The “Five Eases” and “Five Dos” of Geriatric Diabetes

  Five easy to miss: The symptoms of diabetes mellitus are atypical and often found by chance only when accompanied by other diseases.  Easy to develop complications: cardiovascular and neurological complications are more serious.  Hypoglycemic coma: The early symptoms of hypoglycemia in the elderly are often not obvious, and neurological symptoms often appear by the time they are detected; serious cases may lead to coma or even death.   Prone to diabetic non-ketotic hyperosmolar syndrome: The thirst center of the elderly is not sensitive when the blood sugar is high, so they should pay attention to proper hydration in general.  Prone to infection: diabetic foot infection, bed sore infection, urinary tract infection and respiratory tract infection are the most common.  Five desirable desirable monitoring of blood glucose: those who have been diagnosed with diabetes, monitoring blood glucose can understand the efficacy of hypoglycemic drugs, and those without a history of diabetes should also be tested regularly for early detection and timely treatment.  It is advisable to pay attention to lipid regulation: elderly diabetic patients are often combined with dyslipidemia, the two diseases should be treated at the same time.  It is advisable to control blood pressure: elderly diabetic patients are often accompanied by hypertension, which can accelerate the occurrence of complications.  Regular diet: it is especially important for those who are undergoing glucose-lowering treatment, which can reduce the occurrence of hypoglycemia.  Appropriate exercise: appropriate aerobic exercise is beneficial to blood sugar control and delay the occurrence of complications.