🌿 🌿 Understanding Geriatric Diabetes & Urinary Incontinence: A Functional Medicine Perspective

As we age, the risk of chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes, urinary incontinence, and digestive issues such as acid reflux rises — often with multiple systems affected at once. Conventional care may focus on symptom management, but the Functional Medicine approach goes deeper to address root causes and restore healthy function.

In elderly patients, factors like poor glycemic control, muscle weakness, chronic inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and gut dysfunction can all contribute to blood sugar dysregulation and incontinence.

Common challenges include:

✅ Blood Sugar Dysregulation — insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism worsen with age, increasing the risk of complications.

✅ Pelvic Floor Dysfunction — weakened muscles, nerve damage, and hormonal shifts can lead to urinary incontinence.

✅ Digestive Imbalances — conditions like GERD often co-exist, impacting nutrient absorption and overall resilience.

✅ Polypharmacy & Toxins — multiple medications can have side effects that compound bladder and metabolic issues.

✅ Nutrient Deficiencies & Sarcopenia — low muscle mass and key micronutrient depletion hinder recovery and function.

The Functional Medicine approach focuses on:

✅ Identifying root causes — blood sugar triggers, gut dysfunction, or lifestyle patterns.

✅ Personalized nutrition — anti-inflammatory, low-glycemic plans that support muscle strength and gut health.

✅ Restoring strength — pelvic floor rehab and physical activity suited for the elderly.

✅ Reducing triggers — addressing medications, toxins, and stressors that worsen symptoms.

✅ Empowering patients — helping seniors regain dignity, independence, and quality of life.

With the right root-cause approach, it’s possible to improve metabolic health, continence, and overall vitality — helping our elders age with comfort and confidence.