1. By Nadia Steinbrecher, Sodexo Dietetic Intern 2013
Diabetes for seniors
By Nadia Steinbrecher, Sodexo Dietetic Intern 2013

2. Objectives Identify the causes of diabetes in adults over age 65
Identify risk factors that are preventable
Discuss 3 different methods of treatment for diabetes
Design 3 meals using carbohydrate counting

4. What is type 2 diabetes? Affects >20% of adults over 65
8.3% of the population has diabetes (men, women, children)
Pancreas still creates insulin but cells are resistant
High blood sugar (>200mg/dL) also known as hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia can lead to vision problems, neuropathy, infections, coma, and death.
Treatable with oral medication, injectable insulin, lifestyle changes, and some bariatric surgery.

5. What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Weight loss
Fruity smell to breath
Tingling in hands and feet
Increased thirst and urination
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Frequent infections

6. Is diabetes preventable?
If it runs in your family, get HA1C checked frequently
Exercise daily
Maintain a healthy weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol level.
Quit smoking
Eat a wide variety of foods, including whole grains, unprocessed fruits, fresh vegetables, low fat dairy, and lean protein.
Ask your doctor if you experience symptoms or have questions.
Some medications may cause hyperglycemia and increase your chance for developing diabetes.

7. Diagnosing diabetes

8. I was diagnosed, now what?
HA1C is a good indicator of your average blood sugars.
Your doctor and endocrinologist can decide what medication treatment options are best for you.
A Certified Diabetes Educator teach you about checking your blood sugar, taking insulin, meal planning, and “what ifs”

9. What is carbohydrate counting?
Carbohydrates (starches, sugar, etc) affect blood sugar more than other foods (protein, fat, alcohol)
Some foods are higher in carbohydrate than other foods. Portion size is also important to watch.
Spreading carbohydrate over the course of the day will help control blood sugar.
Carbohydrate counting can help maintain more normal blood sugar levels throughout the day.

10. Let’s look at a food label!

11. The carb-counter’s plate

12. What is the prognosis?
Well-controlled diabetics can live long, healthy lives
The better control over your blood sugar, the healthier you will be.
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to infections, blindness, renal failure, heart disease, gum disease, and amputations.
~70% of diabetes-related deaths are due to heart disease.

13. References
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