Type 2 Diabetes and Seniors

Type 2 Diabetes (or Adult Onset Diabetes) is becoming more and more common these days. And while it is much more manageable these days than even a decade ago, and new treatments are making things easier, there are quite a few lifestyle changes that come with a new diagnosis. What many people don’t realize is that diabetes doesn’t only affect your blood sugar but has an impact on major parts of your body including your heart, kidneys, liver, eyes, and extremities including hands and feet. Left unchecked Diabetes can lead to complications in one or more of these areas of the body.

Many people associate Type 2 Diabetes with being overweight, but there are many reasons someone can become diagnosed with Diabetes. Some causes of Type 2 Diabetes include:

  • Advanced age
  • Obesity
  • Physical inactivity
  • Family history
  • Race/ethnicity

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes include:

  • Feelings of fatigue (due to high blood sugar levels)
  • Increased/intense hunger
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination or more bathroom visits
  • Blurred vision
  • Pain or numbness in the hands or feet
  • Erectile dysfunction in men
Elderly man testing his blood sugar

Treatments and ways to manage Type 2 Diabetes include:

  • Lifestyle changes such as exercising more and/or eating less
  • With diagnosis, regular blood testing will become a normal daily task before meals
  • Medication to help control blood sugar and insulin uptake
  • Insulin injections may become a necessity depending on the severity of the Diabetes

If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one about managing diabetes, please speak with your doctor about treatment and care options and learn as much as you can about diabetes. The more you learn, the better equipped you both will be to make the lifestyle adjustments that come with good diabetes management. Contact Diabetes Canada to find a Diabetes Education Centre in your area. Or call us today at 1-866-982-2737 and speak with some about setting up an at home care assessment today.

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