Did you know that more than 20 percent of people in the U.S. ages 60 and older have diabetes? It’s important to understand how to manage the condition as you get older.

Here are some ways you can minimize diabetes complications and care for your overall health to feel good for years to come.

Handle Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the glucose level in your blood drops too low. It can happen when you don’t eat enough food, or it may be a side effect of diabetes medications. Hypoglycemia can also be related to your activity level. Older adults are at risk for hypoglycemia because they may not realize they need immediate treatment when their blood sugar drops.

The symptoms of hypoglycemia can include sweating, hunger, fatigue, shakiness, and light-headedness. Older adults may be more likely to experience dizziness, weakness, confusion, and delirium. Hypoglycemia can put you at higher risk for falls and accidents. People with memory problems are especially at risk because they cannot connect the early warning symptoms with hypoglycemia and call for help.

To manage hypoglycemia, ask for your health care provider’s help with the following:

• Eating three meals a day at regular times
• Including an extra snack in your meal plan when you are more active
• Teaching loved ones how to recognize signs of hypoglycemia and test your blood glucose
• Keeping emergency supplies on hand, such as glucose tablets and orange juice

Know Your Nutritional Needs
Sometimes it’s harder for older adults to eat a balanced diet. It can be difficult to shop or cook, especially when you live alone. Poor appetite, dental problems, or financial issues may also be to blame. Some older adults also struggle with maintaining a high enough weight.

Poor nutrition can make diabetes worse. It can lead to hypoglycemia and circulation problems and make you more vulnerable to acute illnesses and other health concerns. Here are some tips for getting the nutrients you need:

• Talk with your health care provider about your eating habits. He or she can adjust your meal plan to reflect your personal needs.
• Ask your provider about using a meal service or getting financial assistance.
• Make meals social and eat with friends whenever possible.

Don’t Ignore Depression
Dealing with a chronic condition such as diabetes can contribute to depression. Living alone and being isolated can also put you at risk. Feeling depressed can make it harder to test your glucose, follow your diet, and take medications correctly.

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of depression. They include feeling sad, not caring, feeling guilty, having low energy, or experiencing changes in eating or sleeping patterns. If you think you might be depressed, talk with your health care provider. He or she may recommend meeting with a counselor, taking medication, or joining a support group.

Keep Other Conditions in Check
In addition to diabetes, you may need to manage high blood pressure or heart disease, or even breathing problems or arthritis. And changes in vision or hearing can make it harder to perform daily activities, such as taking medications.

To make caring for diabetes easier, here’s what you can do to control other health conditions:

• Keep your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol in your target range.
• Have regular eye screenings for glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy.
• Ask your health care provider about getting vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia.
• Keep an updated list of your health care providers, medications, and glucose readings.

The way you care for diabetes over the years will change. It may take some time to adapt, but working with your health care provider can make it easier. It’s possible to manage diabetes and maintain a good quality of life.