"Why Are Seniors Vulnerable to Diabetes? What Diseases Should Elderly People Be Vigilant Against?"

Summary of Aging-Related Health Issues and Diseases in the Elderly

During the continuous development of the human body, internal organs often undergo unhealthy development. As age advances, the incidence of various diseases increases. Below is a summary of relevant information.

Why Do Elderly People Develop Diabetes?

The causes of this disease are diverse and often involve a long duration of onset. Due to insufficient or absent insulin secretion by the body, sugars and proteins cannot be metabolized in a timely manner. Consequently, most diabetic patients experience complications. Severe complications can lead to skin infections, lung infections, ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, hypoglycemia, and other illnesses. Mild complications can affect major blood vessels, the heart, microvessels, peripheral nerves, motor nerves, the central nervous system, the stomach, causing skin itching, joint stiffness, fungal infections, oral diseases, etc. Thus, for the human body, the most severe aspect of diabetes lies in its complications, which can lead to diseases in various organs and even pose a life-threatening danger.

Diseases Elderly People Should Be Wary Of:

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis

This disease is typically caused by bacterial obstruction, primarily influenced by rheumatic fever, resulting in inflammation of large joints such as the knees and ankles, with occasional inflammation of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and feet.

2. Gout

This disease arises when the body's metabolism is abnormal, causing uric acid to accumulate and not be expelled promptly, leading to joint pain. It results in gouty acute inflammation with a high recurrence rate, causing gouty tophi to accumulate continuously. In severe cases, it can lead to joint deformities. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the affected joints.

3. Bone Hyperplasia

Over time, every joint in the human body undergoes different degenerative changes. In old age, bone hyperplasia frequently occurs in the cervical spine, lumbar spine, knees, feet, and other areas due to heavy movement and exposure to cold.

4. Fractures

Due to the fragile bones of elderly individuals, fractures can occur easily if caution is not exercised. Some traumas or violent acts can also lead to fractures. A severe impact to the lower leg can result in a violent fracture, involving surrounding soft tissues. Generally, fractures among middle-aged and elderly individuals are caused by indirect violence. In general, as people age, various organ functions decline, naturally leading to various diseases. Therefore, elderly individuals should regularly observe their physical condition, timely supplement vitamins and nutrients, strengthen their constitution under medical advice, and avoid minor issues from escalating into major illnesses.