Type 2 Diabetes - Detecting Diabetes in Older People


The onset of Type 2 diabetes is a major concern for so many people. One of the groups who are the most concerned with the onset of this disease are the elderly. Factors such as age, weight gain, and having a sedentary life style lead to the development of this condition. That is why it is so important for the elderly to keep close tabs on their health.



So, what is elderly? Every year the definition of elderly seem to change, but mostly the age of 65 is considered as being the beginning of elderly.

The main problem that occurs is Type 2 diabetes is often overlooked since many elderly individuals have other existing medical problems. The symptoms of these conditions often mirror those of diabetes and, therefore, masks the diabetic symptoms from being identified. It is important for the elderly to undergo routine testing for Type 2 diabetes... especially those who are at an elevated risk of developing it. Type 2 diabetes runs in families, usually people with Type 2 diabetes can find a relative who has had the disease.

Diabetes is often difficult to diagnose because of the decline of the individual's health due to aging. Such diabetic symptoms as dry mouth or excessive urination might be classic symptoms of diabetes, but they are also normal aspects that come with age.

Vision is another overlooked area. Eyesight fades with age, but it is also a classic example of possibly having Type 2 diabetes. The difference is that diabetes-induced vision problems can and will eventually lead to blindness.

Our bodies process food differently in our golden years and the needs of the body change also. Eating habits often fluctuate greatly and it takes a different level of various types of food in order to receive the same benefits as younger individuals receive. Foods that a younger person can get away with having are not recommended for the elderly due to how their body responds to them.

As we age, we typically slow down our level of physical activity. Adding to this is the dramatic drop in muscle mass. After age 40, men can lose as much as 10 percent of muscle every decade if they are not working out to reverse this effect. Since muscle burns fat more efficiently, this added defense is not in place to ward off the effects of high blood sugar and Type 2 diabetes.

Unfortunately, many elderly people do not practice the right eating habits. Many will skip meals or eat simple carbs at mealtime. Some do it because they are not expending a large amount of energy and some out of necessity since they are on fixed incomes. Regardless of the reason, a failure to consume the right mixture of foods can expedite the illness in an individual who has been teetering on the edge of a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Elderly people with Type 2 diabetes have special problems, the main culprit seems to be increasing insulin resistance with aging. Elderly people with Type 2 diabetes may complain of appetite loss or weakness, and they may lose weight rather than gain it. Nevertheless, it is possible to take control of the disease... and take back your health and your life.

For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body.

The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers

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