Type 2 Diabetes and Senior Citizens' Health

Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that affectsType 2 diabetes is often not diagnosed until the
many millions of people Worldwide. For every twocondition has already developed. Sufferers
people that have the condition, another five areexperience some or all of the following
at risk of developing it. Moreover, the onset ofsymptoms, but they are not immediately
type 2 diabetes usually comes later in life sonoticeable as they occur gradually:
senior citizens are particularly at risk of developing- Increased Thirst
the condition. One in five of the population of the- Increased hunger
United States that are aged over 60 has the- Dry mouth
condition.- Frequent urination
What is Diabetes?- Impaired vision
Diabetes is a condition in which your body does- Fatigue
not properly control the amount of glucose in- Headaches
your blood stream, which results in you having- Slow healing sores or cuts
elevated blood sugar levels. This is because your- Itchy skin
body is not producing enough insulin on its own, or- Decreased vision
if your body is not properly using the insulin it- Impotency
does produce. Left unchecked, diabetes can have- Frequent yeast infections
serious complications, some of which can be life- Numbness or tingling in the hands, legs or feet
threatening. Diabetes is the main cause ofIt is estimated that as many as half of all people
blindness in adults of working age.with the condition are unaware that they have it.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form ofIf you are experiencing any of the above
diabetes. 95% of all people diagnosed withsymptoms you should seek medical advice.
diabetes have type 2.How to reduce the risk of developing type 2
What are the causes of type 2 diabetes?diabetes
Other than for those who are geneticallyLife style factors play a role in the development
predisposed to developing the condition, this formof this condition. Adopting a healthy diet, becoming
of diabetes is a result of poor life style choicesmore active and losing weight will reduce your
over many years. These include being overinsulin resistance and can, over time; even
weight or obese, having a poor diet, and havingreverse the effects of the condition.
an inactive life style. It is little wonder that soMaking simple changes to your lifestyle can
many senior citizens have the condition and manysignificantly improvement the management of
more are at risk of developing it.your condition and may even prevent you from
What are the symptoms?developing type 2 diabetes.