Overview
Diabetes is common in seniors above the age of 45. Not all cases of diabetes stem from a poor lifestyle or weight issues. In fact, few of these issues start occurring from childhood itself. The most common diabetes symptoms are type 1 and type 2. We will discuss every aspect of high blood sugar levels in detail below.
How does Insulin Resistance Develop?
People above 60 easily develop silent blood sugar problems known as insulin resistance. This condition increases the chance of developing prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and cardiac issues.
Generally, insulin resistance occurs when normal blood glucose level increases and our body does not recognize it. The cells in our muscles, liver and body fat ignore the signals sent by the hormone insulin, which extracts the glucose out of the bloodstream and transfers it to the cells. Glucose, known as blood sugar is the major source of the energy in the body. When the cells are unable to respond to the hormone insulin, it results in the excessive collection of glucose in the bloodstream. This leads to high blood sugar levels.
How Insulin Resistance leads to Type 2 diabetes?
When our body does not respond to the hormone insulin, insulin resistance develops. To overcome it, the body starts producing more insulin. With time, the pancreas containing beta cells start to develop swelling and get worn out, all of which does not help in producing more insulin. After years, the normal glucose levels start exceeding the diabetes range. This gives rise to prediabetes and gradually it develops into full-blown type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is also referred to as juvenile diabetes. It generally occurs when the body does not produce sufficient insulin. People suffering from type 1 diabetes might get treatment during the early age of childhood. Type 1 diabetic patients are kept on daily insulin dosage administered by insulin injections or insulin pumps. However, no cure has been developed for type 1 diabetes yet. Successful monitoring of blood sugar range and keeping track of sugar level after a meal can help in avoiding serious complications.
Type 2 Diabetes
In this, the patient becomes restricted to making or using the insulin effectively. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), type 2 diabetes is one of the most occurring forms of diabetes in elders which is indirectly related to obesity.
Measuring normal sugar levels after food is important for type 2 diabetic patients. However, they may or may not require insulin intake, unlike type 1 diabetic patients. In most cases, changes in lifestyle and regular exercise can help manage the condition.
Early Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Symptoms and risk factors of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes are similar. It includes-
- Overweight
- Family history of diabetes
- History of high blood pressure
- Having a high-density lipoprotein
- Being more than 45+
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
Is a cure for Diabetes expected in the Future?
The biotech industry is striving to develop a permanent solution for treating diabetes. Biotech companies are also working to find a permanent cure. To treat the type 2 diabetic range, scientists are working to stimulate insulin production. Apart from this, certain microbes present inside our body help in reducing the disease intensity. Most companies are developing diabetes treatments, targeting microbiomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my blood glucose level high?
Normal blood glucose level increases when there is too much sugar in the bloodstream. This condition is known as hyperglycaemia. It happens when the body is not able to utilize insulin properly.
What is the normal blood sugar range for people above age 60?
It is recommended that seniors must have a blood glucose level of less than 180mg/ dL two hours after eating.
Does Emoha provide medical facilities to diabetic patients?
Emoha extends its helping hands to provide all the medical care and support to diabetic patients. Emoha helps by providing medicines, nurses, caretakers and emergency support to its seniors.
What to do next
1. Get tested if there is thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds or unexplained weight loss. 2. Ask for the exact diagnosis, the treatment plan and target ranges set for your parent. 3. Learn to use a glucometer, and keep a log; see diabetes at home after 60. 4. Eat steadily: regular meals, fibre, less sugar and refined foods; see nutrition for diabetes after 60. 5. Move daily, after meals if the doctor agrees. 6. Learn about low sugar: shakiness, sweating, confusion need quick sugar and a call; see diabetes and low sugar emergencies. 7. Check feet, eyes and kidneys on schedule; see diabetic foot care at home.
When to ask a professional
A doctor decides on medicines or insulin. A diabetes educator and dietician can help with food and monitoring.
Equipment mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked questions
What are common symptoms of diabetes?
Thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, blurred vision, slow healing and weight loss.
Can diabetes be reversed?
Some people achieve remission with major lifestyle change, but it needs medical guidance and follow-up.
How often should sugar be checked?
As the doctor advises, depending on treatment.
What complications should we watch?
Eye, kidney, nerve, foot and heart problems.
Sources and further reading
- World Health Organization, Diabetes fact sheet
- International Diabetes Federation, Diabetes Atlas
- Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India, clinical guidance
Tags: Diabetes #Symptoms #Treatmentdiabetesblood sugarsymptomsdiabetes careConditions and devicesBlood glucose meter with stripsBlood glucose test stripsHealth monitoring devicesHealthy ageing
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor before changing your exercise, diet or medicines.
