How Your Age Affects Your Diabetes Risk: Prevention Tips

Age is one of the major risk factors for many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin efficiently. Both mechanisms can cause your blood sugar levels to rise, which can lead to various complications.

In this article, we will discuss and try to find out how aging affects the risk of diabetes, what is the most vulnerable age group, whether or not young people remain immune, and what older adults can do to control age-related diabetes.

Also read: What does an ideal breakfast look like for diabetics: foods to eat and avoid

How age affects diabetes risk

When it comes to diabetes, there are two primary types: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, causing insulin production to stop completely. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects. Although type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age, type 2 diabetes develops over many years and is most often diagnosed in adults.

Therefore, aging is an important risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Dr. Mahesh DM, Consultant – Endocrinology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, the OnlyMyHealth team shared. However, he added that this is not the only culprit.

He said: “Although age itself plays a role, it is the cumulative effect of several age-related changes that increase sensitivity.”

According to the doctor, this can be attributed to two different mechanisms, including:

Insulin resistance: Over time, our cells become less responsive to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Imagine your cells as doorways where glucose (sugar) enters and provides energy. Insulin acts as the key, but with age the “locks” on these doorways become less sensitive, making it harder for glucose to get in, potentially leading to excess sugar circulating in the bloodstream.

Decreased insulin production: The pancreas, responsible for insulin production, naturally declines in function as we age. This translates into a reduced ability to produce enough insulin to overcome potential cellular resistance and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

How to prevent age-related diabetes

Untreated or uncontrolled diabetes in the elderly can lead to serious complications. It can affect vital organs and lead to life-threatening diseases such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy and foot problems, said Dr Mahesh.

However, the National Institute of Aging (NIA) suggests that people can take steps to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

Some of the tips include:

• After a balanced meal with lots of fiber and little fat
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Do regular physical activity
• Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels

It’s also important to consult your doctor about your medications to make sure you understand how they work, how to take them, and what side effects may occur, as the NIA recommends.