Understanding diabetes for older adults
Empowering older adults with clear diabetes information
Diabetes affects many older Australians and having it explained in simple, everyday language can make a big difference. This overview brings together clarifying explanations, early signs to watch for and practical ways to support day‑to‑day wellbeing. It’s designed to help older individuals, families and carers feel more confident in recognising, managing and talking about diabetes.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood because the body cannot make enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly, or both. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar from the bloodstream into the body's cells, where it is used for energy.
When this process doesn't work properly, glucose stays in the blood instead of being used by the body. Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and feet if it is not well managed. The good news is that diabetes can often be managed successfully with healthy habits, medication when needed, and regular health checks.
Quick fact: Recognising the individual before their condition is the most respectful way to refer to someone with diabetes. So rather than saying someone is diabetic, it is more respectful to say that they are a person with diabetes. This is called person-first language.
What are the main types of diabetes?
Pre diabetes
Pre diabetes means blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes.
- It is a warning sign that a person is at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, as well as heart disease and stroke.
- Many people with pre diabetes have no symptoms.
- Healthy lifestyle changes can delay or even prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes. These changes can include improving diet, increasing physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.
Type 1 diabetes
This is an auto-immune condition where the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- It happens when the body making little or no insulin.
- It requires lifelong insulin treatment.
- It can develop at any age but often starts in childhood or early adulthood.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin and may gradually produce less insulin over time.
- It develops over time and is influenced by factors such as age, family history, lifestyle and other health conditions.
- Management may include healthy eating, physical activity, oral medications, injectable medicines and sometimes insulin.
- It is the most common type of diabetes, particularly in older adults.
Although these conditions differ in their causes and treatment, they all involve problems with the body's ability to regulate blood glucose and require appropriate monitoring and management. This is especially important for older adults to reduce the risk of long-term complications.
What symptoms should older adults or carers look out for?
Older adults may develop symptoms gradually and they can sometimes be mistaken for normal ageing. Individuals and carers should watch for:
- Increased thirst.
- Passing urine more often, especially overnight.
- Feeling unusually tired.
- Blurred vision.
- Dry mouth or dry skin.
- Slow healing cuts or wounds.
- Frequent infections (such as urinary tract or skin infections).
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Increased hunger.
It’s important to note that someone with diabetes may not have any symptoms at all, and older adults with memory problems may not notice or report changes.
This makes regular observation by carers, along with routine health checks, especially important, as many people with Type 2 diabetes have not experienced any symptoms when first diagnosed.
What are the key components of diabetes management?
Diabetes management usually includes:
- Healthy and balanced eating.
- Regular physical activity suited to the person's abilities.
- Taking medications or insulin as prescribed.
- Monitoring blood glucose when recommended.
- Regular General Practitioner and medical specialist reviews.
- Routine checks of blood pressure, cholesterol, kidneys, eyes and feet.
- Learning about diabetes through diabetes education.
- Managing stress and supporting emotional wellbeing.
To reduce the risk of complications, work with a healthcare team that can include a General Practitioner, credentialled diabetes educator, dietitian, podiatrist and an optometrist. This collaborative approach supports good diabetes management which plays a key role in lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss and foot problems.
Management should always be individualised, reflecting each person's health, preferences, abilities and overall quality of life.
Quick fact: About 1.3 million Australians are living with diagnosed diabetes, and almost 60% of people with type 2 diabetes are 65 years or older.
Is diabetes management different for older adults?
Managing diabetes in older adults often requires balancing blood glucose control while maintaining independence, comfort and quality of life. Challenges can include:
- Multiple health conditions and medications.
- Increased risk of low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia).
- Memory problems or dementia affecting medication or meal routines.
- Reduced vision or hearing.
- Limited mobility or arthritis affecting blood glucose monitoring or insulin administration.
- Higher risk of falls.
- Poor appetite or irregular eating patterns.
- Greater need for support from family or carers.
Treatment goals are often individualised, focusing on safety, avoiding hypoglycaemia and maintaining quality of life rather than achieving very strict blood glucose targets.
What are the practical strategies for daily management of diabetes?
Helpful everyday strategies include:
- Eating regular meals and snacks, and avoiding skipping meals.
- Choosing balanced meals with vegetables, wholegrains, lean protein and healthy fats.
- Drinking enough water.
- Being physically active most days, even with gentle activities such as walking or chair exercises.
- Taking medications at the same time each day using reminders or pill organisers.
- Monitoring blood glucose levels as recommended by your healthcare team.
- Checking feet daily for cuts, blisters or sores and wearing well-fitting shoes.
- Keeping regular appointments for eye, kidney and foot checks.
- Having a plan for recognising and treating low blood glucose levels.
- Involving family members or carers when additional support is needed.
- Consulting a diabetes educator on the best diabetes management techniques specific to you.
- Speaking with a dietitian to learn what foods directly impact blood glucose levels.
Small and consistent lifestyle changes are generally more sustainable than major changes.
Managing diabetes is an ongoing journey. Having the right support can make a meaningful difference to your confidence, safety and wellbeing. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or adjusting your routine over time, our team is here to help you understand your condition and individual needs, build practical daily habits and stay connected to all the care you need.
To learn more about how integratedliving's expert team can support you or someone you care for, explore our Support for diabetes management resource.
References: Diabetes Australia; National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS); Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA)