Diabetes is a growing health concern in senior adults in India. The alarming fact is that about half of the senior population above 60 in India are at the risk of developing this chronic condition. The risk is fueled by sedentary lifestyle, heredity, age, and higher body mass index (BMI).
Even though diabetes has been a condition
mainly observed in city dwellers, it has become a common health issue in
village parts, especially type
2 diabetes. Stay with us until the end of the blog to understand more
about type-2 diabetes in older adults, the health complications it causes (such
as kidney and eye
complications), preventive measures, and ways to effectively manage it.
It leads to an inability state in which your body fails to regulate the sugar level in the blood. Insulin is a hormone produced by pancreas. In type-2 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin which leads to irregularities in blood sugar level. Prolonged irregularities can cause nerve damage, leading to complications in key organs including eyes and kidneys.
What causes type-2 diabetes?
The clear cause of type-2 diabetes is still unknown. However, medical experts claim it occurs as a result of cells in the liver becoming resistant to the insult as they become fat. This condition is called fatty liver. Another reason that can cause diabetes is reduced insulin production by pancreas.
These are still probable causes, but scientists are affirmative that being overweight, eating unhealthy, as a whole leading a sedentary life is the major reason behind type-1 and type-2 diabetes in older adults.
What are the symptoms of type-2 diabetes?
Diabetes symptoms do not surface for a long time as it shows symptoms that are similar to other conditions. People continue to live with this condition for years only to get diagnosed when other organs fail to function at normal level.
However, if you are feeling sudden and increased thirst or urge to urinate and if you have the risk factors (you will know more about them in this blog), you might want to visit the diabetologist.
Apart from urination and thirst, increased hunger, fatigue for longer hours, blurred vision, wounds that don’t heal at regular pace, numbness in toes or fingers, and pain while urinating, you might want to get yourself screened for diabetes.
What are the risk factors of type-2 diabetes?
Being overweight is the major risk factor for
diabetes. If your wrist is above 40 inches (for men) and above 35 inches (for
women), you are at the risk of diabetes. Other contributing factors including
inactivity, family history, age being above 40, and dark patches around neck,
abdomen, or thighs (as a sign of insulin resistance) can increase your chances.
Prediabetes conditions can be managed further to prevent it from turning to a diabetic condition. If you are above 45 years and have more than 2 of the risk factors mentioned above, visit your nearest diabetic hospital for a screening.
If your blood sugar levels are high but not at the levels of diabetes, your doctor might prescribe metformin, an oral diabetes medication. These medications are recommended for older adults who could not undergo workouts to reduce or manage their blood sugar levels. You can prevent diabetes by taking these medications, eating healthy, and moderate physical activity.
How to manage type-2 diabetes?
If you have been diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, you can still manage it and live a regular life without much difficulty. Millions of people across the globe are living with this condition for years! With a little bit of commitment towards your health and regular doctor visits, and a lot of positivity, you can live a regular life just like your pre-diabetic times.
● Take steps to lose weight: Your first enemy to face in the process of managing your diabetes is reducing weight in healthy ways. There are no alternatives! Eat healthy and workout to lose weight. You don’t have to be involved in high intensity workouts or look shredded to manage diabetes. Moderate walking, running, or bicycling can do wonders if you combine them with eating healthy.
● Healthy diet: Eating healthy foods is your savior! Whilst there are a million blogs, thousands of research papers, and zillions of opinions on the internet, no one still has the clear understanding on what to put on a plate for a diabetic senior. This is because every person’s body is different, and every food choice has a different role to play. Do reach out to your dietician for better diet management for diabetes.
● Regular doctor visits: Diabetes is a condition that can cause an array of health issues. Do meet your doctor at regular intervals, undergo the suggested tests, and take the medications or injections prescribed. This will help you prevent any possible health issues associated with diabetes.
Type-2 diabetes is a serious health concern, but you can manage it with sufficient medical help. Focus on your diet, lose your weight, and get yourself tested for better results. If you are in Coimbatore, book an appointment with FIMS hospitals to avail best treatment for diabetes in Coimbatore.
Note: The medications and recommendations
provided are only for information purposes and should not be considered as
alternatives for doctor’s advice.
Reviewed by Fimshospitals
on
November 15, 2021
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