Final answer:
Decreased cellular insulin sensitivity is an age-related change that can affect the management of diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, as individuals age. It may lead to increased glucose intolerance, requiring management through diet, physical activity, and medical treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Age-Related Changes Affecting Diabetes and its Management
One age-related change that may affect diabetes and its management is a decrease in cellular insulin sensitivity. As individuals age, they often experience a decline in insulin sensitivity, which means their cells become less effective at responding to the presence of insulin. This condition can lead to increasing glucose intolerance where blood glucose levels spike more rapidly and take a longer time to return to normal. Almost 27 percent of Americans aged 65 and older have diabetes, which typically refers to type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. This condition can be exacerbated by factors such as obesity, genetics, and lifestyle choices.
Management of type 2 diabetes usually comprises dietary changes to increase insulin sensitivity, physical activity, and possibly medications or insulin injections. Lifestyle changes, particularly those involving diet, are crucial for mitigating the effects of decreased carbohydrate metabolism and maintaining normal blood glucose levels.
It's important to note that while aging can predispose individuals to type 2 diabetes, other factors such as genetics and lifestyle are also influential. Therefore, it is essential for older adults to monitor their diabetes closely and make necessary lifestyle adjustments in consultation with healthcare professionals.