Diabetes in Old Age

Niddm or Type II Diabetes is usually detected in majority of patients between 40 to 70 years of age. As such with advancing age there may be problems of joint pains, impaired vision, impaired hearing, mobility disorders, urinary problems due to enlarged prostate. For a long time he may attribute diabetic symptoms to aging process. It becomes obvious when for some surgery like cataract, or for dental problem he undergoes investigation and then it is revealed that he is suffering from Diabetes. On further questioning he may complain of frequency of urination. He may give a vague history of some family member suffering from Diabetes. As such there are other problems of joint pains, backache, defective vision and uncontrolled diabetes in the presence of these problems become worse.

Due to Diabetes in elderly persons there could be

• lack of Physical strength and impotency.
• Delayed healing of wound and repeated infections.
• High blood pressure, angina or giddiness due to low Blood Pressure.
• Altered Bowel habits constipation or diarrhoea.
• Attacks of pneumonia or urinary infections.

All these problems can be controlled by keeping Blood Sugar under control by proper diet and by regular exercise.

• They should attend Diabetes education camps and should monitor their Diabetes control by getting Blood Sugar or urine sugar examination once or twice weekly.
• Regular exercise 30 to 45 minute walk will not only help in controlling Diabetes but also helps in controlling weight and high blood pressure.
• Diet schedule should be planned. Avoid missing meals or undue exercise which could lead to hypoglycaemia.
• Avoid taking Extra dose of medicine if you have forgotten in the morning as it may cause hypolycaemia (Low Blood Sugar).
• Whenever there is any evidence of cough or chest infection or urinary infection contact your doctor.
• People whose movements are restricted due to arthritis can perform other types of exercises like stretching of arms or limbs to avoid stiffness of joints.
• Constipation or loose motions are the consequences of diabetes so avoid use of strong laxatives. Control of Blood Sugar and use of fiber in diet like Isafgol husk with water, would help in relieving constipation.