Elderly with Type-2 diabetes at high risk of fractures

Elderly with Type-2 diabetes at high risk of fractures
• Poor lifestyle habits can exacerbate this disease • A healthy diet is key in managing the symptoms in those with Type-2 diabetes New Delhi, 21st September 2017: A study conducted recently has indicated that older adults with Type-2 diabetes have deficits in their cortical bone, which can increase their susceptibility to fractures. Cortical bone is the dense outer surface of bone that forms a protective layer around the internal cavity. Type-2 diabetes can alter the micro-architecture of this bone in the elderly and increase the risk of fracture. The IMA added that Type-2 diabetes is a serious public health problem. With the population of the elderly on an upward trend, this is only likely to increase further. Diabetes is a life-long disease that affects the way the body handles glucose in the blood. Most people with diabetes have Type-2 diabetes. People with Type-2 diabetes make insulin, but the cells are unable to use it as well as they should. This is known as insulin resistance. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Type 2 diabetes is typically brought on by poor eating habits, too much body weight and too little exercise. As the body cannot effectively use insulin to bring glucose into cells, it relies on alternative energy sources in the tissues, muscles, and organs. This is a chain reaction that follows up with many symptoms. Type-2 diabetes tends to develop slowly over time and the symptoms are very mild in the beginning. Apart from lifestyle issues, there are other factors that can contribute to the development of this disorder. In some people, the liver produces too much glucose. Some people may also have a genetic predisposition to Type-2 diabetes. Obesity is a major factorin increasing the risk of insulin resistance.” While the early symptoms of Type-2 diabetes include constant hunger, a lack of energy, fatigue, weight loss, excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, itchy skin, and blurry vision; an increase in the sugar levels eventually can lead to yeast infections, slow-healing cuts, dark patches on the skin, foot pain, and feeling of numbness in the extremities. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “A healthy diet containing leafy vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, lean meat, fish, and nuts can help reduce a person’s risk of Type 2 diabetes and avoid complications. However, a healthy diet is more expensive than an unhealthy one. The wide availability of cheap, energy-dense, low-nutrient food is contributing to the global epidemic of Type-2 diabetes. Foods that reduce the risk of this disease such as vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, and unsaturated fats need to be made more affordable and more widely available.” Diabetes will be one of the many key topics of discussion at the upcoming Perfect Health Mela being organized by HCFI, to be held from 4th to 8th October 2017 at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi. IMA is the knowledge partner for the event. It is a must visit for those interested in learning more about preventive health and well-being. It will also have free health camps for checking blood sugar levels and other health parameters. The following tips can help in managing Type-2 diabetes. • Include foods rich in fibre and healthy carbohydrates in your diet. Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help keep the blood glucose levels steady. • Eat at regular intervals and eat only until you are full. • Control your weight and keep your heart healthy. This means keeping refined carbohydrates, sweets, and animal fats to a minimum. • Get about half an hour of aerobic activity daily to help keep your heart healthy. Exercise helps in controlling blood glucose as well.

Forget me Not: IMA Campaign for the Elderly

Forget me Not: IMA Campaign for the Elderly The global demography is changing with a considerable increase in the older population in almost all countries. A greater understanding of etiopathogenesis of many diseases leading to newer and more effective treatment options has improved life expectancy. Not just medical advances, economic growth and social development too have contributed to the rising aging population. “According to Population Census 2011 there are nearly 104 million elderly persons (aged 60 years or above) in India” (Elderly in India 2016 Report). “The global share of older people aged 60 years or over is expected to increase from 11.7% in 2013 to 21.1% by 2050. Presently, about two thirds of the world’s older persons live in developing countries. By 2050, nearly 8 in 10 of the world’s older population will live in the less developed regions. An Indian born in 1950 could expect to live for 37 years, whereas today India’s life expectancy at birth nearly doubled to 68 years, by 2050, it is projected to increase to 76 years. As a result, India’s population will rise from 1.3 billion today to an estimated 1.7 billion by 2050, with a much larger elderly share of around 340 million” (Press Information Bureau, March 22, 2016). Heart disease, dementia, diabetes, arthritis, cataract, sleep problems, depression, anxiety are some of the common health conditions prevalent in the elderly. And, most of these conditions co-exist, giving rise to polypharmacy, which has its own associated set of problems. In addition to these are the issues of disability, financial insecurity, isolation, loneliness, neglect. Left alone at home, they are also exposed to crime. From being usefully occupied for most part of their lives, they find themselves with plenty of time on their hands post-retirement. Hence, the challenges are not just health related but also economic and social. The elderly are a vulnerable group and need to be looked after. They can still contribute to the society. By neglecting them, we are losing out on their skill and years of experience. Efforts need to be made to improve quality of their lives and integrate them in the society. Health care for this population group in particular should be accessible and affordable; they need to be protected from ill-treatment and neglect. Those who wish to be productively engaged should be encouraged to do so. “Article 41, a Directive Principle of State Policy, provides that the State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right of public assistance in cases of old age. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and senior Citizen Act, 2007, also known as “Senior Citizens Act” explicitly states that it should be the duty of the children to maintain their parents.” (Press Information Bureau, October 1, 2015). “The National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) announced in 1999 envisages State support for the elderly to ensure financial and food security, health care, shelter, protection against abuse and exploitation, and training of human resources for their care and support etc. The policy also covers issues like social security, intergenerational bonding, family as the primary caretaker, role of Non-Governmental Organizations, training of manpower, research and training.” (Press Information Bureau, August 5, 2014) The “National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly” (NPHCE) was launched in the year 2010 to address health related problems of elderly people. Last year, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare launched the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) to generate data on various issues of the elderly. It will survey more than 60,000 elderly over 25 years plan. October 1 has been designated as the International Day of Older Persons by the United Nations to raise awareness about issues affecting the elderly. “Forget me Not” is a campaign proposed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) for the elderly population enabling them to lead a healthy and productive life with dignity. Doctors need to be trained to take care of the special needs of the older people. As doctors, we should not only provide them medical care, but also be a support to them. Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA and HCFI

