Keeping with National Diabetes Month, we will be discussing End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) this week.  Diabetes is the most common cause of ESRD and ESRD impacts all of the body’s major organs.

ESRD occurs when there is permanent failure of the kidneys meaning the kidneys no longer having the ability to regulate electrolytes, remove waste, and concentrate urine.

ESRD may occur after a person has suffered chronic kidney failure (which may span over a period of one to two decades).  Treatment for the disease includes dialysis or a kidney transplant.  Additionally, individuals may be placed on a restricted diet and be given medications to increase their urine output.

Symptoms of ESRD vary and may include:

• Fatigue
• Decreased muscle strength
• Decreased fine motor coordination
• Hypotension
• Decreased joint range
• A temporary loss of consciousness
• Loss of sensation
• Visual loss and decreased visual acuity
• Peripheral neuropathy such as tremors or foot drop
• Changes in mental status such as drowsiness and decreased attention span

With all the possible symptoms and complications related to ESRD home safety issues may be of particular concern for the individual with ESRD and their family members/caregivers.  Simple things such as using a grab bar and tub bench/bath stool may be beneficial.  Click here to learn more about fall prevention.

Source: Medline Plus and Emedicine

A major part of aging in place is living in your home safely and independently.  Diabetes can impact your independence, but you can limit its impact.  Education is key.

Atherosclerosis occurs when deposits of fats, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances build up in the arteries and cause a plaque buildup in the lining of the artery.  High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can contribute to atherosclerosis. A diabetic is at increased risk for developing high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. In fact, it’s estimated that 60% of people with diabetes have high blood pressure.  So, for someone with diabetes, monitoring your blood pressure is crucial.

Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers- the top number is the systolic pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic pressure.  The systolic pressure represents your heart when it‘s pumping, while the diastolic represents when your heart at rest between beats.

Low and High Blood Pressure:

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, occurs when your blood flow is so low that it can’t deliver oxygen to organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys.  Low blood pressure can be a symptom of end stage renal disease and can cause:

• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Blurry vision
• Weakness
• Being light headed

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, typically does not present with symptoms.  However, individuals suffering from either can experience:

• Headaches
• Blurred vision, and/or
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Recommended blood pressure range for diabetics:

The National Institutes of Health and The American Diabetes Association both recommend that the target blood pressure for someone with diabetes be less than 130/80 mmHG.

Blood pressure can be managed through medications, diet, and exercise.  Manage your blood pressure and help manage your life.  Check out this week’s Technology in the Suite to find out more about technology for individuals with diabetes.

Sources:  WebMD The National Institutes of Health and The American Diabetes Association

November is National Diabetes Month

It’s estimated that 23.6 million people in the US have diabetes.  17.9 million Americans have been diagnosed with the disease and another 5.7 million are unaware that they are diabetics.  November is National Diabetes month.  The American Diabetes Association has a national movement this month to Stop Diabetes. In recognition of this, The Aging Suite will be discussing issues that affect older individuals with diabetes.  Diabetes impacts the entire body including a person’s sensation and vision.  The Aging Suite hopes to help empower people by educating them about diabetes and its effects on the body.  While having diabetes can impact someone’s ability to age in place, it doesn’t have to stop it.

Type I Diabetes:

Insulin is a hormone needed to change carbohydrates and other foods into energy.  When someone has diabetes, their body doesn’t produce or correctly use insulin.

It’s estimated that 5-10% of the US population has Type I Diabetes.  Type I Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body does not produce insulin.

Symptoms of type I diabetes can include:

• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Extreme Hunger
• Increased thirst and urination

Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Type II Diabetes is a chronic condition and the most common form of diabetes.  It occurs when there is an excess of sugar in the bloodstream and the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas doesn’t produce sufficient amounts of insulin to maintain a normal glucose level.  Diabetes can impact all of the body’s organs.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:

• Weight loss
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections and/or slow healing sores

Having a family history of the disease, excessive body weight, and inactivity increases the likelihood of getting the disease.  Also, American Indians, Asian Americans, African Americans and Hispanics, have a higher incidence of the disease as do adults over the age of 45.

According to the American Diabetes Association:

• There is a greater risk for stroke among people with Diabetes, as much as 2 to 4 times higher
• Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness for adults ages 20-74
• Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure
• Diabetes can result in  nerve damage
• The incidence of amputations is 10 times greater for individuals with diabetes than for non diabetics
• Its estimated that  one-third of people with diabetes have severe periodontal disease
• Having diabetes makes you more susceptible to other illnesses

People with diabetes may face challenges to aging in place, but they can still do so successfully and safely.

Sources: The American Diabetes Association and MayoClinic.com

Picture Source:  Shop Low Vision.com

Do you have low vision or, are you a diabetic that does a lot of cooking?  Well, keep your fingers safe as you slice and dice your foods by using a culinary finger protector.  It’s made from strong plastic and will keep your fingers safe while you prepare your meals.  A culinary finger protector can be purchased for $5 at Shop Low Vision.com

Someone with diabetes should always have an eye on their feet.  Exercise is very important, but if you’re a diabetic, avoid exercising if you have open sores on your feet.

Picture Source:  MaxiAids.com

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage in the arms, hands, legs, and feet and can be a complication of HIV and diabetes.  Symptoms can include:  Numbness or tingling in the hands.  These symptoms can make simple daily activities, such as cooking more challenging.  All of us need to be careful that we don’t burn ourselves when cooking, in particular, those who may suffer from numbness in their fingers.  You can purchase heat resistant, non slip pot handle grips that can be easily slipped on over your pot handles.  They can be purchased through websites such as MaxiAids.com and Hearmore.com for about $7.

Picture Source:  Imaginewood.com

Use an oven rack to check your pies and cookies while baking.  Some people love to bake but are afraid to because they’ve burned themselves in the past.  Burns can be devastating to an older adult, especially one suffering from diabetes. Using a pull/push oven rack will help prevent burns.  Prices range from $5 – $20 depending on the make and model.  Click here and here to see where you can order.

Picture Source:  Soundbytes.com

It’s crucial for a diabetic to know their blood sugar levels.  A talking blood glucose monitor makes monitoring your blood sugar easy by speaking your numbers.  They are especially beneficial for individuals with low vision or blindness.  In fact, with proper documentation from your ophthalmologist, Medicare Part B and some private insurance policies will cover the cost of a talking blood glucose meter for people who meet the criteria for being legally blind.

Source:  Diabetes Self Management

Picture Source:  FootSmart.com

All week we’ve been talking diabetes and we’re continuing this discussion in our technology in the suite this week.  The feet are the area of the body most often affected by diabetic neuropathy.  Foot sores can lead to infections, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes and socks that fit properly.   Diabetics need to buy shoes made from materials that can breathe such as leather, canvas, and suede.  These shoes can be purchased at specialty stores and online through websites such as FootSmart.com.

Medicare will pay for one pair of shoes and up to 3 innersoles per year for people with diabetes who meet specific requirements.  Click here to learn more.

This week, we talked about diabetes and the importance of measuring  blood glucose levels.  CVS pharmacies has joined forces with The 50 Million pound challenge to help Americans manage their diabetes.   To help patients monitor blood glucose levels in a manner that is convenient and reliable MinuteClinic healthcare centers within select CVS/pharmacy locations will administer free A1C tests, sponsored by Bayer Diabetes Care, now through June 12th. MinuteClinic recently introduced condition monitoring services for patients with diabetes and other conditions.