Today, November 14, is World Diabetes Day- the first ever!  A resolution passed in December of 2006 by the United Nations created an annual United Nations Day for World Diabetes starting in 2007.  For more information on the day of recognition, please visit the World Diabetes Day homepage.

It just so happens that two recent studies have highlighted some of the issues affecting diabetics...

A diabetes study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine (set for the December issue) found that of diabetic seniors, 92% have at least one other chronic condition.  Even more worrisome: almost 50% have three or more other chronic medical conditions in addition to diabetes.  Seniors often make managing their other chronic conditions a priority and fail to properly manage their diabetes.  Many of the other conditions in seniors were triggered (or aggravated) at least in part by their diabetes.  The study stresses the importance of holistic care and taking a 'whole-person approach' to disease management. To read more about the study, click here.

For families, diabetes can affect multiple generations.  It's important to take preventative measures like eating a healthy diet and being active.  Once diagnosed with diabetes, it's important to take care of yourself!  A recent study in Australia suggested that more than 60% of those diagnosed with diabetes are wearing the wrong size shoe.  The wrong size of shoe could increase the chance of having foot problems, which (especially for diabetics) can even lead to amputation.  Please encourage those with diabetes in your family to have their feet properly measured to ensure they are wearing shoes the correct length AND width for their feet.  For more on this study, please click here.

It's important for seniors to work with their health care provider or geriatrician to manage their diabetes.  As the first study finds, many seniors have other chronic conditions in addition to diabetes.  For these seniors and their caregivers, a geriatric care manager or eldercare manager can partner with them and their other health care providers to approach their disease management in a more holistic fashion.