best to manage it. But we do know that careful control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol can help prevent or delay diabetes and its complications.
Research shows that some increase in blood glucose levels often comes with age. This may be caused by weight gain, especially when fat builds up around the waist. Many people with Type 2 diabetes have few or no symptoms. For some people, feeling run down is their only symptom. Other people may feel thirsty, urinate often, lose weight, have blurred vision, get skin infections, or heal slowly from cuts and bruises. It is important for people to tell their health provider right away if they experience any of these problems.
A health provider may diagnose diabetes by reviewing symptoms and checking blood-glucose levels. One test measures blood glucose level after eating or drinking nothing for at least eight hours, usually overnight. Another test measures blood glucose level after a person fasts at least eight hours and again two hours after the person drinks a sugary beverage.
People can do many things to take control of their diabetes, including the following:
- Eat well. Meal planning and healthy eating are key to managing blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. To plan healthy balanced meals and snacks, people need to understand how different foods and eating times affect their glucose levels. Health professionals can help with meal planning and dietary advice.
- Be physically active. Taking part in a regular fitness program may improve blood glucose levels. Exercise professionals can help people develop an exercise routine.
- Take medicines as prescribed. Medications also play a key role in controlling diabetes for many people. Health providers may prescribe oral medicines, insulin, or a combination of both.
People with diabetes should regularly check blood glucose levels and monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol. They should also:
- Get eye exams every year. Finding and treating eye problems early can help prevent more serious conditions later on.
- Check for kidney function. A yearly urine test for a protein called albumin will show whether diabetes has affected the kidneys.
- Pay careful attention to their feet. Diabetes can reduce blood supply to arms and legs and cause numbness in the feet. People with diabetes should check their feet every day and watch for any redness or patches of heat. Sores, blisters, breaks in the skin, infections, or buildup of calluses should be checked right away by a health provider.
- Protect their skin. Keep skin clean, use skin softeners to treat dryness, and take care of minor cuts and bruises to prevent infections and other problems.
- Visit a dentist regularly. Practice strict oral hygiene to protect teeth and gums to avoid serious infections.
Medicare may cover tests to check for diabetes. Medicare may also cover supplies such as glucose monitors, test strips, and lancets. It may also pay for educational programs, foot exams, and other services for people with diabetes. For more information about coverage, call 1.800.MEDICARE (1.800.633.4227) or visit Medicare’s website: http://www.medicare.gov.
For more information, visit the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, a service of the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: http://www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov.
