Diabetes in Senior Citizens

The body gets glucose from the food you take, liver and muscles also supply your body with glucose. The blood carries the glucose to the cells throughout the body. Insulin, a chemical hormone, helps the body's cells to take up glucose. Insulin is produced by beta cells in the pancreas and released into the bloodstream.

If the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin does not work as it should, glucose can not enter the cells of the body. In contrast, glucose should remain in the blood which causes an increase in the level of blood glucose. This high level of blood glucose cause a pre-diabetes or diabetes.


Prediabetes means that the level of glucose in the blood is higher than normal but not high enough to diagnose diabetes. With the levels of glucose in the pre-diabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease and stroke. However, if you have pre-diabetes, there are several ways to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Physical activity and a healthy diet with modest weight loss can prevent type 2 diabetes and help a person with pre-diabetes return to normal levels of blood sugar.

Symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, being, fatigue, weight loss hungry untreated wounds heal slowly, having dry and itchy skin, loss of sensation or tingling in feet and blurred vision . However, some people with diabetes have any of these symptoms.

Diabetes can develop at any age. There are three main types of diabetes: gestational diabetes, type 1, type 2 and.

Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes. Usually diagnosed in children, teenagers or young adults. In this type of diabetes, pancreatic beta cells are no longer able to produce insulin because they were destroyed by the body's immune system.

Type 2 diabetes is also called insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes. It can be expanded at any age, including children. In this type of diabetes is the result of insulin resistance, a condition in which the body cells do not respond appropriately to insulin. At first, the pancreas is able to produce more insulin to cope with the increased demand for insulin. However, it loses its ability to compensate for the inability of the cells of the body to properly interact with insulin over time. Insulin is unable to help cells take in glucose, resulting in high levels of blood glucose. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Excess weight through a diet high in calories and lack of physical activity increases the risk of developing this type of diabetes.

Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Asian and Pacific Islanders are particularly at risk of type 2 diabetes developin.

Gestational Diabetes refers to the onset of diabetes in the latter stages of pregnancy. It is caused by pregnancy hormones and lack of insulin. This form of diabetes goes away after the baby is born, but it puts the mother and the child at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adulthood.

Diabetes is a serious condition and if not controlled properly, damages the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, gums and teeth. Having diabetes makes it more than twice as likely as non-diabetics to someone who has a heart disease or stroke.

It is important to maintain blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol under control to prevent serious complications associated with diabetes. Take steps to control diabetes can make a big impact on one's health.

Risk factors and prevention

Diabetes is a serious and incurable disease. Control levels of blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol can help prevent or delay complications of diabetes, such as heart disease and stroke. Much research is underway to find ways to treat diabetes.

Risk Factors

Type 1 diabetes is classified as an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is the result of your own body's immune system, which fights infection, turning against the body.

Currently, it is not known exactly what causes the body's immune system to turn on itself attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. There are genetic and environmental factors such as viruses, involved in the development of type 1 diabetes. Researchers are working to identify these factors and prevent type 1 diabetes in people at risk.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with being overweight, high blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels abnormal. Excess weight can help the body use insulin properly.

Other risk factors include:

Family history of diabetes, perhaps a parent, brother or sister.
Being African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American or Pacific Islander, or American descent / Latino Hispanic.
With a history of heart disease.
With a history of gestational diabetes.
A sedentary lifestyle

Prevention
Small changes in lifestyle can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in people at risk. Here are some tips.

Maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight has many negative effects on your health and can help the body use insulin properly. It can also contribute to high blood pressure. Research shows that even a small amount of weight loss can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Choose healthy foods. What we put in our bodies has a huge impact on our health and functioning of our body. Eating healthy helps control body weight, blood pressure and cholesterol.
Be active. Find a physical activity you enjoy and that gets your heart rate can be brisk walking, dancing or working in the garden. Try to be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week - according to research that helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms and Diagnosis
Diabetes is sometimes referred to as a "silent" disease because people may not have any signs or symptoms. Symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, being, fatigue, weight loss hungry untreated wounds heal slowly, having dry and itchy skin, loss of sensation or tingling in the feet and blurred vision. However, some people with diabetes have any of these symptoms.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop gradually, while type 1 diabetes develops more rapidly.

Doctors use several tests to diagnose diabetes. Tests to diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetes include plasma glucose test (FPG) test and oral glucose tolerance (OGTT). A random glucose test allows doctors to diagnose diabetes.

If any of these tests show that you might have diabetes, your doctor will repeat the fasting blood glucose test or proof of oral glucose tolerance in a different time to confirm the diagnosis.

Since type 2 diabetes is more common among older people, especially among the overweight, doctors recommend that anyone 45 years or more to test for diabetes. If you are 45 years or older and overweight, getting tested is strongly recommended.

Older people are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially if they are overweight. Doctors recommend that people older than 45 years are evidence of diabetes, especially if they are overweight.

Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to pain, disability and death. Sometimes people have symptoms but do not suspect diabetes. They delay scheduling a checkup because they do not feel sick.

Despite the risk of diabetes due to age and weight, people often expect to have a checkup because they do not feel any symptoms. Sometimes people experience symptoms do not realize that diabetes can be. However, diabetes is a serious disease that, if untreated, can lead to dangerous complications or death.

Often, people are not diagnosed with diabetes until they are experiencing one of its complications, such as heart problems or difficulty seeing. Early detection can prevent or delay these complications, so that all major exams.

Treatment

There is no cure for diabetes, but with strict control of blood glucose and cholesterol levels and blood pressure can be controlled.

