How to Prevent Complications of Diabetes as You Get Older
Diabetes is a common health condition in the United States, and its impact becomes even more significant as you age. Among older adults, the prevalence of diabetes is notable, with nearly 29% of Americans aged 65 and older managing this chronic condition.
As life expectancy increases, the importance of understanding how to manage diabetes and mitigate its potential complications grows.
Managing diabetes in older age presents distinct challenges but also offers opportunities to adopt preventive strategies that protect your health. Recognizing these factors can significantly impact your overall quality of life.
How Aging Impacts Diabetes
Your metabolism slows down, your kidney function decreases, and physical activity levels often change, all of which can influence blood sugar levels and how your body responds to treatment. Being aware of these changes is important for making the right adjustments to your diabetes care plan and staying on top of your health.
Managing diabetes as you age also means closely monitoring potential complications, starting with your cardiovascular health.
Heart Health
Heart health becomes increasingly important, especially when living with diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Diabetes also contributes to other cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, creating a higher chance of complications. For older adults, prioritizing cardiovascular health is an important part of diabetes management.
Monitor key markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels through routine check-ups. Blood pressure control is particularly important, as high blood pressure can strain your heart and arteries, leading to the effects of diabetes.
Similarly, managing cholesterol helps prevent plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Regular testing helps ensure that any changes are detected early and can be taken care of before they lead to serious problems.
Lifestyle changes are one of the most effective ways to protect your heart. A diet focused on heart-healthy foods, such as leafy greens, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. Limiting processed foods, salt, and saturated fats is equally important for keeping cholesterol and blood pressure in check.
Physical activity also plays an important role in cardiovascular health. Exercising regularly, including walking, swimming, or light strength training, helps improve circulation, reduce blood sugar levels, and strengthen your heart. Even 30 minutes of movement most days of the week can have an impact on your overall health. For those who have difficulty with mobility, chair exercises or stretches can still help with circulation and heart function.
Stress management is another key factor in heart health. Chronic stress can elevate blood pressure and blood sugar levels, increasing your risk of cardiovascular complications.
By taking a comprehensive approach that includes regular monitoring, heart-healthy habits, and stress management, you can reduce the impact of diabetes on your cardiovascular system and maintain better overall health.
Beyond your heart, it’s just as important to focus on other areas of your body that diabetes can affect, such as your kidneys, eyes, and feet.
Kidney Function
Diabetes is a major cause of kidney damage, and as you age, your kidneys become more vulnerable to complications.
High blood sugar over time can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys, making it harder for them to filter waste and excess fluids from your body. This can lead to chronic kidney disease, which often progresses silently without noticeable symptoms until it becomes severe.
Regular kidney function tests are important in catching potential problems early. Tests including eGFR or estimated glomerular filtration rate, measure how well your kidneys are working, while urine tests check for protein levels, an early indicator of kidney damage. These simple tests can provide a clear picture of your kidney health and help guide any necessary adjustments to your diabetes management plan.
Staying hydrated is another key step in protecting your kidneys. Proper hydration helps your kidneys efficiently flush out waste and toxins.
Managing your blood sugar levels consistently is equally important, as it reduces strain on your kidneys and helps prevent further damage.
Taking these steps can go a long way in protecting your kidneys as you age. Beyond your internal organs, diabetes can also impact your eyes and feet, making regular screenings and self- care practices just as important.
Vision Loss and Food Complications
As you grow older, diabetes can significantly impact your vision and foot health. High blood sugar over time can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of vision loss in adults. To help maintain healthy eyesight, it’s recommended to schedule annual eye exams. These exams allow healthcare providers to detect early changes and recommend treatment options to protect your vision.
Foot health is another area that requires attention in older adults with diabetes. Nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy, can reduce sensation in your feet, making it difficult to notice injuries or sores. Reduced blood flow can also slow healing, increasing your likelihood of infections or complications such as ulcers. Regular foot checks are a simple but effective way to spot potential issues early. Look for redness, swelling, cuts, or changes in skin condition and take care of them right away.
Choosing properly fitted footwear is another key step in preventing problems. Shoes that provide support without causing friction or pressure can help protect your feet from injury. Keeping your feet clean, dry, and moisturized can prevent common issues such as cracking or infections.
For those with limited mobility or vision, tools such as mirrors or help from a caregiver can assist in maintaining daily foot care. Podiatrist visits can offer additional support and guidance.
The Importance of Routine Checkups
As mentioned, regular checkups play a significant role in detecting and managing potential complications early. These visits allow your doctor to evaluate your overall health, monitor changes, and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
A well-rounded care plan often includes routine lab tests to monitor blood sugar and organ function, vaccinations to protect against various conditions, and periodic medication reviews to make sure your prescriptions are effective and up-to-date.
Staying connected with your doctor also allows you to ask questions and gain a better understanding of your condition. If you have concerns about symptoms or your current treatment plan, discussing them with your doctor can provide guidance.
By keeping up with routine care and working closely with your doctor, you can reduce the risks associated with diabetes and maintain your health as you age.