Monday, July 23, 2012

Diabetes in the elderly | Revista Women's Health

The body gets glucose from the food you eat, the liver and muscles also provide your body with glucose. The blood transports glucose into cells throughout the body. Insulin, a hormone chemical helps the body cells to enjoy glucose. Insulin is produced by beta cells of the pancreas and released into the bloodstream.

If the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin does not work as it should, glucose can not enter body cells. Instead of glucose in the blood must remain causing an increase in blood glucose level. This level of glucose in blood causes prediabetes or diabetes.

Pre-diabetes means that the blood glucose level is greater than average, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Having pre-diabetic glucose levels increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease and stroke.

However, if you have pre-diabetes there are many ways to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Moderate physical activity and a healthy diet and modest weight loss can prevent type 2 diabetes and help a person with pre-diabetes to return to normal levels of blood glucose.

Symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, very hungry, tiredness, weight loss, untreated, ulcers that heal slowly, dry skin, itchy skin that is, loss of feeling or tingling in the feet , and blurred vision. However, some people with diabetes do not experience any of these symptoms.

Diabetes can develop at any age. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. It is usually diagnosed in children, adolescents or young adults. In this type of diabetes, pancreatic beta cells are no longer able to produce insulin because they have been destroyed by the body?s immune system.

Type 2 diabetes is also known as adult onset diabetes or noninsulin-dependent diabetes. It can develop at any age, including childhood. In this type of diabetes is the result of insulin resistance, a condition in which the body?s cells do not interact properly with insulin.

At first, the pancreas is able to produce more insulin to keep up with the growing demand for insulin. However, you lose the ability to compensate for the inability of the body cells to interact properly with insulin over time. Insulin is unable to help the cells take glucose, this results in high levels of blood glucose.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. A healthy weight contributed by a high-calorie diet and physical inactivity increases the risk of developing this form of diabetes.

Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives and the islands of Asia and the Pacific are at especially high risk for type 2 diabetes developin.

Gestational diabetes refers to the development of diabetes in the later stages of pregnancy. It is caused by hormones associated with pregnancy and the lack of insulin. This form of diabetes disappears after the baby is born, but put both mother and child at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adulthood.

Diabetes is a serious, if not well controlled, which damages the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, gums and teeth. Diabetes makes you more than twice as likely as a person without diabetes to have heart disease or stroke.

It is important to maintain blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol under control to avoid the serious complications associated with diabetes. Taking steps to control diabetes can have a major impact on one?s health.

Risk factors and prevention

Diabetes is a serious disease with no cure. Control of blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol can help prevent or delay the complications associated with diabetes such as heart disease and stroke. Much research is being done to find ways to treat diabetes.

Risk Factors

Type 1 diabetes is classified as an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease results from the body?s own immune system that fights infection, turning against the body.

At present, it is unclear what exactly causes the body?s immune system turning on itself by attacking and destroying insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.

There are genetic and environmental factors, such as viruses, which participate in the development of type 1 diabetes. Researchers are working to identify these factors and prevent type 1 diabetes in people at risk.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with being overweight pressure, hypertension and abnormal cholesterol levels. Excess weight can contribute to a body to use insulin properly.

Other risk factors include:

  • Having a family history of diabetes, perhaps a parent, brother or sister.
  • With an African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American or Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American / Latino.
  • Having a history of heart disease.
  • Having a history of gestational diabetes.
  • A sedentary lifestyle

Prevention

Small changes in lifestyle can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in people at risk. Here are some helpful tips.

  • Maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight has many adverse health effects and can prevent the body from properly using insulin. You can also contribute to hypertension. Research shows that even a small amount of weight loss can reduce personal risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
  • Choose healthy foods. What we put in our bodies has a major impact on our health and how our body. Eating healthy helps control body weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
  • Be active. Find a physical activity you enjoy that gets your heart pumping, perhaps brisk walking, dancing or doing yard work. Try to be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week ? research shows it helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Diabetes is sometimes referred to as a ?silent? disease because people can not show any signs or symptoms. Symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst frequent urination, very hungry, tiredness, weight loss, untreated, ulcers that heal slowly, dry skin, itchy skin that is, loss of feeling or tingling feet, and blurred vision. However, some people with diabetes do not experience any of these symptoms.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop gradually, while type 1 diabetes develops most rapidly.

Doctors use various tests to diagnose diabetes. Tests to diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetes include fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A plasma glucose test at random allows physicians to diagnose diabetes only.

If any of these tests show that you may have diabetes, your doctor will need to repeat the test of fasting plasma glucose test or oral glucose tolerance test on a different day to confirm the diagnosis.

Because type 2 diabetes is more common in older people, especially in overweight, doctors recommend that anyone 45 years of age or tested for diabetes. If you are 45 years or older and overweight, getting tested is highly recommended.

Older adults are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially if they are overweight. Doctors recommend that people over age 45 be tested for diabetes, especially if they are overweight.

Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to pain, disability and death. Sometimes people have symptoms but do not suspect diabetes. It takes in scheduling a checkup because they do not feel sick.

Despite the risk of diabetes due to age and weight, people often delay the start of a review because they have no symptoms. Sometimes people experience symptoms do not realize that it may be diabetes. However, diabetes is a serious disease that if left untreated, can lead to dangerous complications and even death.

Many times, people are not diagnosed with diabetes until they experience one of its complications such as heart problems or trouble seeing. Early detection can prevent or delay these complications, so that the tests even more important.

Treatment

There is no cure for diabetes, but with careful monitoring of the level of blood glucose and cholesterol levels and blood pressure, it can handle.

