Diabetes Management in the Older Population

31st Arkansas Aging ConferenceOctober 28, 2011

Hot Springs Convention Center

Melanie Meachum, MS, RD, LDNutrition Consultant, Diabetes Section

Arkansas Department of HealthDiabetes Prevention and Control Program

Chronic Disease Branch

Objectives

1) Provide an overview of diabetes.2) Describe common barriers to diabetes

control in older adults and provide suggestions for coping with barriers.

3) Review evidence based recommendations for diabetes target control goals.

4) Recognize healthy food choices to help control diabetes.

5) Discuss resources available for diabetes management.

Introduction

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of Americans every year.

There is no known cure for diabetes, but there are several treatments which can control the disease.

The treatment and management of diabetes varies from patient to patient.

The doctor and diabetic care team should work with the patient to decide what form of treatment is best.

Facts on Diabetes, United States

Diabetes affects 25.8 million people. 8.3% of the U.S. population.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, nontraumatic lower-limb amputations, and new cases of blindness among adults in the United States.

Diabetes is a major cause of heart disease and stroke.

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

Estimated Prevalence of Adults Diagnosed with Diabetes, United

States 2010

Estimated percentage of people aged 20 years or older with diagnosed and

undiagnosed diabetes, by age group, United States, 2005–2008

Diagnosed and Undiagnosed Diabetes among People Ages 20 Years or Older, United States,

2010

Group Number or percentage who have diabetes

Ages 20 years or older25.6 million, or 11.3 percent, of all people in this age group

Ages 65 years or older10.9 million, or 26.9 percent, of all people in this age group

Men13.0 million, or 11.8 percent, of all men ages 20 years or older

Women12.6 million, or 10.8 percent, of all women ages 20 years or older

Estimated number of new cases of diagnosed diabetes among people aged 20 years or older, United States, 2010

About 1.9 million people aged 20 years or older were newly diagnosed with diabetes in 2010.

Diabetes in Arkansas

For the past 15 years, Arkansas has been at or above the national average for prevalence of diabetes.

From 1999 to 2010, there was a 45% increase in the diabetes prevalence rate.

The prevalence of diabetes increases with age. Persons over the age of 45, have a four times

greater prevalence than that among younger persons.

Diabetes was the 6th leading cause of death among all Arkansans in 2007.

Prevalence of Diabetes in Arkansas

An estimated 210,000 Arkansas adults were diagnosed with diabetes in 2010.

It was projected that another 105,000 adults living with diabetes were undiagnosed.

An estimated 315,000 adults in the state were affected by diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes.

Percentage of Adults with Diabetes,Arkansas 2010

Diabetes Prevalence by Age Group Arkansas, 2010

Diabetes prevalence increases with age. The prevalence nearly

doubles at every age interval before reaching 65 and over.

The highest prevalence of diabetes was found among adults 65 years of age or older.

Age-Adjusted Diabetes Mortality Rate

The diabetes mortality rate in Arkansas has increased over the past decade from 23.2 per 100,000 in 1998 to 26.5 per 100,000 in 2007, 14% increase.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a condition that occurs when a person’s blood glucose levels are high, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.

People with prediabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

In 2005−2008, 35% of U.S. adults aged 20 years or older had prediabetes. 50% of those were age 65 years or older.

In 2010, an estimated 79 million Americans aged 20 years or older had prediabetes.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is a chronic disease marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in the insulin production, insulin action, or both.

Insulin is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy the body needs for daily life.

Diabetes can lead to many serious complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, lower extremity amputations, and death.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes: Develops when the body’s immune system

destroys pancreatic beta cells. Accounts for 5-10% of all diagnosed cases of

diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes:

Begins as insulin resistance when the cells do not use insulin properly. The pancreas gradually loses the ability to produce insulin as the need for insulin rises.

Accounts for 90-95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes: A form of glucose intolerance that develops during

pregnancy.

Who is at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

People with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or impaired fasting glucose (IFG).

People over age 45. People with a family history of diabetes. People who are overweight. People who do not exercise regularly. People with high blood pressure, low high-density

lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or high triglycerides. Certain racial and ethnic groups (e.g., Non-Hispanic

Blacks, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and American Indians and Alaska Natives).

Women who had gestational diabetes, or who have had a baby weighing 9 pounds or more at birth.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Excessive urination Unusual thirst Frequent infections Tiredness/Drowsiness Unusual weight loss Blurred vision Extreme hunger Cuts/bruises that are

slow to heal Tingling/numbness of

the hands and feet

Morbidity/Complications

Diabetes can cause serious complications like: Heart disease Kidney disease Eye disease Foot problems Dental disease Pregnancy related complications Diabetic ketoacidosis

Economic Impact

The costs due to diabetes include: Direct medical costs:

Physician visits Hospitalizations Pharmacy charges

Indirect medical costs: Lost days of work Disability Premature deaths

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) estimates that the national costs of diabetes exceed $174 billion.

Who is considered elderly?

