How Older Adults Can Manage Diabetes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 33 percent of adults aged 65 and older have diabetes.

Age can complicate treatment and expose seniors to unique risk factors. Whether caring for yourself or a loved one, learn more about this condition.

What Is Diabetes?

During the digestion process, your body converts food to glucose for cells to use as energy. At the same time, insulin is generated to help regulate the amount of glucose in your blood.

Type 2 diabetes occurs in response to elevated glucose levels in the blood as the production of insulin declines. Over time, excess glucose builds up in the body, which can lead to other health complications. Seniors typically develop type 2 diabetes as they gain weight with age.

Managing Diabetes

Diabetes management involves monitoring and controlling glucose levels. A hemoglobin A1C test is done at the doctor’s office every three to six months and a glucose test, also called a fasting blood sugar test, can be done at home. The frequency of a glucose test will vary from patient to patient.

Type 2 diabetes is further controlled through a source of insulin or a drug, like an SGLT2 inhibitor, that restricts glucose in the blood, as well as by making lifestyle changes.

For older adults managing diabetes, potential complications and concerns include:

• An elevated risk for heart disease, heart attack, stroke, vision issues, hypoglycemia, kidney problems, incontinence and chronic wounds.
• More significant complications from diabetes, including peripheral neuropathy, pressure ulcers, nerve pain and poor vision, all of which increase risks for falls.
• Medication side effects and interactions, which often arise from taking a high blood pressure or high cholesterol drug.

How to Monitor Diabetes as an Older Adult

For people over age 65, diabetes management should include the following steps.

Checking A1C Levels

An A1C test measures average blood sugar levels over the past three months. While a normal level for people over age 65 is 4.4–6.6%, older adults with comorbid conditions may have elevated A1C levels.

A senior without any preexisting health or cognitive issues should aim for a level of 7.0–7.5%. This increases to 8.0–8.5% for those with a chronic illness or dementia.

Making Lifestyle Changes

Adjustments to your lifestyle may include:

• Losing weight
• Eating smaller portions
• Adding more vegetables, fruits, fiber and lean proteins to your diet
• Limiting sugar and fat
• Cutting out alcohol
• Quitting smoking
• Getting more exercise
• Properly managing all medications

Staying on Top of Appointments

Make sure to attend all doctor’s appointments. For older adults, diabetes management often involves coordinating treatment with your primary care provider and other specialists like an endocrinologist, ophthalmologist or podiatrist.

Based on your current health:

• Keep a schedule of all appointments and share a copy with your loved ones
• If you’re starting to lose your vision or mobility, ask for a ride or use public transit
• Write down recommendations from your doctor or have a loved one take notes
• Always research and discuss medication interactions with your doctor

Getting Assistance

If you lack the vision or dexterity, have someone help you or explore alternatives, including:

• Having a family member or medical professional administer your insulin injections
• Choosing a lower-maintenance solution in place of injections, like an insulin pump
• Organizing your medications into a daily pill box or having them presorted
• Setting reminders to take your medications and attend appointments
• Self-inspecting or having a loved one check your feet for ulcers, blisters and redness
• If you cannot bend into the proper position, having someone clip your toenails and apply moisturizer to help prevent pressure ulcers and other foot injuries

 
To prevent prediabetes or manage type 2 diabetes, consult the medical team at Avon Health Center. To learn more about our services, contact us today.