According to the Centers for Disease Control, 38.4 million people —11.6% of the U.S. population—live with some form of diabetes. Currently, diabetes affects over 463 million people worldwide, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounts for 90-95% of all cases in the world. This article is meant to help readers understand how diabetes works with a focus on T2D and help them provide proactive care for older adults living with diabetes.
There are two main types of diabetes that older adults may have. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) typically presents in children and young adults, who then have diabetes for life.
In this form of diabetes, the body makes little or no insulin. Although older adults can develop T1D, it is rare. People with T1D take insulin every day.
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is the most common form of diabetes and occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults. Currently, diabetes affects over 463 million people worldwide, and T2D accounts for 90-95% of all cases. With T2D, the body’s cells don’t use insulin properly. Risk factors for developing T2D include obesity, an inactive lifestyle, smoking, a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes, and increased stress or PTSD. Certain ethnic groups are also more impacted by TD2 diabetes.
Common symptoms of either type of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, and fatigue. T1D can also present in children, adolescents, and young adults as a result of trauma. 82% of children or young adults with T1D have been through at least one traumatic experience.
Older adults under stress face an increased risk of getting T2D diabetes or seeing diabetes symptoms increase if they already have T2D. A recent study from Harvard purports that women with post-traumatic stress disorder are nearly twice as likely to develop T2D compared with women who don’t have PTSD.
The most important thing for newly diagnosed older adults and those living with T2D is to make sure they are monitoring their blood glucose levels. Ensure they have a blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor. They should also be keeping a log of their sugar levels and work to help their healthcare workers or physician see the patterns of their blood sugar levels so they can adjust their care to suit their needs. Most type 2 diabetics take insulin and other medications. A person with T2D should aim to keep their blood glucose range between 80 and 130 mg/dL before a meal and less than 180 mg/dL 2 hours later. As part of routine diabetes management, a person will often also require an A1C test. An A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin proteins in the blood that are coated with sugar (also known as glycated). Hemoglobin proteins in red blood cells transport oxygen. The higher the A1C level is, the poorer the individual’s blood sugar control and the higher the risk of diabetes complications.
It’s important to advocate that your loved one has a detailed care plan. Collaborating with endocrinologists, dietitians, diabetes educators, and other healthcare professionals should help them create a structured plan that details medication, diet, and exercise. Caretakers can help them adhere to their care plan and ensure the lines of communication stay open. The professionals involved can adapt the care plan to suit your loved ones’ physical and emotional needs. Attending medical appointments with them will help you stay informed about treatment plans.
What a person eats always impacts their health—and even more so regarding a diabetic’s health. For example, just one serving of white rice causes a quick, high spike in blood sugar, tantamount to eating pure table sugar. Swap out white rice for lentils or quinoa for much better results. Meals and snacks can draw on various foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy. When meal planning, your loved one and their healthcare team should discuss the role carbohydrates play and what foods are good for them. One way to choose foods is with the glycemic index (GI), a tool that measures how much a food boosts blood sugar. They can also follow a simple meal plan supplied by a healthcare professional or nutritionist. Here are some examples of simple dietary swaps that can promote healthy eating for those living with T2D.
Instead of this | Try this |
White rice | Brown rice, quinoa, or lentils |
Instant oatmeal | Steel cut oats |
Cornflakes | Bran flakes |
White bread | Sprouted wheat or Ezekial bread |
Corn | Leafy greens |
Many types of physical activities are excellent for helping the ones we love manage TD2. For some, it can be as simple as taking a few walks daily to get their bodies moving. Depending on their age and level of activity, you can encourage them to engage in aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, light hiking, cycling, swimming, rowing, or dancing. Resistance training with weights can also be very practical. Talk to your loved one’s physician about monitoring blood sugar levels before and after exercise to prevent hypoglycemia.
Your healthcare provider can educate your loved one about the steps needed during a blood sugar emergency. These steps often include administering glucose tablets or getting a glucagon injection.
The best way to empower your older loved one to manage T2D is by adopting a proactive, informed approach. The key to success is monitoring blood glucose levels, following a structured care plan, and making healthy dietary and exercise choices.
Going to appointments regularly and addressing the evolving needs of individuals with T2D will help them stay ahead of evolving health issues as they age. By offering thoughtful planning and support, those living with diabetes can lead healthier, more balanced lives despite the challenges the condition presents.
Sources
CDC.org
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University.
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