Diabetes is a major public health problem in Kentucky. Diabetes was the fifth leading cause of death the 50 states for the highest prevalence of diabetes (2003) …
Healthy Aging Communication Network
Living Stronger Longer
Older Adults and Diabetes
What is the magnitude of the problem?
Diabetes is a disease characterized by high levels of blood sugar, which can be a result of problems with insulin production, insulin action, or both There are three major types of diabetes; Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes Based on 2006 estimates, over 164 million American adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, or 75 percent of the adult population The rate is higher in Arizona, where 85 percent of the adult population has been diagnosed with diabetes Among persons over 65 years of age, nearly one in five have been diagnosed with diabetes Although death rates from diabetes among the 65 and over age group have slightly declined in the past 10 years, the death rate is considerably greater than the Healthy Arizona 2010 objective of 45 per 100,000 and high cholesterol Studies have shown that lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes The following are suggestions for preventing diabetes: Start and maintain a regular exercise program consisting of moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes 3 times a week minimum
Maintain a healthy weight Reduce intake of dietary fat Eat at least five daily servings of fruits and vegetables Smoking cessation Control glucose level, blood pressure, and blood lipid level Control of diabetes is also essential People with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and its complications The following are recommended tests/screenings to reduce the risk of developing complications A1C test at least twice a year Dilated eye exam once a year Comprehensive foot exam at least once a year Lipid 
profile and micro album in measurement once a year if indicated
De ath Rate for Diabe te s A m ong Olde r A dults 65, A r iz ona
R ate per 100,000 population
What is the cost?
During 2005, there were 2,501 hospitalizations for diabetes as a primary diagnosis among older adults, up from 2,388 in 2004 The average length of stay was six days The cost of diabetes-related hospitalizations is increasing rapidly From 1994 to 2004, the average cost upon discharge for diabetes hospitalizations doubled, from over 13,000 to nearly 27,000 Diabetes in Arizona: Status Report, 2005 Hospitalization data are from state hospitals only; federal facilities Veterans Affairs and Indian
Health Services are not included
140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 1997 1069
1085
1078 1072
1046
123
1093 1086
1087
What are the complications?
Diabetes is associated with serious complications and premature death Diabetesrelated complications include heart disease, stroke, vision loss or blindness, kidney disease, high blood pressure, nervous system disease, amputations, and dental disease
Healthy P eople 2010 O bjec tive 45 per 100,000
1998
1999
2000
2001 Ye ar
2002
2003
2004
2005
What will decrease the risk of developing diabetes or its complications?
People at risk for diabetes can take steps to prevent its onset Some risk factors include a family history of diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure,
Source: Arizona Health Status and Vital Statistics To learn about Healthy Aging Arizona, please contact Ramona Rusinak at 602 364-0526 or visit the Healthy Aging Arizona website at http://wwwazdhsgov/phs/ healthyagingarizona/indexhtm Updated August 2007
Source:azdhs.gov
