What are the symptoms of diabetes in the elderly?

Diabetes in the elderly is becoming increasingly more common. According to the International Diabetes Federation, almost a million adults in the UAE suffer from Diabetes. Its signs and symptoms vary from person to person. Some people will show mild symptoms, while others might exhibit more severe symptoms of the disease, like vision or cardiac problems, especially in the late stages. Here are 7 diabetes signs to look out for in older adults:

Increased Thirst and Urination

Diabetes leads to a buildup of excess glucose in the blood, which forces the kidneys to work harder to filter out the sugar. As the kidneys attempt to remove this glucose, it ends up in the urine, drawing extra fluid from the body with it. This fluid loss can make you feel unusually thirsty ( a phenomenon known as polydipsia), prompting you to drink more fluids, which then causes you to urinate more frequently, which is referred to as polyuria in medical terms.

Feeling Tired All the Time

Another symptom of diabetes in older adults is being inexplicably tired, almost all the time. This is because when your blood sugar levels are high, it’s harder for your body to convert glucose into energy. Another reason for fatigue could be diabetes-related fluid & electrolyte losses as a result of the excessive voiding of urine.

Slower Healing

Some older adults with diabetes may find that cuts and bruises may take longer to heal than usual. Another red flag is the formation of sores, particularly on the feet and pressure points, or skin infections that are difficult to resolve. This could be a result of poor circulation due to the effects of diabetes on blood vessels and the resultant decrease in blood flow. Women with diabetes may also be more prone to frequent urinary tract infection like bladder infections for example as the disease also has effects on the body’s immune system.

Sudden Fainting & Increased Hunger

Older adults with diabetes may experience episodes of low blood sugar, a condition known as hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is defined as a blood sugar level below 70 mg. When blood glucose levels are low, the patient may start noticing that has hands are beginning to shake, feels a little confused, and in severe low blood sugar they might even faint. That’s why old people we diabetes are advised to carry around something with sugar in it, like a candy bar, for when they feel the symptoms of low blood sugar.

On the other hand, another warning sign of diabetes in seniors is being hungrier than usual—a condition called polyphagia. Polyphagia happens when diabetes interferes with the body’s ability to utilize the sugar from food, leading to a feeling of persistent hunger.

Numbness In The Hands and Feet

Diabetes doesn’t only affect the blood vessels and the healing process, it also affects the nervous system. This is most commonly noticed by patients who’ve had diabetes for several years as the damage develops slowly over the years with uncontrolled diabetes. Some patients might also experience tingling, weakness, or even pain in the hands and feet.

Vision Impairment & Frequent Headaches

High blood glucose levels can draw fluid out of the lenses of the eyes, leading the normal proteins in the lens to start to break down and the lens becomes cloudy, making it hard for the patient to see clearly. When not properly treated, diabetes can also cause harm the vision in other ways, namely the creation of new blood vessels behind your retina, damaging existing vessels. Eventually, this patient may end up with partial or complete vision loss.

Dry Mouth & Gum Problems

Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth is another sign of diabetes in older adults. When your mouth is unable to produce enough saliva, this may lead to cracked lips and a tongue that feels a little weird and stiff.

Diabetes in the elderly can also cause swollen, painful gums. This is due to the body’s weakened immune system as a result of the disease. This increases the likelihood of infection in your gums and also in the teeth. Additional manifestations of diabetes in the mouth include things like a loose tooth, sores, and pus-filled pockets in your gums.

When should the elderly with diabetes follow up with a doctor?

Those who have diabetes are recommended to follow up with their healthcare provider every 3 to 6 months. The physician may also decide on more frequent visits should the patient’s sugar levels appear to be poorly controlled. Some patients may even need additional medications like pills or insulin injections, others might need to be referred to an endocrinologist or a diabetes specialist.

How to Manage Diabetes in The Elderly?

Effective management of diabetes in the elderly involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels. Here are some effective management strategies:

1. Dietary Modifications

A healthy diet plays a critical role in managing diabetes and decreasing its complications. Older adults should aim to consume:

• Choose nutrient-dense foods: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and fruits.
• Limit consumption of highly processed food items: Foods high in refined sugar, carbs, and fats can cause blood sugar levels to spike and then fall rapidly, leading to poor sugar level control.
• Eat small, frequent, balanced meals: Eating several small meals throughout the day can help keep blood sugar levels stable.

2. Exercise & Active Life Style

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage diabetes, control blood sugar levels and improve overall health. Older adults should:

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (e.g., walking, swimming, or cycling).
• Include strength-training exercises twice a week to help maintain muscle mass, which helps in improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
• Consult your family doctor or general practitioner to determine safe and appropriate types of exercise, especially if there are mobility or health concerns.

3. Adherence To Treatment Regimen

For many older adults, managing diabetes requires medication, including:

• Oral medications such as metformin or sulfonylureas.
• Insulin therapy may be required for those with more advanced diabetes or whose symptoms aren’t controlled with pills alone. It’s crucial for elderly patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to ensure medications are appropriately prescribed, particularly when managing multiple diseases as some drugs might interfere with one another.

4. Prevention of Complications and Early Detection

Regular screenings for complications are vital for older adults with diabetes. These may include:

• Eye exams to detect retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels in the eyes).
• Foot exams to detect signs of neuropathy (nerve damage) or foot ulcers.
• Kidney function tests to detect signs of diabetic nephropathy. Managing these complications early can prevent severe disease and improve quality of life.

5. Social Support and Education

Having a strong support system is vital for elderly people managing diabetes. Family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers can provide assistance with medication management, meal planning, and physical activity. Ongoing education about diabetes self-management and recognizing signs of complications is essential.

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