Diabetes in Hawaii continues to be a serious health issue, especially among our seniors.
The first thing seniors should be aware of is that certain actions can prevent or slow the onset of diabetes.
Dietician Char Pidot-Buchner says, "Studies have shown that making lifestyle changes is a powerful way to prevent complications of diabetes and eating a healthy diet is one important way."
Another lifestyle change involves exercise. Pidot-Buchner admits it may get tougher as we age, but it's more important than ever at that point in our lives.
"It is the case. But being active by walking at the mall, ballroom dancing, gardening all those things can help."
While the physical benefits of exercise are clear - the mental benefit of sharing the time with others is also a plus.
"That's important too because you tend to do it more - you're more likely to do it if you have company and you tend to enjoy it a lot more, too."
The mere fact of aging can lead to diabetes and the disease is more prevalent among the Pacific Island population. So research continues into treatments.
Dr. James Wong says, "There are different oral medications that can be very beneficial, insulin, insulin pumps so we have advances. I think the important thing for our patients and our elderly population is to be aware of the diabetes."
That awareness is especially important as we age. But it is also vital that we pay attention to our lifestyles in our younger years as well.
"Because the effects aren't seen for years. So if they're younger and they have diabetes, the complications will be something they encounter later in life and may be more difficult to deal with," says Dr. Wong.
