According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), more than half of diabetics are over the age of 65. Diabetes management in elderly populations can be challenging due to complex medical issues that affect physical and cognitive functioning, but diabetic diets should still focus on portion size, variety and balancing food with physical activity. A healthy diet not only helps manage diabetes, but also helps prevent common health problems associated with aging, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity.
Blood Sugar
Blood sugar indicates how well diabetes is being managed and fluctuates based on diet. Blood sugar that is consistently too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia) can cause diabetic complications such as vision problems, nerve damage, kidney and heart disease, skin conditions, high blood pressure and stroke. According to an article published in 2001 in the journal Clinical Diabetes, a publication of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), diabetic senior citizens are especially at risk for hypoglycemia due to poor appetite, cognitive decline and difficulty eating.
Foods to Encourage
A healthy diabetic diet, as defined by the ADA, focuses on nutrient-dense foods such as fruit, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, beans, legumes, fish and nonfat dairy products. These foods are naturally low in fat and calories, but packed with essential nutrients. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans are particularly high in fiber, which helps control blood sugar, supports regular bowel movements and prevents heart disease.
The best beverages for a diabetic are water, 100 percent fruit juice and sugar-free beverages such as diet soda and unsweetened coffee and tea.
Foods to Limit
The ADA recommends limiting highly processed foods and foods that are high in calories, fat and sugar. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) excess calorie and fat consumption contributes to weight gain, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease and other chronic conditions, all of which complicate diabetes.
Sugary foods such as dessert sweets, regular soda and candy tend to be high in calories, but low in nutrients. Sugar also rapidly raises blood sugar, which can lead to hyperglycemia. Alcohol is OK in moderation, only when blood sugar is under control. The ADA defines moderate alcohol consumption as one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. One drink is equivalent to 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer or 1.5 ounces of liquor.
Physical Activity
The NDIC says exercise can be challenging for the elderly due to a decline in physical abilities. However, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) still encourages regular physical activity because it improves blood sugar control. The NIA and NDIC encourage elderly diabetics to work with health care professionals to design an exercise plan suitable for their physical capabilities. Individuals who are physically able to be active should follow USDA guidelines and aim for 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week.
Diabetic Diet During Sickness
A diabetic diet can be challenging when you're sick. All diabetics need to check their blood sugar regularly during an illness, stay hydrated and follow a regular diet to control blood sugar. Individuals who are unable to tolerate a regular diet can drink beverages sweetened with regular sugar to obtain calories for energy and prevent blood sugar from falling too low.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Food and Fitness
- American Diabetes Association: What can I eat?
- Clinical Diabetes (journal); "Clinical management of diabetes in the elderly"; D. Chau, S. Edelman; November 2001
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetes and aging
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Dietary guidelines for Americans
