Diabetes Rates Rise in Older Population

Diagnoses Spike 23%, Prompting Fears That Medical Costs Will Further Strain Nation's Health Care System

Jan. 28, 2008 -- The number of older Americans diagnosed with diabetes grew by nearly a quarter in the last decade, a rate that experts say threatens not only the health of the elderly but the viability of the nation's health care system.

A new study shows the number of new diabetes cases diagnosed among Americans over 65 increased by 23% from 1994-1995 to 2003-2004, and the prevalence of the disease overall grew by 62% among the elderly during the same time period.

Researchers say that if those trends continue, the burden of financing and providing medical care for elderly people with diabetes may prove too much for the health care system.

In an editorial that accompanies the study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, Frank Vinicor, MD, MPH of the CDC writes, "Taken to the extreme, there will soon be too many patients with diabetes to be individually treated and not enough money to pay for it all!

"Given these possibilities, primary prevention programs must be put in place before the diabetes of advancing age becomes a reality."

Diabetes Surges Among Elderly

In the study, Frank A. Sloan, PhD, and colleagues at Duke University Medical Center analyzed Medicare data on the number of elderly people diagnosed with diabetes in 1994, 1999, and 2003 and related complications, including heart disease and stroke.

The results showed the rate of diabetes diagnosed among the elderly increased by 23% and prevalence increased by 62% overall.

Nearly 90% of people with diabetes experienced at least one diabetes-related complication in the next six years after diagnosis. For example, almost half of those with diabetes in 1994 and 1999 still living at the end of the study had a diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

After diagnosis with diabetes, the death rate within six years in elderly people with diabetes decreased by 8.3% compared with those who were not diagnosed and treated for the disease, which the researchers found "somewhat surprising."

Researchers say that with the aging population and increased rates of diabetes, the demand for diabetes-related medical care will surely increase, both for monitoring of diabetes and treating its related complications.

Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

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