“Young old” 65-75 years

“Old, old” >75 years

Common Barriers to Diabetes Control in Older Adults

Taste changes Dentition, chewing,

swallowing issues Appetite changes Decreased physical

activity Cognitive changes Food safety concerns Food preparation for

1-2 people

Common Barriers (cont.)

Changes in taste and smell can get in the way of good nutrition.

Taste and smell tend to decline with age. Many medications can also affect taste. Metabolism slows with age. People on limited budgets might have trouble

affording a balanced, healthy diet. Aging is usually associated with a steady

decline in muscle strength and muscle mass, which may result in reduced functional capacity, physical frailty and impaired mobility.

Suggestions for Coping with Barriers

Serve foods with a variety of flavors, colors, shapes, textures, and temperatures to increase appetite.

Try using herbs and spices to increase the flavor of foods.

Consider attending nutrition programs for the elderly. Choose “nutrient-dense” foods, such as milk, eggs,

legumes, lean meat, fish or poultry. Encourage foods containing calcium, fiber, iron,

protein and vitamins A, C, and D, which become more important as we age.

Flavors are reduced in very cold and very hot foods.

Physical Activity

Physical Activity can help diabetic patients in many ways: It helps lower glucose levels, maintain a healthy

heart, relieve stress, and improve strength, flexibility, and balance.

Set small goals to start. Add a little more activity each day until reaching a minimum of 30 minutes a day, most days a week.

Make activity a daily part of life.

Treatment Goals: The ABCs of Diabetes

A1C <7.0%

Preprandial plasma glucose (before a meal)

70-130 mg/dl(5.0-7.2 mmol/L)

Postprandial plasma glucose (after a meal)

<180 mg/dl(<10.0 mmol/L)

Blood Pressure <130/80 mmHg

Cholesterol—Lipid Profile (mg/dl)

LDL Cholesterol <100HDL CholesterolMen >40, Women >50Triglycerides<150

A is for A1c (Hemoglobin A1c)

An A1c test is a lab test that reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 3 months.

The higher the amount of glucose in the blood, the higher the A1c result will be.

Perform an A1c test at least twice a year in patients who are meeting treatment goals.

Treatment Goal: <7% for most adults

B is for Blood Pressure (mmHg)

High blood pressure makes the heart work too hard.

Blood pressure should be checked at each doctor’s visit.

Treatment Goal: Systolic <130 Diastolic <80

C is for Cholesterol (mg/dl)

Bad cholesterol, or LDL, builds up and clogs arteries.

Cholesterol should be checked at least once a year.

Treatment Goal: Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol <100 High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol—

Men >40, Women >50 Triglycerides <150

Checking Blood Glucose

Checking blood glucose helps to monitor the effectiveness of one’s diabetes management.

A blood glucose meter and lancing device are needed to check blood glucose.

Patient’s blood glucose targets should be set with the health care team.

The target range for most people is: Before meals: 70 to 130. 1 to 2 hours after meals: below 180.

Document blood glucose numbers in a log. Show log to health care team at every visit.

What can raise or lower blood glucose levels?

Blood glucose may get

too high if one: Eats more than usual Eats foods high in sugar Exercises less than

normal Has a lot of stress Has an infection or

other illness Takes certain medicines Does not take enough

insulin or other diabetes medication

Blood glucose may get

too low if one: Eats less than usual Delays or skip a meal Exercises more than

normal Takes too much insulin

or other diabetes medication

Goals for Individualized Nutrition Education for Older Adults with

Diabetes Avoidance of hypoglycemia:

Regular meal times. Consistent carbohydrate intake at meals and snacks. Available treatment for hypoglycemia at all times.

Consumption of a healthy diet/blood lipid management: Three meals daily. Lean meat, fish, poultry, or legumes every day. At least one serving of low-fat dairy products a day. At least two servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Six or more cups of fluids a day.

Maintenance of a reasonable weight: Social meal times. Smaller portions if consuming high-fat or high-carbohydrate

foods.

Meal Planning:What Can I Eat?

Carb Counting Plate Method (Portion Control) Food Label Reading Healthy Meal Planning

Carb Counting

Everyone needs different amounts of carbohydrates, depending on factors such as height, weight, age, activity level, medications, and weight loss goals.

A general guideline is: Women: 45-60 carb grams per meal (3-4 carb

choices) Men: 60-75 carb grams per meal (4-5 carb

choices) 15-30 carb grams per snack (1-2 carb choices)

Plate Method

To create balanced meals that stay within recommended carb and calorie allowances, let a 9-inch plate be the guide.

The Plate Method: Fill 1/2 of the plate with 2 servings of nonstarchy

vegetables. Fill 1/4 of the plate with lean meat (3 ounces

cooked) or other high-protein food. Fill 1/4 of the plate with a starchy vegetable or whole grain serving. Include a serving of fruit and/or dairy.

