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November is American Diabetes Month ®
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately 26 million Americans have Type 2 Diabetes.  That includes about 27 percent of Americans age 65 or older.  Type II Diabetes, which constitutes about 90-95% of all types of diabetes, is common in adults.  It is caused by resistance to insulin, the hormone that absorbs sugar from your diet.  The unabsorbed sugar causes the symptoms of diabetes and can lead to health issues such as heart disease, obesity and kidney failure.  
People with diabetes experience a faster type of aging that those without diabetes.  This type of aging is commonly referred to as secondary aging (according to a review of exercise and aging in diabetes published in Vascular Magazine).  This type of aging mainly affects the blood vessels and can cause early heart disease and high blood pressure.  Exercise encourages healthy aging with diabetes because it decreases insulin resistance. 
Proper meal planning, stress management and taking medications as prescribed are all key factors in managing diabetes.   However, The American Diabetes Association recommends exercise as particularly beneficial for both Type I and Type II Diabetes.  Exercise actually improves insulin sensitivity and can improve a person's response to blood glucose medications.  
 
A few tips for Diabetic Seniors who begin exercising:
  • Discuss your exercise plan with your health care practitioner.
  • Practice good foot care.  This is especially important if you have circulatory problems or diminished sensation in your feet from nerve damage.  Wear absorbent socks and shoes that fit well.  Be sure to inspect your feet and promptly report any abnormalities to your doctor. 
  • Wear your medical alert tag and be sure to let your Trainer knows you are diabetic.
  • Monitor your blood sugar frequently if you are taking pills that release insulin from your pancreas.
  • Drink plenty of fluids and always carry something with you to treat low-blood glucose. 
  • Adjust your diabetes medication or insulin dosage and food intake as recommended by your medical team. 
Successful exercise programs are those that last 10 weeks or longer. Help your loved one make exercise a success by setting small, achievable goals and encourage them to make their chosen form of physical activity a regular part of their daily routine.  Remind them that exercise can increase their overall feeling of well-being by improving their insulin sensitivity.