Is Your Parent at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

Admin • March 9, 2022

Medical professionals believe that one out of every four people with diabetes don’t even know they have the disease. That amounts to around 7 million Americans who are completely unaware that they’re living with a serious condition. Type 2 diabetes is the most likely form of diabetes to strike older people, but it sometimes has no symptoms, which is why so many people don’t know they have it. So, could your elderly parent be at risk for Type 2 diabetes?

Risk Factors

There are several things that can put your parent at higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Foundation recommends that people start being screened annually for diabetes at age 45, or sooner and more frequently if more than one of the following risk factors exist:

High blood pressure: People whose blood pressure is above 140/90 are at an increased risk.

Age: The risk of diabetes increases as people get older.

Obesity: People who are overweight are at a higher risk because excess fatty tissue makes cells more resistant to insulin.

Family history: Those who have a parent or sibling with diabetes are more likely to have Type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes, or diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, puts women at a higher risk for Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Ethnicity: Those of certain ethnic backgrounds, such as African-Americans and Asian-Americans, have a higher risk.

Being inactive: Physical activity helps the body to utilize glucose and improves the way cells react to insulin.

Low HDL levels: People with lower levels of good cholesterol are at increased risk.

High triglycerides: Those with high triglyceride levels are more likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Women who suffer from PCOS may develop Type 2 diabetes.

Reducing the Risk

Although some of the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are beyond our control, other risk factors can be reduced or even eliminated. Remaining active is extremely important since it can help keep your parent at a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and improve the body’s ability to utilize insulin. Your parent’s elder care provider can assist with keeping your parent active by encouraging them to engage in activities like walking, exercise classes, or other things that require them to move. Eating a healthy diet is also important since it can improve cholesterol levels and control weight. Again, your parent’s elder care provider can be helpful since they can ensure your parent is eating healthy meals.

If you’re concerned about your parent’s risk for Type 2 diabetes, make an appointment with the doctor to have them tested as soon as possible. Type 2 diabetes can be managed through proper care and medication.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Rockland, NY, contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899. Call today!

Sources:

Patricia Coffie, RN, BSN, MFA

Director of Client Services at Star One Home Care


Patricia Coffie, RN, BSN, MFA is Director of Client Services & Director of Phoenix Nurse Aide Training Center. Before assuming the post in 2012, Patricia was the Director or Nursing & Service Delivery at WRC for 3 years where she was the strategic lead for nursing and services to members.


Patricia started her nursing career 19 years ago at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and research institution in New York City, and since then has gained experience in Adult Intensive Care Units (ICU) , Pediatric Care (PICU ), Operating Room (OR) , mental health and community settings. She later moved into director of nursing roles, where she obtained extensive experience in leading and developing the nursing profession. She also pioneered good partnership working with other health care organizations, as well as social services, and the wider community.

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