This scenario happens to senior citizens all too often: a doctor tells them their blood tests reveal full-blown type two diabetes. They often feel overwhelmed with the news and disappointed that their body has betrayed them -- and often they become depressed or exhibit denial.
Depression is common among diabetics, young and old. Dr. Alan M. Jacobson, chief of psychiatric services, Joslin Diabetes Center, and professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, referred to the feeling as "diabetes burnout." He said it is normal and common in diabetic patients.
"The grief of receiving a diabetes diagnosis, not being able to manage it perfectly and losing the freedom of carefree living, having to carefully watch what you eat and frequently testing blood sugar, can well cause depression to result," he said.
Any diabetic who is concerned about their mental state should speak immediately to their doctor before their health is jeopardized.
Lillian Flaig of Dayton is an active senior center volunteer who probably couldn't have escaped type two diabetes if she tried. She had many relatives on one side of her family who had diabetes, including her mother. In addition, Flaig was considerably overweight at the time she was diagnosed with the medical condition.
Flaig said she took two steps that smoothed out her life with diabetes: first she learned about the qualities of various foods and how to count carbohydrates from a diabetic educator and got on a diet that is easy to follow. The second thing she did to positively deal with diabetes was to lose almost 35 pounds. Flaig said it took more than a year to drop the weight -- and she did it by walking two miles every morning with her husband. In addition to the weight loss, she says she feels better.
Even though her blood sugar is under control, there always is the chance that her blood sugar could drop.
That's why Flaig keeps a stash of hard candy and energy bars hidden at the Dayton Senior Center for anyone who needs them.
Diabetics face an oral hygiene issue that can cause real problems.
"If you're living with diabetes type two and have gum disease, chemical warfare is being waged in your mouth," Dr. Jonathan Bauter, of Dayton Valley Dental Care, said.
Bauter said a diabetic's immune system is compromised, which causes bacteria swarming the mouth to release chemicals, causing the body to fight back. This battle destroys bone, inflames tissue and leads to chronic inflammation, he explained.
Bauter also said that type two diabetes slows down healing anywhere in the body. He also noted that being sedentary and smoking leads to poor blood circulation.
"One of the most critical challenges facing future generations is obesity, the cause of about 90 percent of this form of diabetes and other medical conditions," he said.
A luau to fight senior hunger is Friday at the center from 4-7 p.m.
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