Diabetes After 50: The Rules Have Changed!
Managing type 2 diabetes after age 50: What you need to know
Diabetes can affect people of any age, but managing type 2 diabetes often becomes more complicated as you age. Here are some of the major changes you may notice after age 50, and steps you can take to stay healthy:
Your symptoms may change
As you age, the way your body responds to high blood sugar may change. Some symptoms you previously relied on may become less noticeable or disappear altogether. For example, you may have previously felt very thirsty when your blood sugar was high, but with age, you may lose that feeling of thirst, or may not feel any different at all.
That’s why it’s important to be aware of how you’re feeling and report any new or unusual symptoms to your doctor. It becomes even more important to keep a close eye on your condition as you age.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, older people with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke, than younger individuals.
The good news is that there are many ways to manage this risk. Lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity and a heart-healthy diet, as well as prescribed medications, can help you keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control. If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure or high cholesterol, talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment plan for you.
Diabetes symptoms around menopause: What to know at age 50
Although menopause can start earlier in some people, the average age is about 51, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. If you have diabetes and are entering menopause at age 50, it’s important to understand how hormonal changes, particularly a drop in estrogen, can affect your health.
Increased heart health risk
Estrogen plays a protective role in heart health, so a drop in its levels during menopause can increase your risk for cardiovascular problems. Since diabetes already increases your risk for heart disease, this combination means you should be especially vigilant about your heart health.
Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol closely, and report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. People going through menopause may not always experience the classic signs of heart disease, so it’s important to recognize less obvious symptoms.
Possible Signs of Heart Trouble
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that heart-related symptoms in women may include:
- Dull or sharp chest pain
- Pain in the jaw, neck, or throat
- Back or stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen joints
- Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Other Health Changes to Watch For
A 2012 study found that older women with diabetes may experience additional challenges during menopause, such as:
- Urinary incontinence
- Increased risk of falls, which can lead to hip or shoulder fractures
Being proactive with your health, through regular checkups, managing your blood sugar, and staying active, can help you navigate this stage of life more safely and comfortably.
Increased Risk of Severe Hypoglycemia with Age
Hypoglycemia—low blood sugar—is a serious side effect of some diabetes medications, and the risk becomes greater as you age.
A 2012 study found that older adults are more prone to hypoglycemia. One key reason is that kidney function tends to decline with age, making it harder for your body to clear diabetes medications. As a result, these medications may stay in your system longer than intended, causing your blood sugar to drop too low.
Other factors that can raise your risk include:
- Taking multiple medications
- Skipping meals
- Having kidney disease or other chronic health conditions
Common Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), signs of low blood sugar include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Trembling or shakiness
- Blurred vision
- Sweating
- Hunger
- Tingling in the mouth or lips
If you’re experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Your medication dosage may need to be adjusted to better suit your body’s changing needs as you get older.
Weight loss becomes more challenging as you age.
For people with type 2 diabetes, weight loss can become even more difficult as you age. A 2018 study found that aging often leads to increased insulin resistance in fat cells, which contributes to weight gain — especially around the belly. Plus, your metabolism naturally slows down, making weight management more challenging.
Although weight loss may take more effort, it is achievable with consistency and the right approach. One effective strategy is to reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, pastries, and sugary snacks, and replace them with healthier options like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Keeping a food journal can help you stay on track and recognize patterns in your eating habits. Consider talking to your doctor or a registered dietitian to create a plan that is both safe and effective.
Foot care becomes more important.
If you have diabetes, foot care becomes especially important as you age. Over time, diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation, increasing the risk of serious foot problems like diabetic ulcers. A 2015 study highlighted how these ulcers can become infected once they form and, if left untreated, can lead to amputation of the foot or leg. Diabetes also weakens your body’s ability to heal wounds and fight infection, making prevention even more important.
To protect your feet:
- Wash and dry them thoroughly every day
- Wear clean, comfortable socks and properly fitting shoes
- Avoid walking barefoot, even indoors
- Inspect your feet daily for blisters, sores, redness, or swelling
If you notice any unusual signs, such as a sore that doesn’t heal, a blister, or a red patch, contact your healthcare provider right away. Early treatment can prevent serious complications.
You might have nerve pain.
The longer you have diabetes, the higher your risk of nerve damage and pain, which the ADA defines as diabetic neuropathy.
Nerve damage can happen in your hands and feet, where it’s called peripheral neuropathy, or in the nerves that control organs in your body, where it’s known as autonomic neuropathy.
Symptoms may include:
- sensitivity to touch
- numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the hands or feet
- loss of balance or coordination
- muscle weakness
- excessive or decreased sweating
- bladder problems, such as incomplete bladder emptying or incontinence
- erectile dysfunction
- trouble swallowing
- vision trouble, such as double vision
Living a Healthy Lifestyle with Type 2 Diabetes After Age 50
Although there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, it can be effectively controlled, especially as you age, through a combination of medications and healthy lifestyle habits. There are some important steps you can take to live well with diabetes after age 50:
1. Take medications as prescribed
The most common reason for poor diabetes control is not taking medications as prescribed. This can be due to cost, side effects, or simply forgetting. If you’re having trouble sticking to your medication routine, talk to your doctor. There may be more affordable options or options with fewer side effects.
2. Exercise regularly
Physical activity is very important. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends doing at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise five days a week and strength training at least twice a week. Walking, swimming, cycling, and light weight lifting are all great options.
3. Focus on what you eat
Limit your intake of sugar and highly processed carbohydrates. These include sweetened beverages, desserts, white bread, pasta, and packaged snacks. Instead, focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
4. Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps control blood sugar and supports overall health. Aim to drink water consistently throughout the day.
5. Control stress
Chronic stress can increase blood sugar levels and affect your overall health. Make time for activities you enjoy and try stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, or massage therapy.
6. Maintain a healthy weight
Achieving and maintaining a moderate weight can significantly improve blood sugar control. Talk to your doctor about a healthy weight range for your age and height, and consider working with a dietitian to develop a sustainable eating plan.
7. Get regular checkups
Regular medical checkups help detect and treat health problems early, before they become serious. Stay in touch with your healthcare team and follow up on recommended screenings and tests.
With consistency and the right support, you can successfully manage type 2 diabetes and enjoy a full, active life even in your old age. Let me know if you would like to format this for a brochure, blog post, or social media!
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