People with diabetes use insulin injections for type 1, by shots or an insulin pump to control their blood glucose levels in the blood. People with type 2 diabetes use oral medications, insulin, or both to control their levels of blood glucose. In some cases of type 2 diabetes, a person can use diet and exercise to maintain the levels of blood glucose appropriate.

Manage your blood sugar several changes in lifestyle. These include:

Follow a meal plan that makes sense to you and how your body reacts to different foods you eat.
Incorporate physical activity into your daily life.
Take diabetes medication properly and check your glucose level in the blood in a manner that is consistent with the recommendations of your doctor is essential.

Treatment and Research - Diet and Exercise
Follow a meal plan

To keep your blood sugar levels in the correct range, it is important to make healthy choices when it comes to what foods you eat. People with diabetes should have their own meal plan that makes sense with the way your body reacts to different types of food they eat. If you ask doctors can give you contact a dietitian or diabetes educator can help you create an eating plan.

When you develop your meal plan, several factors must be considered such as weight, daily physical activity, levels of blood glucose and medication. A meal plan will help you achieve a healthy weight for people who are overweight in addition to helping glucose levels in the blood of control. A dietitian can help you clarify the misconceptions about healthy food and family and comfort in a plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.

It is not necessary for people with diabetes to eat only certain foods, rather than foods that are good for everyone are also good for diabetics. These foods include those that are low in fat, salt and sugar. Foods that are rich in fiber, like whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables are also excellent choices. Make healthy choices in your diet will help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, control the level of glucose in the blood and prevent heart disease.

Exercising regularly

Staying active is very important for people diagnosed with diabetes. Research has shown that high levels of blood glucose in people of age and older who participate in a program of regular exercise. Exercise has many health benefits that are especially important for people with diabetes. It helps you to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, promotes the functioning of insulin to lower blood sugar, strengthens the heart and lungs and increases energy.

If exercise is new to you, talk to your doctor before starting. Some exercises such as weight lifting, may not be safe for people with eye problems or high blood pressure. Ask your doctor to check your heart and feet to make sure you do not have any particular problems related to diabetes. In addition, ask your doctor to help you find exercises that are safe for you.

Make physical activity part of your daily life. Walks, bike or garden. Try dancing or swimming or just stay active doing work around the house. Try different activities and find ways to increase physical activity in their daily lives. Try to get some exercise every day for at least 30 minutes. If you're new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the amount and intensity of your exercise.

Medication

Insulin

People with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes use insulin glucose levels in the blood. People have to take insulin their bodies do not have enough. Insulin is a hormone injection liquid injections or an insulin pump.

oral antidiabetic

In many cases of type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin, but not used properly by the body. oral medications are used to correct this problem. Some are taken once a day, while others must be taken more frequently. It is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist how to take your pills. Also, be sure to talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects or pills make you sick. Finally, remember that oral agents should be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.

Other cases of type 2 diabetes do not need insulin or, instead of a healthy diet and regular physical activity of your diabetes treatment.

Self-control

It is important to monitor your levels of blood sugar regularly monitor blood glucose. Connecting these levels in a journal can also be helpful to get a better idea of ​​how it is performing the treatment. Some people need to check their blood sugar several times a day, while others check once a day. Ask your doctor how often you should test your blood.

Monitoring your blood sugar will help you identify the "high" and "low". A condition called hypoglycemia results when blood sugar drops too low. When this happens, the person can become weak and confused. If glucose levels in the blood are too low, a person can faint. Following the treatment plan recommended by your doctor and monitor your blood glucose levels in the blood can help avoid the "low". If you check your blood glucose is too low, it can be increased by taking sugary foods or drinks such as fruit juices.

A condition known as hyperglycemia results when the blood sugar is too high. If the blood sugar is too high, it can cause a person to go into a coma. If you experience persistent chat "peaks" with your doctor, you may need to adjust your treatment plan.

ABC of Diabetes Surveillance

People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing heart disease and stroke. For this reason it is very important to control your diabetes by using its "ABC".

A. Mean HbA1c and glucose
B. Blood pressure
C. Cholesterol

The A1C (A-one-C) test is a good measure of what your glucose level in the blood is most of the time. Less than 7 is a positive result that your diabetes is under the control character. A result that is greater than 7 is that the levels of glucose in the blood is too high. If your A1C is too high, take action. Talk to your doctor to change your treatment plan and lifestyle to achieve your goal. Low HbA1c in a healthy, help prevent diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease and kidney disease.

High blood pressure can lead to stroke, kidney disease and other complications. In general, people with diabetes want to keep it under 130/80 blood pressure. Check your blood pressure at each visit to the doctor. If too high, talk to your doctor about how to lower it.

Cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, in particular, is a fat-like substance that builds up in your arteries. If your cholesterol level is too high, causes the arteries to narrow. This can lead to heart disease or a heart attack. People with diabetes should try to keep your cholesterol levels below 100. Ask your doctor about your cholesterol, and if too talk to him about how to achieve your goal of cholesterol.

Foot and Skin Care

High levels of glucose and decreased blood supply to the extremities can cause severe nerve damage and loss of sensation. Inadvertent injury may contribute to ulcers, which can lead to amputation. Therefore, foot care is very important for people with diabetes. Check your feet every day for cuts, ret spots, sores, infected nails and swelling. Report any problems to your doctor and make sure you have your feet checked at every doctor visit. People with diabetes are more prone to injuries and infections of the skin, for this reason, the skin care is also important.