Nearly 15% of U.S. adults (over 38 million people) had diabetes as of 2021, according to the National Diabetes Statistics Report. The incidence of diabetes only increases with age; according to that same report, nearly 30% of older adults (65+) had diabetes. With nearly a third of older people living with this condition, diabetes care—including preventive care and knowing why diabetes risk increases with age—can be an important part of any older adult‘s healthcare plan.
About Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is a condition where the body has heightened blood glucose (blood sugar) levels, either due to:
- An inability to produce insulin, a key hormone involved in blood sugar regulation (type 1 diabetes mellitus), or
- An inability to use insulin effectively due to insulin resistance or inability to produce enough insulin (type 2 diabetes mellitus).
People typically receive a type 1 diabetes diagnosis in childhood or adolescence and a type 2 diabetes diagnosis in adulthood, according to MedlinePlus.
Prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance) is a condition where someone has elevated blood sugar levels, although levels are not elevated enough to receive an official diabetes diagnosis.
What are Potential Causes of Diabetes?
Major causes and risk factors that contribute to developing diabetes (specifically type 2), according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, include:
- Age (insulin production decreases and insulin resistance increases)
- Chronic diseases like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Family history and genetics
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Obesity/high body weight
- Race and ethnicity (American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, Hispanic, and Asian adults have higher rates than White adults)
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
What Can Be Potential Signs of Diabetes?
According to American Diabetes Association (ADA), potential diabetes warning signs that older adults can discuss with their healthcare provider include:
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- Slow-healing wounds
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst and hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
What are Potential Complications of Diabetes?
Untreated and/or undiagnosed diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), can contribute to major complications like:
- Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Blindness/loss of vision
- Amputation
- Cardiovascular disease (heart disease)
- Narrowed blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
- Kidney diseases
- Slow-healing wounds
- Increased risk of infections
- Foot ulcers
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is another common complication of diabetes. It can happen when medications or insulin lower glucose levels more than intended.
How Can Older Adults Better Manage Diabetes Risk?
Many risk factors for diabetes—especially type 2—are modifiable risk factors, meaning that someone can take steps to better control their diabetes risk.
Ways to help manage diabetes risk that older people can discuss with their doctor include:
- Enjoying a healthy diet. Avoiding or limiting certain foods can help people with diabetes better control their blood sugar levels.
- Getting to and maintaining a wealthy weight, along with getting plenty of physical activity.
- Managing other medical conditions that contribute to the risk of diabetes, all under the supervision of a licensed medical professional.
- Taking medications like metformin. Many people manage diabetes with medications like metformin, which help the body control blood sugar more effectively.
- Being proactive with preventive medical care (e.g., regular screenings and staying up to date on vaccinations).
Senior Diabetes Risk FAQs
Why does the incidence of diabetes mellitus increase with age?
Hormonal changes are common with age. One such change that many people experience with age is reduced insulin production and increased insulin resistance. Both of these changes make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar levels, contributing to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
Why is the incidence of diabetes increasing?
According to the World Health Organization, the number of adults developing type 2 diabetes is increasing across the world. Experts believe this increase is due to many factors, including a rise in obesity, unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyles.
Is diabetes more prevalent in older people?
Yes, the prevalence of diabetes is more common in middle age (45-64) and older age groups (65+), according to the CDC. People of any age can develop this condition, however.
Final Thoughts
Older adults face greater risk of developing diabetes than other age groups. Just because older adults have a higher risk does not mean that developing diabetes is inevitable, however. By talking with their doctors about healthy lifestyle changes like getting active and eating better, seniors can take steps to better control their diabetes risk.
Disclaimer: Each person’s situation is unique. This article is for general informational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition.