The prevalence of type-2 diabetes is rising in the U.S. elderly population, and nearly half of affected individuals fail to adequately control their blood sugar, new research out of Rutgers University shows. With these statistics in mind, Franchise Owners and CAREGivers should be on the lookout for potential problems in clients with this disease.
“The current study’s findings, in context of the projected increase in the elderly population, have critical public health and healthcare cost implications,” Dr. Dong-Churl Suh of Rutgers University in Piscataway, NJ, and colleagues warn in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (story online at http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSCOL85167920080418?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews; this report received attention from media outlets around the world.)
Researchers assessed changes over time in treatment and control of diabetes using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 1999 to 2004, and compared findings with data from 1988 to 1994. They found the prevalence of diabetes increased significantly, from 12 percent to 14.1 percent; in addition, during this same time frame, only 55 percent of diabetic patients achieved adequate blood sugar control.
The researchers’ analyses also showed that blood sugar control was better in patients without other co-morbid illnesses, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Our CAREGivers can help your loved one manage their diabetes. Call to learn more at 248-203-2273, or visit our website at www.homeinstead.com/283.
