Diabetes Month

It is estimated that 23.6 million people in the United States have diabetes. 17.9 million Americans were diagnosed with the disease and another 5.7 million are unaware they are diabetic. November is National Diabetes month. The American Diabetes Association, a national movement this month to end diabetes. In recognition of this, the result will be to discuss aging issues that affect older adults with diabetes. Diabetes impacts the whole body including the sensation of a person of vision. Although diabetes can affect one's ability to age in place, it should not stop there.

Type I diabetes:

Insulin is a hormone needed to change carbohydrates and other foods into energy. When someone has diabetes, their body does not produce or properly use insulin.

It is estimated that 5-10% of the U.S. population has diabetes type I. Type I diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body does not produce insulin.

The symptoms of type I diabetes may include:

• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Extreme hunger
• Increased thirst and urination

Diabetes mellitus type II

Type II Diabetes is a chronic disease and the most common form of diabetes. It occurs when there is excess sugar in the blood and the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. Diabetes can affect all organs of the body.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include:

• Weight loss
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• frequent infections and / or slow healing wounds

Having a family history of disease, excess body weight and inactivity increases the likelihood of contracting the disease. In addition, American Indians, Asian Americans, African Americans and Hispanics have a higher incidence of the disease as do adults over 45 years.

According to the American Diabetes Association:

• There is an increased risk of stroke in people with diabetes, as much as 2-4 times higher
• Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among adults aged 20-74
• Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure
• Diabetes can cause nerve damage
• The incidence of amputation is 10 times higher in diabetics than non diabetics
• Its estimated that one third of people with diabetes have severe periodontal disease
• Having diabetes makes you more susceptible to other diseases

People with diabetes can face the challenges of aging in place, but they can still do it successfully and safely. Visit the aging Suite coming weeks we will talk more about diabetes and share tips and technologies that can benefit anyone suffering from diabetes.

Sources: The American Diabetes Association and MayoClinic.com