Call us at 1-833-252-2737 (TTY 711)

8AM-8PM Monday-Friday

Call us at 1-833-252-2737 (TTY 711)

8AM-8PM Monday-Friday
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What You Need to Know About Diabetes and Older Adults

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November is National Diabetes Month! Learning about diabetes symptoms, prevention, and management is an important step you can take in preventing complications and continuing to live safely and independently in your own home.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is the main type of sugar found in your blood and your main source of energy. Glucose comes from the food you eat and is also made in your liver and muscles. Your blood carries glucose to all of your body’s cells to use for energy. Your pancreas—an organ, located between your stomach and spine, that helps with digestion—releases a hormone it makes, called insulin, into your blood. Insulin helps your blood carry glucose to all your body’s cells. Sometimes your body doesn’t make enough insulin or the insulin doesn’t work the way it should. Glucose then stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells. Your blood glucose levels get too high and can cause diabetes.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

People who think they might have diabetes must visit a medical provider for diagnosis. They might have SOME or NONE of the following symptoms:

  • Frequent urination

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Extreme hunger

  • Sudden vision changes

  • Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

  • Feeling very tired much of the time

  • Very dry skin

  • Sores that are slow to heal

  • More infections than usual

What are the risk factors of diabetes?

Diabetes occurs in every age group. Although type 2 diabetes can affect individuals at any age, it is more likely to develop in older adults. In addition, those who are overweight, have a family history of the disease, are physically inactive, are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, Asian American, Pacific Islander or American Indian, also have an increased risk of developing diabetes.

Why do you need to take care of your diabetes?

Over time, diabetes can lead to serious problems with your blood vessels, heart, nerves, kidneys, mouth, eyes, and feet. These problems can lead to an amputation, which is surgery to remove a damaged toe, foot, or leg, for example. The most serious problem caused by diabetes is heart disease. When you have diabetes, you are more than twice as likely as people without diabetes to have heart disease or a stroke. With diabetes, you may not have the usual signs or symptoms of a heart attack.

The best way to take care of your health is to work with your health care team to keep your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in your target range. Targets are numbers you aim for.

How can you control your diabetes?

Diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Here are a few things you can do to help manage your diabetes:

  • See your medical provider on a regular basis. Only a medical provider can accurately determine whether or not you have diabetes and what the next steps are for treating it.

  • Take your medication as prescribed by your medical provider. There are a variety of medications such as insulin injections or pills/tablets that can help control your diabetes and prevent it from getting worse or causing complications. It is important that these medications are taken as prescribed by your medical provider.

  • Watch what you eat. Ask a dietitian to help you develop a schedule of meals and snacks. Eat foods that are lower in calories, have less fat, less sugar, and less salt. Do not skip meals, as this can make your blood glucose level fall.

  • Be active. Physical activity can help you control your blood sugar and manage your diabetes. Always consult with your medical provider before increasing your activity level or starting an exercise program.

 

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | www.cdc.gov

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases | www.nia.nih.gov

 

CenterLight is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their doctor regarding their care. If you would like to learn more about CenterLight, please call: 1-833-252-2737 (TTY 711), 8AM - 8PM, Monday - Friday. Representatives or message service also available on weekends.

Image for illustration purposes only.


Blog_NoPOInfo_DiabetesMgt
Last updated November 17, 2022

About the Writer

Heather Ogando, MD is Vice President of Clinical Services and PACE Medical Director.

If you have questions, please call us at 1-833-252-2737, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. TTY users should call 711. You may also request a callback from one of our representatives by completing the form below:
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