The Effects of Diabetes on Aging Adults Research Paper

The Effects of Diabetes on Aging Adults - Research Paper Example This paper gives an understanding of diabetes in older adults and the needs for nutrition, exercise and care. The Effect of Diabetes on the Aging Adult As adults age, there are many factors that they must take into consideration to make sure that they age gracefully. Many adults find that as they age, they are met with issues that they may not have had when they were younger. As an example, adults who are not active will sometimes run the risk of arthritis and other bone or joint ailments. Their doctor may tell them that they must continue to do exercise because it will help some types of arthritis. Adults can also find that they gain weight easier or that weight is more difficult to take off as they grow older. These are natural aspects of aging, but they do not have to be long lasting. In looking at the area of nutrition and aging, this researcher has chosen to study the idea of diabetes in the aging population. Defining Diabetes Type 2 diabetes also known as adult onset diabetes, is a chronic condition and it affects the way that the body processes sugar or glucose, which is the body's main source fuel (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Basically, this means that a person's body has a resistance to the hormone insulin that is responsible for moving glucose through the body. Some people do not produce enough insulin to maintain a glucose level within normal ranges. Both of these conditions are a product of Type 2 diabetes. Although there is no cure for the disease, there are many ways that an individual can manage it. There are many symptoms that people may ignore because they may not create a problem for them. These symptoms include: 1. Increased thirst and/or frequent urination -- this happens when sugar builds up in the bloodstream. Fluid is taken from the tissues to compensate and this can result in the individual becoming very thirsty. 2. Increased hunger -- the muscles and organs lose energy when they do not have enough insulin and this increases hunger. 3. Lose of w eight -- many people lose weight because the body does not use glucose properly. The body will use any fuel it can get which means it will look to what is stored in the muscles and fat. 4. Fatigue -- people with Type 2 diabetes often report that they are tired and irritable. 5. Blurred vision -- this is an indication that the sugar in the body is too high. When this happens, fluid is taken from the eyes so the vision is blurred. 6. Slow healing sores or frequent infections -- if this occurs it is best to talk to a doctor because it is a symptom that happens in people who have diabetes. 7. Areas of darkened skin -- people with Type 2 diabetes may find darkened areas in their armpits or around their neck. This could be a sign that the individual is resistant to insulin (Mayo Clinic). An individual is more likely to develop diabetes as they age if they fit into several categories: 1. They are over 45 years of age. 2. They have high blood pressure. 3. They are obese. 4. They have a fami ly history of diabetes and are African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American or Pacific Islander. 5. Have blood vessel problems that affect their legs, heart or brain. 6. Have abnormal cholesterol (lipid) levels. (National Diabetes Education Program). Demographics of Older Adults with Diabetes When an adult is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important for them to go to a doctor to find out whether they have diabetes. According to