{"id":9813,"date":"2019-11-11T16:54:20","date_gmt":"2019-11-11T16:54:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.advanceddoctorsaco.org\/?p=9813"},"modified":"2019-11-11T16:54:20","modified_gmt":"2019-11-11T16:54:20","slug":"diabetes-control-what-older-americans-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nhealthnetworkpartners.com\/?p=9813","title":{"rendered":"Diabetes Control: What Older Americans Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Diabetes Control: What Older Americans Should Know<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adults in their golden years may have special needs when it comes to diabetes care. Only 35 percent of older adults with diabetes are managing the condition well, according to a recent study.<\/p>\n

In general, diabetes management goals should be similar between older and younger adults. But there are few important ways that diabetes care is different for older adults.<\/p>\n

Special Challenges for Seniors<\/strong><\/p>\n

As we age, our bodies change\u2014and so do our needs when it comes to diabetes care. Older adults are more likely to have serious problems if their blood sugar goes too low, such as extreme confusion or passing out. Older adults are also more likely to suffer from depression.<\/p>\n

Some older adults have special challenges that affect diabetes care, including:<\/p>\n

\u2022Disability and the risk of falling<\/p>\n

\u2022Memory and thinking problems<\/p>\n

\u2022Other illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure<\/p>\n

\u2022Persistent pain<\/p>\n

\u2022Taking numerous medications, some of which may have serious side effects for people with diabetes.<\/p>\n

When to Ease Up on Diabetes Control<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re having other health problems, your target numbers for blood sugar levels and other tests may change as you grow older.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to talk with your doctor to determine the right goals for you. He or she may recommend goals that aren\u2019t as strict if:<\/p>\n

\u2022You have a hard time doing day-to-day activities or being physically active.<\/p>\n

\u2022You have at least three chronic illnesses, including diabetes. Chronic illnesses include cancer, arthritis, heart disease, depression, high blood pressure, emphysema, and others.<\/p>\n

\u2022You have mild to severe thinking, reasoning, or memory problems.<\/p>\n

Diabetes Care As You Age<\/strong><\/p>\n

No matter your age, daily physical activity is an important part of managing your diabetes. If it\u2019s hard for you to move, do as much activity as you can. Try taking a 10-minute walk three times a day to start. Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise plan.<\/p>\n

If you have trouble with any part of your diabetes treatment, such as forgetting to take medications, talk with your doctor. He or she can help you find solutions to keep you healthy.<\/p>\n

Be Prepared<\/strong><\/p>\n

Make the most of your next doctor visit. Our free\u00a0Ask My Doctor form<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0helps you make note of any recent medical problems, symptoms you\u2019re experiencing, and medications you take.<\/p>\n

Bibliography<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201c10. Older Adults.\u201d American Diabetes Association.\u00a0Diabetes Care.<\/em>\u00a0Vol. 38, supplement 1, pp. 67-69.<\/p>\n

\u201cHypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose).\u201d American Diabetes Association.\u00a0www.diabetes.org\/living-with-diabetes\/treatment-and-care\/blood-glucose-control\/hypoglycemia-low-blood.html.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cManage Your Diabetes Every Day.\u201d National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health.nihseniorhealth.gov\/diabetes\/manageyourdiabeteseveryday\/01.html.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cPrevalence of and Racial Disparities in Risk Factor Control in Older Adults with Diabetes: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.\u201d C.M.\u00a0Parrinello\u00a0et al.\u00a0Diabetes Care.<\/em>\u00a0Vol. 38, no. 7, pp. 1290-98.<\/p>\n

\u201cTips for Older Adults with Diabetes.\u201d National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health.\u00a0www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/health-communication-programs\/ndep\/living-with-diabetes\/older-adults\/tips-diabetes\/Pages\/resourcedetail.aspx.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

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