Diabetes is common in the elderly population. By the age of 75, approximately 20% of the population are afflicted with this illness. Diabetes in elderly adults is metabolically distinct from diabetes in younger patient populations, and the approach to therapy needs to be different in this age group.

Author:
Graydon S. Meneilly, Daniel TessierCited by:
Publish Year:
2001

What are the symptoms of diabetes in the elderly?

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include feeling tired, increased hunger or thirst, losing weight without trying, urinating often, or having trouble with blurred vision. You may also get skin infections or heal slowly from cuts and bruises.

How is diabetes treated in the elderly?

Elderly patients should be treated with the principle of “start low and go slow”. Oral antidiabetic drugs and insulin are used in the treatment of diabetes in the elderly .

What are the symptoms of dying from diabetes?

What are the signs of end-of-life due to diabetes? using the bathroom frequently. increased drowsiness . infections. increased thirst . increased hunger. itching. weight loss. fatigue .

What is the life expectancy of someone with diabetes?

Average life expectancy in 2015 in the non- diabetic population is around 74.8 years with longer life expectancy for the female than male population (78 years vs 71) (Table 2). Patients with Type 1 DM and with Type 2 DM are expected to have an average life of 70.96 and 75.19 years at the end of observed period.

What should elderly diabetics eat?

Here are the foods that seniors with diabetes should have on their shopping list: Healthy Carbs. These include whole grains, legumes such as peas and beans, lentils, fruits and veggies and dairy products that are low in fat. High Fiber Foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables. Lean Protein. Eat the Right Fats.

What is normal blood sugar for seniors?

Normal blood sugar levels are less than 100 mg/dL after not eating (fasting) for at least eight hours. And they’re less than 140 mg/dL two hours after eating. During the day, levels tend to be at their lowest just before meals.

Does diabetes get worse as you get older?

About 1 in 4 adults over age 60 have diabetes . Having the disease makes you more likely to get some serious complications. And so does getting older . The combination of the two can even make some health problems worse .

What should I eat if my sugar is high?

Here are seven foods that Powers says can help keep your blood sugar in check and make you happy and healthy to boot. Raw, Cooked, or Roasted Vegetables. These add color, flavor, and texture to a meal. Greens. Flavorful, Low-calorie Drinks. Melon or Berries. Whole-grain, Higher -fiber Foods. A Little Fat. Protein.

How do you feel when your blood sugar is too high?

If your blood sugar level is too high , you may experience: Increased thirst. Frequent urination. Fatigue. Nausea and vomiting. Shortness of breath. Stomach pain. Fruity breath odor. A very dry mouth.

How do most diabetics die?

1. Diabetes isn’t a serious disease. Diabetes is a serious, chronic disease. In fact, two out of three people with diabetes will die from cardiovascular-related episodes, such as a heart attack or stroke.

What is end stage diabetes?

If your loved one has end – stage diabetes , it’s vital that you stay alert for cues that could indicate a worsening of their condition. Look for these signs of high blood sugar: Excessive thirst and increased urination. Unusual infections. Unexpected feelings of tiredness.

What color is diabetic urine?

Diabetes insipidus is a rare condition that causes your body to make a lot of urine that is “insipid,” or colorless and odorless. Most people pee out 1 to 2 quarts a day.

What age do most diabetics die?

A 55-year-old male with type 2 diabetes could expect to live for another 13.2–21.1 years, while the general expectancy would be another 24.7 years. A 75-year-old male with the disease might expect to live for another 4.3–9.6 years, compared with the general expectancy of another 10 years.

Do Diabetics live shorter lives?

People with type 1 diabetes , on average, have shorter life expectancy by about 20 years. People with type 2 diabetes , on average, have shorter life expectancy by about 10 years.

What is diabetic belly?

The diabetic stomach is a manifestation of diabetic autonomic neuropathy. It is characterized by potentially debilitating gastrointestinal symptoms and can also interfere with glucoregulation by contributing to a vicious cycle of delayed emptying of food or oral medications.