Diabetes is a serious disease and it affects many older adults. The ageing of the overall population is a significant driver of the diabetes epidemic. Although the burden of diabetes is often described as it impacts on the working-age adults, diabetes in older adults is linked to higher mortality, reduced functional status, etc. older adults with diabetes are at a substantial risk for both acute and microvascular and cardiovascular complications of the disease. 

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Our bodies turn a lot of the food we eat into sugar, called glucose, which is used to provide us energy. To use glucose as energy, our body needs insulin, hormone that helps glucose to get to our body cells. If you have diabetes, your body may not make enough insulin or, may not use insulin in the right way or both. That can cause too much glucose to stay in blood, which can cause health problems over time. 

DIABETES AND COVID-19

Older adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be more at risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19, respiratory diseases that is more serios than flu. It is important to take precautions to avoid infections when dealing with this virus. If you feel that you have been exposed to COVID-19, it is important to talk to your health care providers about the problems or symptoms you are having. 

TYPES OF DIABETES

• Type 1 diabetes, the body does not make insulin, although older adults can develop this type of diabetes, it begins most often in children and young adults. 
• Type 2 diabetes, the body does not make or use insulin well. It is the most common type of diabetes. It occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults, but it can also affect children. The chances of suffering from type 2 diabetes is more if you are overweight, inactive, or have a family history of diabetes. Women with a history of gestational diabetes also have a greater chance of procuring the disease. 

EFFECTS ON THE BODY

Diabetes can affect many parts of the body. It is important to manage diabetes because, over time, it can cause serious health problems like heart diseases, stroke, kidney diseases, eye problems and nerve damage that may lead to amputation. Also, people with type 2 diabetes may be at greater risk for cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. 

DIABETES AND BRAIN HEALTH

If you have diabetes, your doctor may screen you for depression or cognitive impairment. Older adults with diabetes are at a higher risk for these conditions, compared with others their age who do not have diabetes. Having depression or cognitive impairment can make diabetes self-care challenging.