Health issues in Gerontology

Health issues in Gerontology
Name
University

Health issues in Gerontology 2
Introduction
The number of elderly or geriatric patients of diabetes in Australia and the world are
growing due to higher life expectancy, increase in population of the aged and lifestyles that
are sedentary and diets that are nutrition dense. Of particular concern is the high prevalence
of diabetes among the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia. Their socio-
economic status and lower levels of awareness about lifestyle choices could have put them at
a greater risk. The risk of complications associated with diabetes and the presence of co-
morbidities in the geriatric population makes it important for high quality of care delivery.
The diagnosis of diabetes and related complications among the elderly impacts their well
being and if associated with cognitive decline their ability to self-manage medication, diet
and exercise regimen is affected. The delivery of care through government programs in
Australia is available but the growing numbers of patients poses a challenge. Nursing staff is
trained in dealing with in-patients at hospitals and many of them are trained as diabetes
educators. The role played by the educators can help patients and their families to cope with
the stress of dealing with diabetes. Nurses also help in the transition of patients from the
hospital and ensure that after the discharge the patient is able to receive medication.
Incidence of Diabetes mellitus in older adults
The incidence of Diabetes Mellitus among those aged 65 and above has seen an
increase all over the world and in Australia more than half a million people in this age group
suffer from diabetes (AIHW, 2017). 10.8 million people among the aged in the US suffer
from diabetes as detected by the fasting blood levels and the HbA1c (Caspersen, Thomas,
Boseman, Beckles, & Albright, 2012). In most of the cases patients are type 2 diabetics.
Diabetes is a group of diseases that results due to high blood glucose levels that could be n
outcome of reduced insulin production by the pancreas or defects in insulin action, at times

Health issues in Gerontology 3
both the reasons are attributed to the condition (CDC, 2011). The prevalence of diabetes
among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is 38% as compared to the 12% rate of
prevalence among the non-indigenous Australian elderly population (AIHW, diabetes, 2017).
The risk of complications due to diabetes, such as, foot complications is more common
among the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander people (West, Chuter, Munteanu, & Hawke,
2017). Aboriginals are 4.3 times more likely to be hospitalised due to diabetes related
complications than the general population (Gibson, 2017). Several complications are
associated with diabetes when blood sugar levels are uncontrolled. Cardiovascular disease,
kidney disease, retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, depression, anxiety and distress are major
risks. However, well managed blood glucose levels can help patients stay safe from
complications.
Impacts on the individual
The impact of a diabetes diagnosis on the patient can be enormous. The patient may
feel overwhelmed with the possibility of complications, frustrated with having to make
lifestyle changes and may feel lonely. Some patients may be able to cope better than others,
but those with weaker coping mechanisms may feel a greater impact. A newly diagnosed
patient may suffer from mental health issues, such as, depression and anxiety. There may be
distress due to the need to constantly watch one's diet, remember to take medication and
include some form of physical exercise. Periodic checks for glycosylated hemoglobin,
systolic blood pressure and blood lipids require the patient to be engaged in self-care all the
time. The economic burden of the medicines and tests also impact the patient. Health related
quality of life does not remain as it was before the diagnosis of diabetes (Leach, et al., 2013).
The annual direct costs of people who have complications are more than double the cost of
those living without complications and can surge to $9600 from $3500 (Health.gov.au, 2015).
The challenge of living with diabetes is significant for the elderly because of episodes of