Raising Diabetes Awareness

in the Elderly
Rachel Lima, Sean Chester, Caroline Sethney, Morgan
Frank, and Sarah Naves

Under Unaffected
Conditions...
o
o
o

Cells in the body utilize

glucose for energy
A hormone, Insulin, allows
cells to use the glucose for energy
Beta cells in the pancreas
secrete the insulin

What happens in Type II Diabetes

Mellitus?
Insulin receptors do not
respond correctly
(sensitivity)
Reduction in
amount of insulin produced
Excess glucose in blood
(Hyperglycemia)

Why is it Important?
Disease Process of Type II DM

With the steadily increasing

prevalence of deaths related to
type II diabetes, it is important
to understand the disease
process and how to prevent
disease onset.

Leads to short term health problems

Untreated, leads to damaged blood vessels
Increases risk for stroke, heart disease,
nerve damage and kidney disease
Death

Statistics
Type II DM is the 7th leading cause of death in the United
States
Type II DM lowers life expectancy by up to 15 years.
Type II DM increases the risk of heart disease by 2 to 4 times
Type II DM costs the United States an estimated $174 billion
in medical care, disability and premature death
1.7 million Americans develop type II DM each year
About 26% of American seniors have type II DM

Risk Factors

Weight
Fat distribution
Inactivity
Family history
Race
Age
Prediabetes
Gestational diabetes

Signs and Symptoms

Frequent urination
Increased thirst and hunger
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow wound healing and frequent infections
Tingling or numbness in hands and/or feet
Headaches

Type II diabetes is
preventable!

Diet - What to Eat

Smaller portion sizes
More fiber
o Oatmeal
o Whole grain rice
o Whole wheat bread
A variety of fruits and vegetables
o Green and orange vegetables
o Beans and peas

Diet - What to Avoid

Foods high in sugar
o Soda
o Fruit-flavored drinks
Fatty and salty foods
o Canned soups and vegetables
o Pickles
o Processed meats

Exercise
Regular exercise is
critical to diabetes
management.
Increases cell insulin
sensitivity
Can lower glucose levels
Start slowly with light
activities

In Class Activity
Each table look at the question on your table
and take one minute to discuss the question
with your group members.
Come up with an answer, then pick a group
member to present your answer to the rest of
the audience.

References
American Diabetes Association. (2015). Diabetes symptoms. Retrieved from
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/symptoms/
American Diabetes Association. (2015, April 9). Physical activity is important. Retrieved from
http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/fitness/physical-activity-is-important.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Eat right. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/living/eatright.html
Coen, P. M., Tanner, C. J., Helbling, N. L., Dubis, G. S., Hames, K. C., Xie, H., . . .
Goodpaster, B. H. (2015). Clinical trial demonstrates exercise following bariatric
surgery improves insulin sensitivity. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 125(1), 248-257. doi:10.1172/JCI78016 [doi]

References cont.
Healing the Body. (2014). The Top Powerhouse Fruits and Vegetables. Retrieved from

http://www.healingthebody.ca/the-

top-powerhouse-fruits-and-vegetables/
Healthypeople. (2011). Diabetes. Retrieved from
http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/diabetes
Lehne, R.A. (2013). Pharmacology for nursing care. (Rev. ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier
Saunders.
Mayo Clinic. (2015). Type II Diabetes. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2diabetes/basics/risk-factors/con-20031902

References cont.
National Diabetes Education Initiative (2015, March 17). What are type 2 diabetes risk factors
and why are they important? Retrieved from
http://www.ndei.org/uploadedFiles/Common/NDEI/Home/Whats_New/ADAType2DiabetesandRisk.pdf
Prediabetes Centers. (2013). Risk factors for Prediabetes. Retrieved from http://prediabetescenters.com/prediabetes101/risk-factor/
The Veronica Angelic Foundation. (2014). Type 2 Diabetes. Retrieved from
http://veronicaangelicfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/diabetes-type2.jpg