As you age, the body goes through a series of changes. Some are obvious – like the grey hair and bigger tummy. The others you may not see coming – such as high blood sugar levels. Many older adults experience a change in glucose metabolism.
Over 25% of the American population 65 years or older has diabetes. Even though diabetes is a major burden for the younger-working population, diabetes in the elderly is linked with higher hospital visits, mortality, and functional decline.
Older people with diabetes are more likely to have health problems like cognitive impairment, high blood pressure, kidney, and heart problems. This leads to more hospital admissions compared to older adults without diabetes.
So, why is diabetes such a big problem for the older population? Can you become diabetic at 70 years old? What are the best ways to avoid diabetes in old age? These elderly diabetes guidelines can answer all your queries.
How Does Age Affect Diabetes?
You are more prone to developing multiple medical conditions as you get older. These include high cholesterol and high blood pressure. In fact, age is one of the most predominant risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
Age makes it difficult to exercise. For example, the cartilage that cushions the joints can break down, causing discomfort and pain. This is why many older adults experience physical inactivity and a change in body composition. They can experience a decrease in muscle mass and insulin sensitivity.
You may also develop inflammation. Particularly the build-up of visceral fat – the fat stored in the abdominal cavity. All of these factors can contribute to insulin resistance in older adults. Aging can also change the way the body metabolizes sugar.
Blood sugar levels can fluctuate because of physiological factors that impact the ways the system handles fats, proteins, and carbs. Insulin and blood sugar tend to be higher among the elderly compared to younger people.
Why Is Diabetes More Common Among the Elderly?
Your odds of developing type 2 diabetes are increased if you are inactive, overweight, or have a family history of diabetes. Despite the countless benefits of exercise, roughly 1 in 4 adults 50 years or over are inactive.
Based on recent statistics, 29.3% of American adults aged 65 or over were obese.
The elderly are also at risk of developing diabetes mellitus due to impaired pancreatic islet function and the effects of increasing insulin resistance that comes with old age. This population may be more vulnerable to diabetes-related complications than younger adults living with diabetes.
The complications from diabetes can include heart disease, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and kidney failure. Older adults are also more likely to have one or multiple coexisting conditions, like cardiovascular disease, which can further affect their diabetes.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes in the Elderly?
Symptoms of diabetes in the elderly can vary from person to person. If you recognize any of the following signs, it is important to talk to a specialist. These can include:
– Fatigue
– Increased thirst or hunger
– Urinating often
– Blurred vision
– Wounds that take longer to heal
– Unexplained weight loss
Hypoglycemia mainly affects people with diabetes. Particularly those who take insulin. Age can affect hypoglycemia. The odds of hypoglycemic unawareness (impaired awareness) are much higher in the elderly.
During a small clamp study in people with type 2 diabetes, one-half of the middle-aged patients were able to properly identify low blood sugar levels. But, just 8% of the older patients recognized it.
The reason for that is that hypoglycemia typically presents itself differently in the elderly with diabetes. Other than the symptoms of tremors and sweating, seniors with diabetes should also look out for signs of weakness, confusion, dizziness, and delirium.
Does Diabetes Get Worse as You Get Older?
Diabetes after age 60 often requires more attention. You may have to make a couple of readjustments to your current treatment plan. Even if you take good control of your diabetes, this metabolic disorder can still get worse over time.
The consequences of diabetes in older adults are that people might have to adjust their medication, exercise, and eating habits as their condition progresses. So, what happens to diabetics as they get older?
Seniors should carefully monitor their diabetes. As you age, the odds of complications from diabetes mellitus increase. Without proper management, the disorder can lead to serious health issues. Such as eye problems, nerve damage, heart disease, and more.
You are also more prone to severely low blood sugar. The kidneys may have trouble functioning properly. This hinders the body’s ability to remove diabetes medications from the system. The medicine might end up working longer than it is supposed to, causing the blood glucose to plummet.
Are Most Elderly People Pre-Diabetic?
Prediabetes is a major risk factor for diabetes. The odds of developing it increase with age. It reaches almost 50% of Americans older than 75 years.
Can You Become Diabetic at 70 Years Old?
Diabetes can start at any age. Type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood or during your teenage years. While type 2 can develop at any time and tends to affect adults over 40. Type 1 diabetes develops suddenly, whereas type 2 takes time to develop.
Many people who become diabetic in old age want to know if they can reverse it. Seniors can reverse their type 2 diabetes but can’t reverse their type 1 diabetes. Consult with a healthcare team if you want to work on your metabolic condition. They can recommend some dietary changes, a new physical routine, and other healthy habits that can keep you on the right track.
How to Avoid Diabetes in Old Age?
Changing your lifestyle can help you take a big step toward avoiding diabetes. Prevention is crucial when you are prone to diabetes, unstable cholesterol, or obesity. The tips below can help.
– Add easy exercises to your routine, like walking, swimming, or dancing.
– Consume healthy plant foods with dietary fiber.
– Include whole grains in your eating plan.
– Focus on losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight.