According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 18.3% (8.6 million) of Americans age 60 and older have diabetes. Not only is the risk for Type 2 diabetes more common as people get older, but physical, financial and medical issues are often compounded as people age. As many as 50% of Type 2 diabetes happens in those aged 55 and older.

With 78 million Americans approaching retirement age of 62 in the next decade, the possibility of a full fledged diabetes epidemic looms on the horizon. Here's why.

RISK FACTORS. The major risk factors for diabetes have to do with weight and age. Add high blood pressure, depression and a sedentary lifestyle and you have covered most of the precursors for the disease.

INSULIN RESISTANCE. A natural by product of aging is an decrease in insulin resistance and an increase in glucose intolerance both of which lead to pre-diabetes and then diabetes itself.

NUTRITIONAL POVERTY A term I use to describe the fact that Diabetes calls for a healthier way of eating than most are used to. Let's face it Americans in general don't eat very well. A healthier way of eating costs more money. Money is not exactly in overabundance in most Americans especially those who have retired.

MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS Diabetes directly or indirectly can lead to blindness, coronary artery disease, kidney failure, and impaired circulation which can lead to amputation.

MEDICAL POVERTY Next to nutritional poverty comes medical poverty. As Americans continue to age they cannot afford health insurance and the kind of medical coverage needed to control diabetes or assist in the fight against complications.

The good news is there are some answers for these problems:
• Community-sponsored senior transportation may be available at little to no charge. Your local senior center may also provide transportation.
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• Meals on Wheels program may be an option for nutritionally balance meals. You might also check with your local churches and other social services organizations. about low-cost food programs that are available in the area.
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• Medicaid provides health benefits.
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• Local groups such as the YMCA's and Community Centers provide exercise programs geared to seniors.
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• Your local hospital is an excellent resource for seniors. Check them out.

Growing old is not necessarily as much fun as it is cracked up to be. If you can avoid diabetes it will definitely prolong your life and be an improvement on your quality of life.

Jack Krohn has had Diabetes, Pre-diabetes and Syndrome X for nearly fifteen years. He speaks from the experiences he has had during that time.

His new website is devoted to educating patients of DIABETES

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