Page 28 - Diabetes

12 WAYS TO
AGE WELL

with Diabetes

By David Spero, RN
1 CONTROL YOUR GLUCOSE LEVELS. Some experts believe that how you keep sugars
AGING WITH DIABETES
is not a curse. It can be a positive time of If you can keep your glucose close to normal, down is more important than the actual numbers.
growth, happiness and peace. However, it’s you dramatically reduce the risk of diabetes- Many times, doctors will pile on medications to
important to note that managing diabetes related complications. lower sugars or treat the health problems of aging
in the golden years may present challenges How tight should control be? Some say lower is with diabetes. Overprescribing creates a number of
ranging from changes in metabolism and better, but lower also means more risk of hypoglycemia problems. Because older people have less kidney and
increased insulin resistance to medication (low blood sugar), which can cause dizziness, falls liver function to process drugs, they have more risk of
management. But thanks to better tools and other accidents. Because of risks like these, the interactions and side effects.
and technology advancements, people American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends However, controlling your A1C with exercise
managing diabetes have the opportunity looser diabetes control for older people. Whereas and healthy, low-carb, high-fiber eating does not
to live longer than ever before. younger adults are usually advised to keep the carry the risks of control by drugs. You may want
hemoglobin A1C (a measure of average glucose to work with your health-care practitioner to find
Here is a list of 12 strategies to levels for the previous two to three months) under a plan that’s right for you and talk with your
help you manage your diabetes 7%, people over 65 may be advised to shoot for 7.5%. pharmacist and doctor about lowering doses or
with confidence as you age. Seniors in poor health may be told that 8% or even discontinuing some drugs. The same applies to
higher is the best target for them, despite the risk that herbal medications—if you’re older, start with Shutterstock/asife
complications may increase with higher A1C numbers. lower doses.
26 March/April 2018