Understanding diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Your body breaks down most of the food you eat into sugar (glucose) and releases it into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts like a key to let the blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy.
With diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should. When there isn’t enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, that can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.
Types of Diabetes
There are several types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune reaction where the body attacks itself and stops making insulin. Usually diagnosed in children and young adults, but can occur at any age.
- Type 2 diabetes: The body doesn’t use insulin well and can’t keep blood sugar at normal levels. It develops over many years and is usually diagnosed in adults, though increasingly in younger people.
- Gestational diabetes: Develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. Usually goes away after the baby is born but increases the risk for type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Prediabetes: Blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. About 8 in 10 people with prediabetes don’t know they have it.
Diabetes Statistics
In the United States:
- More than 40 million Americans have diabetes
- More than 1 in 4 adults with diabetes don’t know they have it
- Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death
- Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases
- Diabetes is the No. 1 cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and adult blindness
- The number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled in the last 20 years
Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes in Seniors
Several factors increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes:
- Being overweight or obese
- Physical inactivity
- Age 45 or older
- Family history of diabetes
- History of gestational diabetes
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Prediabetes
- Certain race and ethnicity (African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander)
Symptoms to Watch For
Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections
Type 2 diabetes often develops slowly. In fact, people can have it for years without knowing. Regular blood sugar testing is important, especially if you have risk factors.
Managing Blood Sugar
Managing diabetes involves several key components:
- Healthy eating: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Monitor carbohydrate intake and maintain consistent meal times.
- Physical activity: Regular exercise helps control blood sugar, lose weight, and reduce stress. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Medication: Take prescribed diabetes medications as directed. This may include oral medications or insulin.
- Blood sugar monitoring: Check blood sugar levels regularly as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Regular checkups: Keep appointments for A1C tests, eye exams, foot exams, and other screenings.
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
If you have prediabetes, lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes:
- Lose weight if you’re overweight—even 5% to 7% of body weight can make a difference
- Get regular physical activity
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fiber and low in processed foods
- Join a diabetes prevention program if available
Frequently Asked Questions
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range. It’s a warning sign that you’re at increased risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The good news is that prediabetes can often be reversed with lifestyle changes.
How often should seniors get diabetes screening?
The CDC recommends that all adults start being tested for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes at age 35. If you’re overweight or have other risk factors, your doctor may recommend testing sooner or more frequently. Regular screening is important because early detection allows for earlier intervention.
Can diabetes be cured?
There is currently no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed effectively. With proper management, people with diabetes can live full, active lives and reduce their risk of complications. Some people with type 2 diabetes can achieve remission through significant weight loss and lifestyle changes.
What is the A1C test?
The A1C test is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. It’s one of the main tests used to diagnose diabetes and to monitor how well diabetes treatment is working. For most people with diabetes, an A1C goal of less than 7% is recommended.
Key Takeaways
- Diabetes affects more than 40 million Americans
- Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of all cases
- Prediabetes is common but often undiagnosed
- Lifestyle changes can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes
- Regular blood sugar testing is essential for early detection
- Proper management can prevent serious complications
