Saudi Arabia: Reem Alageel and Her Insights

Hi, my name is Reem Alageel, 13-year-old from Saudi Arabia who loves sketching, bike riding, and writing. These hobbies let me be creative, active, and express my ideas in different ways.

Reviewed Article: Care Management in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis by M.H Soriani, C. Desnuelle

Main Argument & Findings:

The authors argue that elderly people with Type 2 Diabetes are a distinct patient group with needs that can’t be met by simply applying the same guidelines used for younger adults. They highlight that this group faces both standard diabetes complications (like heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve problems) and age-specific issues such as cognitive decline, falls, frailty, and depression. The article also mentions that most major diabetes studies exclude older adults, which means there is a lack of research-based guidance for their treatment.

Reading the article helped me realize that treating diabetes in the elderly is not just about controlling blood sugar—it’s about balancing health goals with quality of life. I now understand that aggressive treatment can sometimes do more harm than good.

Importance for Youth:

It’s important for youth to know this because many of us have grandparents or older relatives, and understanding the challenges they face with diabetes helps us be more supportive, patient, and aware of how serious the disease can be as people age.

What I Learned: 

I learned that diabetes affects older people differently and can impact many things in their life like memory, movement, and independence. This reminds me of my own grandparents and how important it is to help them stay healthy and safe.

Citations: Bradley, D., & Hsueh, W. (2016). Type 2 diabetes in the elderly: Challenges in a unique patient population. Journal of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, 2(2), Article 14. https://doi.org/10.23937/2469-5858/1510014