Dietary Reasons Swell Diabetes among Senior Citizens of USA

As per the national Diabetes report-2014, 21 million citizens above 65 years are diabetic and this is a cause for growing concern as it is significantly affecting the lifespan of men and women in the country by over 50 years. Diabetes among the seniors is prevalent among the American Indians of Alaska origin (15.9%), followed by 13.2% non-Hispanic Blacks and 12.8% of blacks.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Report, diabetes is the largest and fastest spreading health concern in the country and it was the 7^th leading cause for death in the year 2007. 37-40% of the elderly population is getting low nutrition levels leading to hospitalization, and physical disability among them. Measures like ‘Meals on Wheels’ has been initiated to assist the elderly population to cater to their nutritional needs.

The Older Americans Act (OAA) makes provision for 1/3^rd of the nutrition requirements prescribed by the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) and there by abide by the food safety and sanitation requirements of people in the age group of 60 and above. Although it covers 30% of the home delivered meals, it do not cover any therapeutic diet, which is not part of the DRI of the people aged 60 and above.

According to the National Home and Hospice Care Survey of 2011, about 7.6 million people receive home-based care and 30.6% of them are diabetic. 7% of US adults over 60 years are receiving benefits from Meals on wheels ‘programme and 74% of these beneficiaries are suffering due to malnutrition.

Although no cure for diabetes, diabetes management is possible with dietary supplements and necessary workouts. Medication is increasingly expensive if the individuals do not have health coverage. Patient education is extremely important as it leads to early screening. Together with necessary datary measures, diabetes management can be optimized among the senior citizens of USA.