Diabetes Especially Serious for Seniors

LOS ANGELES--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--November is aAmerican Diabetes Month.a According to [ Health Net, Inc. ] (NYSE: HNT), this annual awareness effort a" sponsored by the [ American Diabetes Association ] (ADA) a" should be taken especially seriously by seniors.

"ita�s crucial that those in this group become more aware of the steps they can take to manage this disease or a" preferably a" to prevent it all together."

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aThe reason that seniors should be particularly concerned,a says Jonathan Scheff, M.D., chief medical officer for Health Net, Inc., ais that a" according to the National Institutes of Health a" some 12.2 million Americans age 60 and older have diabetes. That represents more than 23 percent of this age group, which is the highest rate among all age groups. Additionally,a he explains, aby age 75, at least one out of five elderly Americans has diabetes.a Scheff goes on to note that the vast majority of older adults diagnosed with diabetes suffer from type 2 diabetes. aGiven the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among seniors,a he says, aita�s crucial that those in this group become more aware of the steps they can take to manage this disease or a" preferably a" to prevent it all together.a

Understanding type 2 diabetes

Based on ADA statistics, nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Of that total, upwards of 95 percent have type 2 diabetes. Equally concerning, another 57 million Americans have pre-diabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Most alarmingly, notes the ADA, the death rate due to diabetes has increased by 45 percent since 1987, while death rates attributable to cancer, heart disease and stroke have declined.

Type 1, which is the more rare form of diabetes, occurs when the body does not produce insulin; as a result, injections of insulin are required daily. In contrast, those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes dona�t produce enough insulin or their cells dona�t properly use the insulin that is produced. As a result, Scheff explains, glucose stays in the bloodstream; over time, accumulated glucose can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, nerves and eyes, placing diabetics at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve disease, blindness and amputations.

According to the National Diabetes Education Program, the risk of developing pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes increases for those who have one or more of the following characteristics:

Getting little or no exercise
Being overweight by 20 pounds or more
Having a family member with type 2 diabetes
Being more than 45 years old
Giving birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds
Having gestational diabetes during a pregnancy
Being African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian American, or of Pacific-Islander descent

The ADA advises that a physician should be consulted if any of the following symptoms of diabetes are noticed:

Frequent need to urinate
Increased thirst
Unusual weight loss
Extreme hunger
Blurry vision
Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal
Fatigue

Preventing type 2 diabetes

Scheff points out that, unlike type 1 diabetes, steps can be taken to help stave off type 2 diabetes. aFor seniors,a he notes, aamong the most effective steps are losing weight and increasing physical activity.a Recommendations from the ADA include:

Eating a healthy diet a" Choose foods that are high in vitamins, minerals and fibers, as well as those that are low in fat, salt and sugar. A balanced daily diet should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low- or nonfat dairy products, lean meats, poultry and fish.
Exercising regularly a" Engage in physical activity for 30 minutes per day, five days a week. Suggested activities include walking, dancing, swimming, gardening, aerobics and cycling.
Practicing good oral hygiene a" According to Health Net Dental, good oral hygiene a" including brushing and flossing daily as well as seeing a dentist regularly a" can help to manage diabetes. The dental-diabetes connection is attributable to the fact that diabetes weakens the immune system, thus increasing the risk of developing periodontal disease.

aA positive aspect of diabetes,a observes Scheff, ais that it can be controlled. And the complications associated with diabetes can be delayed or even prevented with good self-management skills, such as eating sensibly and exercising regularly. These arena�t difficult steps to take,a he adds, aand they can make a tremendous difference in your health.a

The information provided is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek the advice of your physician or other health provider for any questions you may have regarding your medical condition and follow your health care providera�s instructions.

About Health Net

Health Net, Inc. is among the nationa�s largest publicly traded managed health care companies. Its mission is to help people be healthy, secure and comfortable. The companya�s health plans and government contracts subsidiaries provide health benefits to approximately 6.0 million individuals across the country through group, individual, Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE and Veterans Affairs programs. Health Neta�s behavioral health subsidiary, MHN, provides mental health benefits to approximately 5.4 million individuals in all 50 states. The companya�s subsidiaries also offer managed health care products related to prescription drugs, and offer managed health care product coordination for multi-region employers and administrative services for medical groups and self-funded benefits programs.

For more information on Health Net, Inc., please visit the companya�s Web site at [ www.healthnet.com ].

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Diabetes Especially Serious for Seniors