Diabetes
By: Administrator
Updated: December 19, 2011
More than one in five senior citizens has diabetes. If you are over age 45 you should consult your health care provider about testing for pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. You are at greater risk of developing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes if you:
-- are age 45 or older
-- have a family history of diabetes
-- are overweight
-- have an inactive lifestyle (exercise less than three times a week)
-- are members of a high-risk ethnic population (e.g., African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian American, Pacific Islander)
-- have high blood pressure: 140/90 mm/Hg or higher
-- have an HDL cholesterol less than 35 mg/dL or a triglyceride level 250 mg/dL or higher
-- have a history of disease of the blood vessels to the heart, brain, or legs
-- have had IFG or IGT on previous testing.
Today we have a great formula for prevention. This includes regular physical activity and changing the way we eat, especially reducing our fat consumption. Prevention of the onset of diabetes is much better than having the disease. Modern medicine has made great progress when it comes to treating diabetes. For seniors, we highly recommend that you consult your doctor if you think you may have one or more of the signs and symptoms of diabetes.