Tips for healthy ageing: A World Elderly Day special

Tips for healthy ageing: A World Elderly Day special New Delhi, September 30, 2016: Aging is defined as a series of progressive changes with the passing of one’s lifetime. At present, India has around 11 crore people aged above 60 years, which makes up to about 10%. On world elderly day, our focus is on this senior demographic and ways in which they can despite the healthcare challenges live their life to the fullest. “Aging is a fact of life, you cannot escape it. So why not work on making old age the golden period of your life? Staying healthy and maintaining an overall wellbeing is important, be it any age and commencement of old age does not change this fact. Old age is a time of major life changes both in personal and professional sphere, how smoothly you handle these transitions is the key to staying healthy” said Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Elect IMA & President Heart Care Foundation of India.
There are a lot of things that you can do to make improvements in your health and reduce the chances of mental and physical disability in old age and confer longevity to your life.
1. Quit smoking: this is the first and foremost critical step that you can take in order to improve your health and combat age related health complications. Smoking kills by causing deadly diseases like cancer, strokes and heart failure. If you were a smoker in your younger years and still are, it is not too late to quit this fatal habit. 2. Stay active: make it a daily routine to undertake something that keep you fit and active. Let it be something that promotes strength, balance and flexibility and most importantly, something that you enjoy. Physical activity is critical for maintaining a healthy weight, controlling illness, promoting bone strength and reducing stress. 3. Prevent accidental falls: elderly people are especially vulnerable to accidental falls. Falls can be prevented by making small changes around your house like removing loose rugs and carpets, keeping walking paths free of cords and clutters and using night lights for hallways. It is observed that wearing good friction supporting shoes can prevent falls significantly. 4. Stay updated with immunizations and screenings: it is especially important for women over 50 to maintain regular mammography screening for breast cancer and Pap smear test for cervical cancer. Similarly, men should get screened for prostate cancer. Some preventive vaccinations against infections that can occur during old age are also available. Cholesterol, lipid profile and thyroid screenings are equally important. Consult your healthcare provider for these options. 5. Maintain a heart healthy lifestyle: the chances of heart disease increase significantly as you grow older. To combat this deadly disease, maintain a healthy body mass index, keep your blood pressure in check and undertake a healthy diet consisting of less salt/sugar and cholesterol. 6. Eat well: a well balanced healthy diet when combined with moderate physical activity can be the key to healthy aging. Many illnesses like heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis are strongly linked to what you eat. Calcium and vitamin D supplements can help women. 7. Stay mentally active: it is imperative to maintain a good amount of mental activity in old age to counter dementia and cognitive impairment that come with aging. Any issues of mental lapse and memory problems should be addressed promptly. 8. Sleep well: many elderly people face problems with maintaining a healthy sleep cycle. Insomnia and daytime sleepiness in excess are common complaints, talk to your healthcare provider about such issues. 9. Manage stress: old age can be stressful, and stress takes toll on health irrespective of age. Old age especially is riddled with stress due to emotional trauma associated with loss of loved ones, major life transitions and loneliness. Try exercise and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation. Old age can be a great time to renew your social circle. Practice the art of positive thinking, it may seem small but it can take your health a long way. Try to keep you sense of humor, those laughing exercises may look silly but are really helpful. 10. Get regular checkups for dental, vision and hearing health: your teeth, gums, vision and hearing have the potential to last a lifetime, if cared for properly. Get regular checkups with your healthcare provider to understand how old age affects these aspects and what changes you can incorporate to keep them healthy. There is no fixed formula for healthy aging; it is all about optimizing your opportunities for good health so that you may be able to enjoy an independent and good quality of life.