A study by the University of Michigan Health System shows that 92 percent of diabetic seniors are also trying to manage multiple serious health problems, such as heart disease, hypertension, arthritis or other chronic conditions, in addition to their diabetes.
Very often, diabetes management takes a back seat to the other illnesses as older people try to deal with several symptoms and medications at the same time.
Researchers say that seniors need a more holistic approach from health care providers to help them manage all their health problems, instead of addressing each disease separately.
John Piette, Ph.D., senior author for the study states in a press release from the University of Michigan Health System, "Right now, disease management does one disease at a time - but few older patients come with just one. If we want to really improve quality of life for these patients we need to be treating more than one at a time and help patients set their own priorities."