Nutrition Facts Label

Food Label Reading

Use the nutrition facts label to eat healthier: Check the serving size and number of servings. Calories count, so pay attention to the amount. Look for foods that are rich in nutrients: Vitamins

A and C, potassium, calcium, and iron. Know your fats and reduce sodium for your health. Reach for healthy, wholesome carbohydrates. For protein, choose foods that are lower in fat. The % Daily Value is a key to a balanced diet.

Healthy Meal Planning

Consume at least half of all grains as whole grains.

Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables.

Choose low-fat or fat free milk. Vary protein sources. Limit fat, salt (sodium), added sugars, and

alcohol.

Diabetes Self Management Education (DSME)

Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is an important part of diabetes care “for all individuals with diabetes who want to achieve successful health-related outcomes,” regardless of their age.

The goal of DSME is to allow patients to obtain better diabetes management.

Both the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) and the American Geriatric Society (AGS) guidelines understand that the care of older adults with diabetes is complicated by their clinical and functional differences.

DSME Sites in Arkansas, 2008

Guiding Principles for DSME for Older Adults

Individualize Diabetes Self Management Education (DSME): Consider clinical and functional variables. Consider personal preferences.

Weigh potential benefits versus potential risks: Consider quality of life. Consider life expectancy.

Involve multiple disciplines as needed. Involve care partner as needed.

DSME for Older Adults with Physical Limitations or Cognitive Dysfunction Monitoring Insulin Medications Hyperglycemia Hypoglycemia General adaptation of educational materials

Monitoring

Use meters with the following features: Large display windows with bold numbering. Easy to hold. No coding or handling of strips.

Insulin

Simplify the insulin regimen. Consider changing to an insulin pen or use

prefilled syringes. Involve the caregiver if available. Use syringe magnifiers if pens are not an

option. Discuss with the patient’s health care

provider whether discontinuing insulin is an option.

Medications

Make sure the medication list is accurate. Ask patients to bring their pill bottles with them

to visits and have them read the pill bottle instructions aloud.

Use memory aids for taking medications. Involve a family member or friend if available. Make sure patients understand why they are

taking each pill. Refer to a visiting nurse if needed. Discuss simplifying the regimen with the

provider.

Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia

Hyperglycemia

May have less polyuria (excessive volume of urination) and less polydipsia (excessive thirst).

Emphasize need for regular hydration and increased monitoring, particularly on sick days.

Give very specific guidelines of when to call the health care provider.

Hypoglycemia

Avoid hypoglycemia among frail elders.

Emphasize recognition of symptoms, such as dizziness, weakness, and confusion.

Emphasize importance of monitoring particularly before driving.

Do not rely on patient reports alone to determine whether low blood glucose episodes are occurring.

General Adaptation of Educational Materials

Simplify the material (low-literacy material may be a good option).

Use a simple black print with type >12 point on white paper.

Invite a family member or friend to the session if possible.

Always provide written instructions. Individual educational sessions are preferred

over group.

Resources for Diabetes Management

For more information about diabetes contact: Arkansas Department of Health:

www.healthy.arkansas.gov Diabetes Self Management Education (DSME) Programs University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) American Diabetes Association 1-800-Diabetes (1-800-

342-2380), www.diabetes.org American Dietetic Association: 1-800-877-1600,

www.eatright.org American Association of Diabetes Educators: 1-800-

338-3633, www.diabeteseducator.org American Heart Association: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-

242-8721), www.heart.org

Resources (cont.)

American Geriatric Society: 1-212-308-1414, http://www.americangeriatrics.org/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636), www.cdc.gov/diabetes

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) https://www.cms.gov/

National Diabetes Education Program: 1-301-496-3583, http://ndep.nih.gov/

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: 301-592-8573, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: 1-800-860-8747, http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/

National Kidney Disease Education Program: 1-866-4-KIDNEY (1-866-454-3639)

Summary

Diabetes can be successfully controlled. The role of the patient is essential in making

a diabetes management plan succeed. Take steps to stay healthy and keeps ABCs

close to normal. Diabetes management consists of:

Following a diet plan. Testing blood sugar. Exercising. Taking any medications as prescribed. Learning about diabetes.

Any Questions?

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National diabetes fact sheet: national estimates and general information on diabetes and prediabetes in the United States, 2011. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011.

National Diabetes Education Program. Dealing with a diabetes diagnosis as an older adult; 2011. http://ndep.nih.gov//media/dealing_with_diabetes_diagnosis_as_an_older_adult_508.pdf. Assessed September 16, 2011.

National Diabetes Education Program. The diabetes epidemic among older adults; 2011. http://ndep.nih.gov//media/fs_olderadult.pdf. Assessed September 16, 2011.

Suhl, E., & Bonsignore, P. Diabetes self-management education for older adults: General principles and practical application. Diabetes Spectrum, 2006; 19(4): 234-240.

Thank You!

Melanie Meachum, MS, RD, LDNutrition Consultant

Diabetes Prevention and Control Program

Phone: (501) 280-4187Email: melanie.meachum@arkansas.gov