The American Diabetes Association is pleased to announce a health event that will provide screenings and diabetes resources for older adults, age 55 years and older. The American Diabetes Association is partnering with the Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana and CICOA to offer a forum where older adults can learn how to reduce their risk of diabetes and its complications.
This is a free event for adults and caregivers affected by or at risk for diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Coordinated health care for everyone is incredibly important and is especially critical for people with multiple chronic diseases. One in four Americans has more than one chronic condition.
Join us Nov. 9 from 8 a.m. – noon at IU Fairbanks Hall, 340 W. 10th St.
for a special day with medical experts and get answers to your questions about diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
Highlights include:
- Presentations by, and time to talk with, medical experts in diabetes & Alzheimer’s disease
- Caregiver workshop: Helping your loved one & yourself
- Health screenings
- Flu shots available (no co-pay for Medicare B or Supplement D)
“Currently, one in four Americans over the age of 60 is living with diabetes and other chronic conditions and there is a great need for further education among older adults,” said Robin Nwankwo, MPH, RD, CDE, Chair, Adult Strategies Committee, American Diabetes Association.
People with diabetes are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The issue relates to insulin — the hormone that tells cells to absorb energy-giving sugar from the blood. In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells resist insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and less energy-giving sugar for the insulin-resistant cells. A person’s brain needs energy too so if those brain cells become insulin resistant, the risk for Alzheimer’s disease increases.
In the U.S., there are nearly 26 million people living with diabetes and more seniors have diabetes than any other age group – 10.9 million, or 26.9 percent, of all people age 65 and older.
Almost all older adults who develop diabetes have type 2 diabetes, and older adults with diabetes often have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, infections that heal slowly and are at risk for heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. Seniors with diabetes are also more likely to have memory problems and depression. Awareness and education is critical in helping seniors to lead healthier lives.
Sponsors who have made this educational program possible are: American Senior Communities, AARP, and Sanofi.
For more information on the local events, contact Carol Dixon at (317) 352-9226 or cdixon@diabetes.org.
