As what we can do with most illnesses, prevention must always be prioritized over management and cure. Diabetes is no exception to this.

Of course, while we’re young, preventing, and even managing, diabetes is easier to do as compared to when we’re older. 

But what if we’re not as young as we used to be or have an elderly loved one already dealing with or facing the disease in their later years?

The good news is there are many ways you can manage diabetes as you get older and help prevent other health problems related to the disease.

But first let’s understand what diabetes is. 

Understanding diabetes and its types

Diabetes happens when we have too much sugar in our blood. 

That sugar is known as glucose, and it happens to be our body’s primary source of energy. However, in order for our bodies to convert it to energy, it needs to produce insulin.

If you have diabetes, your body may not make enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes), or utilize it properly (Type 2 diabetes), or both.

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder caused by an overactive immune system. People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin regularly. It affects about 1.3 million people in the US. 

• Type 2 diabetes is a hormonal condition. People with this type of diabetes produce insulin in their bodies but their organs fail to use it properly because of insulin resistance. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximates that 1 in 10 people in the US has diabetes.

Managing diabetes while aging

Though Type 1 diabetes more commonly begins in children and young adults, it can develop in older adults as well. No matter the age, managing this condition requires regular intravenous insulin intake and consultations with physicians. 

Managing Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a different story. In fact, many people with Type 2 diabetes can manage their glucose levels with only proper diet and exercise — the same lifestyle changes that are a must in preventing the disease. 

Timely testing and consultation

While testing for diabetes is crucial at any age for those who are at risk or show symptoms of the disease, this is especially true for older adults.

Older adults may consider symptoms of diabetes as simply part of aging. However, they can be signs of underlying problems that are more serious and need immediate treatment. 

Thus, consulting a doctor is important to find out what’s really causing the symptoms. 

Right combination of nutrition and medication

With older adults, their diabetes medication may come with insulin injections or other medicines to manage conditions, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. 

Since we also get glucose from food, having nutritious and delicious meals and portions that won’t spike an older adult’s glucose levels as much is incontrovertibly vital. 

Thus, whether they’re at home or in a facility, it’s also important that older adults’ diets and lifestyles are monitored, preferably by licensed healthcare professionals.

Consistent, doable (and safe) activities

Walking is inarguably the safest, most natural, and absolutely free way of lowering glucose levels, especially for older adults. 

Other forms of physical activities are also encouraged. Just make sure that they are recommended by your healthcare team, so they can prescribe you with exercises that you can enjoy and are suited for you. 

Having a fitness plan for older adults is recommendable in many ways, since physical activity can influence and improve cognitive functions. This is especially helpful for older adults, since having diabetes can also contribute to cognitive impairment and depression. 

Managing diabetes may not be as easy and convenient as when you were younger. But with proper knowledge, a loving family, and a caring healthcare team, dealing with diabetes in old age will be far more manageable.