HEALTH
Managing Over 60
T
he main goal of diabetes treatment for over 60’s is to consistently keep blood glucose levels as normal as possible. Diabetes is a condition where too much of a sugar, known as glucose, builds up in the blood because of a weakened production or bodily response to the hormone insulin. Insulin is produced to enable body tissues such as muscle, fat, bone and other types of cells to integrate,
use and process glucose. If cells are unable to either burn or store this glucose effectively – glucose levels begin rising chronically and start circulating around the body, leading to various complications. There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an immune disorder where the patient’s immune system begins attacking the insulin-making beta cells found in the pancreas - as a result, these patients require an artificial
source of insulin. Type 1 is the most common form of diabetes in children and amounts to 8-10% of all diabetes cases. Type 2 diabetes is a disorder which arises when the body’s cells stop responding to the insulin produced by the pancreas. Initially, the pancreas produces more and more insulin to compensate for this gap in homeostasis but eventually the pancreas reduces insulin production – making matters worse.
One less thing to worry about. Available at your local pharmacy.
Right dose. Right time. Right medication.
improving lives
issue 32 • spring 2021
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