People with type 1 diabetes using insulin injections, injection or an insulin pump to control their blood glucose levels. People with type 2 diabetes using oral medications, insulin or both to control their blood glucose levels. In some cases of type 2 diabetes, a person can use diet and exercise alone to maintain adequate levels of blood glucose.

Managing your blood sugar includes several lifestyle changes. These include:

  • Follow an eating plan that makes sense to you and how your body responds to different foods you eat.
  • Incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.
  • Take the right medication for diabetes and control their glucose levels in blood in a manner that is consistent with the recommendations of doctors is also key.
  • Treatment and research ? diet and exercise

Follow a meal plan

To maintain their blood glucose in the correct range, it is important to make healthy choices when you eat food. People with diabetes should have their own eating plan that makes sense with the way your body responds to different types of food they eat. That can help build a proper eating plan.

In developing your meal plan, several things must be considered as your weight, daily physical activity, levels of blood glucose and medication.

A meal plan will help you achieve a healthy weight for those who are overweight, as well as help control blood glucose levels. A dietitian can help clarify misconceptions about healthy eating and ease that you and your family in a plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.

It is not necessary for people with diabetes to eat only certain foods rather than foods that are good for everyone are also good for diabetics. Such food includes those that are low in fat, salt and sugar.

Foods that are high in fiber like whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables are also good choices. Make healthy choices in your diet will help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, control their glucose levels in the blood and prevent heart disease.

Exercise regularly

Staying active is very important for people diagnosed with diabetes. Research has shown better blood glucose levels in older adults and seniors participating in a regular exercise program.

The exercise provides many health benefits that are especially important for people with diabetes. It helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, promotes the functioning of insulin to lower blood sugar, strengthens the heart and lungs and increases energy.

If exercise is new to you, talk to your doctor before starting. Some exercises, weight lifting for example, may not be safe for people with eye problems or high blood pressure. Ask your doctor to check your heart and feet to ensure that no special problems associated with diabetes. Also, ask your doctor to help you find exercises that are safe for you.

Make physical activity part of your daily life. Go walking, bicycling, or yard. Try dancing or swimming, or just stay active doing work around the house. Try different activities and find ways to increase physical activity in their daily lives.

Try to get some exercise every day for at least 30 minutes. If you are new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the amount and intensity of your exercise.

Medication

Insulin

People with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes use insulin to lower blood glucose levels. People have to take insulin when your body does not have enough. Insulin is a hormone liquid to be injected with injections or an insulin pump.

Pills for diabetes

In many cases of type 2 diabetes, the body produces enough insulin, but not well used by the body. Diabetes pills are used to correct this problem. Some are taken once a day while others must be taken more often.

It is important to ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take your pills. Also, make sure to talk with your doctor if you are experiencing side effects or the tablets do wrong. Finally, remember that diabetes pills should be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.

Other cases of type 2 diabetes need insulin or diabetes pills, instead of a healthy diet and regular physical activity treat your diabetes.

Self-control

It is important to monitor levels of blood glucose regularly using a blood glucose monitor. Registration of these levels in a journal can also be useful to get a better idea of how your treatment. Some people should check their blood glucose in the blood several times a day while others will be checked once a day. Ask your doctor how often you should test your blood.

Monitoring glucose levels will help to detect ?high? and ?low.? A condition known as hypoglycemia occurs when glucose levels drop too low. When this happens, a person can become unstable and confused. If the levels of glucose in the blood become too low, a person can faint.

Following the treatment plan recommended by your doctor as well as monitoring glucose levels in the blood may help prevent ?the minimum?. If your blood glucose is too low, can be increased by ingestion of food or sugary drinks like fruit juices.

A condition known as hyperglycemia results when glucose levels are too high. If blood glucose is too high, can cause a person to go into a coma. If you experience persistent ?maximum?, talk to your doctor, you may need to adjust your treatment plan.

ABCs of Diabetes Control

People with diabetes are at especially high risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Because of this, it is important to control their diabetes with its ?ABC?.

  1. A1c or the mean blood glucose
  2. Blood pressure
  3. Cholesterol

The A1c test (a-a-c) is a good measure of what your blood glucose is most of the time. A result less than 7 is a positive sign that your diabetes is under control. A test result which is greater than 7 means that blood glucose levels are too high.

If your A1c level is too high, take action. Talk to your doctor about changing your treatment plan and lifestyle to achieve your goal. Lowering your A1C level at a healthy level will help to avoid complications associated with diabetes such as heart disease and kidney damage.

High blood pressure can lead to strokes, kidney disease and other complications. In general, people with diabetes want to keep your blood pressure below 130/80. Control your blood pressure at every visit. If too high, talk to your doctor about how you can lower it.

Cholesterol, LDL cholesterol in particular, is a fatty substance that builds up as the arteries. If your cholesterol levels are too high causes the arteries to narrow. This can lead to heart disease or heart attack. People with diabetes should try to keep your cholesterol below 100. Have your doctor check your cholesterol, and if too high to talk to him or her about how to reach their cholesterol goal.

Foot and skin care

High levels of glucose and decreased blood supply to the extremities can cause severe nerve damage and loss of sensation. Inadvertent injury can contribute to ulcers, which can lead to amputation. Because of this, foot care is very important for people with diabetes.

Examine your feet daily for cuts, spots, sores, infected toenails, and inflammation. Report any problems to your doctor and make sure you have your feet checked at every doctor visit. People with diabetes are more prone to skin lesions and infections, for this reason, the skin care is also important.

Source: http://revistawomenshealth.com/diseases/diabetes/diabetes-elderly.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=diabetes-elderly

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