Diabetes Type 2
Did You Know: In Massachusetts nearly 30% of adults 65 and older have type 2 diabetes!
Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Glucose is your main source of energy. It comes from the foods you eat. A hormone called insulin helps the glucose get into your cells to give them energy. If you have diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin well. The glucose then stays in your blood and not enough goes into your cells.
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Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause health problems. But you can take steps to manage your diabetes and try to prevent these health problems. These health issues are known as diabetes complications and can be serious. But, your risk of these complications can be lessened by managing your diabetes.
The resources listed below provide access to information about diabetes that is current, accurate, reliable and free of myths and misinformation about the disease:
MedlinePlus Diabetes Type 2: MedlinePlus links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other federal government agencies. This is the best place to start. The site provides access to dozens of pages of information about all aspects of diabetes. Read More...
Diabetes Diet, Eating, & Physical Activity: Information from NIDDK, the federal health agency that conducts research and provides educational materials about diabetes. Read More...
Life Doesn’t End with Type 2 Diabetes: In depth information from the American Diabetes Association. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for type 2, but you can be helped to take each step forward. Read More...
Managing Complications Of Diabetes In Later Life: A Tip Sheet from HealthyAging.org - If you are 65 or older and have diabetes, here is what you need to know about managing some common complications of diabetes in later life. Read More...
Diabetes in Older People: Basic information about diabetes in seniors from the National Institute on Aging. Read More...
Diabetes Education
When first diagnosed with diabetes, the amount of information may seem a bit overwhelming. Often your primary care physician may have limited time to explain what you need to do. Medicare will pay for a diabetes self-management training program that teaches you to cope with and manage your diabetes. Cape Cod Healthcare offers an American Diabetes Association-recognized Diabetes Education Program, led by certified diabetes educators designed to help you understand your diabetes. Cape Cod Healthcare Diabetes Care & Education.
