Nov 12, 2021|Health & Medicine
Diabetes, particularly Type 2, affects many older adults. Here’s what you need to know about diabetes and how to delay its onset as you age.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the body cannot properly produce the insulin needed to process glucose and get it into your body’s cells. If you have diabetes, it may mean that your body does not produce enough insulin, may not use insulin properly, or both.
Type 1: Typically diagnosed as a child or young adult, Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body does not produce insulin and is a lifelong condition.
Type 2: Typically diagnosed in middle age or as an older adult, Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin or use insulin well. The chances of getting diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes increases if you are overweight, live a sedentary lifestyle or your family has a history of type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes affects many parts of your body and diligent management is necessary to avoid health issues like heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, eye illnesses and nerve damage which can ultimately lead to amputation. In addition, research has shown that those living with diabetes are more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease and certain cancers.
Ways To Test for Diabetes
Doctors use a variety of techniques and tests for diagnosing diabetes. Discuss the below testing options with your doctor:
How To Manage Type 2 Diabetes
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