Diabetes in the elderly

Diabetes in the elderly.

Many people successfully live to 70, 80 and 90 years, but, unfortunately, among them the frequent incidence of type II diabetes. It has been estimated that almost half of Americans with Type II diabetes is a disease develops after 60 years, and one in five aged 65 years. Basically, here we are talking about type II diabetes.

 But in those communities that are at risk of developing type II diabetes, for example, the Spaniards and Americans of African origin, these proportions are higher as well, among them one of the three ill with type II diabetes after 65 years. In addition, much is changing with age: the pancreas produces less insulin, increases insulin resistance, disturbed metabolism.

 The deterioration diabetes observed angry elderly people suffering from obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, not diet. High blood pressure, characteristic of many elderly people, also complicates the control of diabetes, causing complications. In addition, they have to take a large amount of drugs against various diseases, and the interactions of some of them may also be negative.

Older people quickly develop complications, most often occurs due to the late detection of diabetes. These complications are more serious, compared with complications developing in relatively young people. Reduced physical and mental abilities will also complicate control of diabetes.

  But despite all this, the goal in the treatment of type II diabetes in older people remains the same – to improve the quality of life and reduction of diabetic complications. However, many doctors agree that if older people need more individualized treatment approach; the treatment should take into account the social status of the patient’s overall health and, of course, wish to cooperate with the doctor and to participate directly in the treatment of their illness.

 In most cases it is better to start treatment with diet and small doses of exercise that will help, if not eliminate, insulin, and then at least reduce the dose.