Ohio Department of Aging
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2007
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Aging reminds Older Ohioans and their families that November is American Diabetes Month. While adults age 60 and older are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, research has shown that older adults can be more successful at preventing or delaying the onset of the disease than were all other age groups, according to the National Diabetes Education Program.
"Ohio ranks eighth in the number of people diagnosed with diabetes with an estimated 685,000 adult Ohioans having the disease, 276,000 age 65 or older." said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Department of Aging. "The good news is that type 2 diabetes can be effectively managed or prevented altogether by losing a small amount of weight and being physically active for just 30 minutes each day."
Nearly 40 percent of adults ages 40 to 74 have pre-diabetes, a condition where a person's blood glucose level is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Pre-diabetes raises an individual's risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Risk factors for diabetes include age, overweight, family history of the disease, ethnicity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and an inactive lifestyle. If you are age 60 or older and overweight, talk to your doctor about your risk of diabetes.
A weight loss or weight management program that includes a low-fat, low-calorie meal plan, coupled with moderate physical activity is the best defense against diabetes. Make healthy food choices and reduce your overall intake. Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as walking, dancing or bicycling, five days a week and take other small steps to increase your activity, such as parking farther from the door or walking around the house while on the phone. For more information about diabetes prevention, visit the National Diabetes Education Program online at www.ndep.nih.gov or call 1-800-438-5383.
Older adults who have been diagnosed with diabetes can get help from Medicare, which helps pay for diabetes self-testing equipment and supplies, including blood glucose meters, test strips and lancets. Individuals with Original Medicare will pay 20 percent of the approved amount, after the Part B deductible. Individuals with Medicare health plans should check with their plan provider for details on co-pays. The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program, of the Ohio Department of Insurance, can answer questions about Medicare diabetes coverage. Visit www.ohioinsurance.gov or call 1-800-686-1578.
"People with diabetes should also seriously consider getting a flu shot this winter," added Riley. "For them, the flu can be more than aches and pains. It can mean longer illness, hospitalization, even death, because diabetes weakens the immune system."
Flu vaccines are offered at doctors' offices, clinics, pharmacies and grocery stores at little or no cost and are covered by Medicare Part B. Check with your doctor to see if you should be immunized.
About ODA
The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.
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Ohio Department of Aging