As the years pass, the bodies of some older persons will gradually mature and age. However, during this journey, some of the “sweet” burdens may come quietly — old age diabetes. Diabetes not only affects the quality of life of older persons but can also lead to a range of serious health problems. As a result, the prevention of diabetes has become an important part of the health management of older persons. Today, we come to explore ways to protect the health of older persons from diabetes through scientific lifestyles and positive attitudes.
I. What is older diabetes?
Older diabetes refers to diabetes among persons aged 60 years and over, including type 2 and type 1 diabetes. Of these, type 2 diabetes is the most common type, accounting for over 90 per cent of older diabetes patients. Old-age diabetes is characterized by hidden diseases, symptoms that are not typical and are often detected after medical examinations or complications.
Risk factors for diabetes in old age
The incidence of diabetes in old age is closely related to a variety of factors, and understanding these risk factors helps us to better prevent and respond to:
Age factor:
As age increases, the metabolic function of the body decreases, insulin resistance increases and the risk of diabetes increases. Age is one of the main risk factors for diabetes in old age.
Family genetics:
If there is a history of diabetes in the family, the risk of diabetes among the elderly increases. Family genetics are like a “sweet shadow” that follows quietly behind family members.
Obesity and overweight:
Obesity is an important risk factor for diabetes, especially in the abdomen. Excessive adipose tissue reduces insulin sensitivity and increases the risk of diabetes.
Bad living habits:
Long-term high-fat, sugary diets, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are all potential risk factors for diabetes in old age.
Chronic diseases:
Chronic diseases such as hypertension, hypertension and coronary heart disease are often associated with diabetes, increasing the risk of diabetes among older persons.
III. Preventive measures against diabetes in old age
Prevention is always better than cure. For older persons, the risk of diabetes can be reduced effectively through scientific lifestyle and health management. The following are practical preventive measures:
A reasonable diet:
Control of caloric intake: The diet of the elderly should be appropriate to avoid over-ingestion of high-heat and fat foods such as fried foods, desserts, etc.
Increased diet fibres: more vegetables, fruits and whole grains, which help control blood sugar and prevent diabetes.
Reduced ingestion of refined sugar: Reduced ingestion of refined sugar such as sugar beverages, candy, pastry, etc. to avoid blood sugar fluctuations.
Rational motion:
Selecting the appropriate way of moving: Older persons can choose low-intensity sports such as walking, Tai Chi, yoga, and exercise without overexhausting their physical strength.
Maintaining physical activity: Medium-intensity movements of 30 minutes per day, such as walking and cycling, help to increase insulin sensitivity and control blood sugar.
Be safe when moving, be safe from falling and being injured, and be advised to exercise with family or friends.
Maintaining healthy weight:
Weight control: Maintaining healthy weight through a reasonable diet and exercise, avoiding obesity and overweight and reducing the risk of diabetes.
Regular monitoring of weight: regular measurement of weight, timely adjustment of diet and exercise habits, and maintenance of the desired body weight range.
No more wine:
Stop smoking: Smoking not only increases the risk of diabetes, but can also lead to many chronic diseases. Older persons should try to stop smoking and protect their health.
Liquor limits: Drinking at a proper level is good for health, but overdrinking increases the risk of diabetes. Older persons should limit alcohol consumption and avoid it.
Periodic medical examinations:
Blood sugar surveillance: The elderly should conduct regular blood sugar surveillance to detect blood sugar abnormalities and prevent the occurrence of diabetes.
Blood resin and blood pressure testing: periodic examination of blood resin and blood pressure, control of chronic diseases and reduction of risk of diabetes.
Mental health:
Maintaining a positive mindset: Older persons should maintain a positive and optimistic mindset that avoids chronic depression and anxiety and helps to prevent diabetes.
Social events: Increased participation in social events, good interaction with family and friends, contributing to mental health and increased immunity.
IV. Early detection and intervention of diabetes in old age
Symptoms of diabetes in old age are often not visible and easily ignored. Early detection and timely intervention are therefore important.
Periodic health checks:
Older persons should conduct regular health checks, including indicators of blood sugar, blood resin, blood pressure, etc., to detect potential health problems in a timely manner.
Early symptoms recognition:
Older persons should be aware of symptoms such as frequent thirst, urination, fatigue, blurred vision, skin aching, etc., timely medical treatment and the exclusion of diabetes.
Early intervention:
If blood sugar abnormalities are detected, early intervention measures such as diet adjustment, increased exercise, use of sugar-reducing drugs etc. should be taken to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications.
Concluding remarks
Older diabetes is like a “sweet burden” and, while it poses a challenge to the lives of older persons, its risk can well be reduced and its health protected through scientific lifestyles and active health management. Understanding the risk factors, preventive measures and the importance of early detection of diabetes in old age helps older persons to better address this health challenge and enjoy a happy old age. Let’s use scientific knowledge and positive attitudes to protect the health of older people from diabetes!
Diabetes
