Which condition is likely to complicate diabetes management in older adults?

Unhealed wounds can complicate diabetes management in older adults due to several interrelated factors. Individuals with diabetes often experience delayed wound healing because high blood glucose levels can impair the body's natural healing processes. Elevated blood sugar can negatively affect circulation and reduce the effectiveness of immune responses, making it more challenging for wounds to heal properly.

Additionally, older adults are at a higher risk of developing complications such as neuropathy and poor circulation, which can exacerbate the issues associated with unhealed wounds. This not only increases the risk of infections but may also necessitate more intensive management of blood glucose levels, complicating the overall management of diabetes.

In contrast, while chronic fatigue, acute respiratory infections, and seasonal allergies can certainly affect health and quality of life, they do not directly interfere with the physiological processes that are crucial for effective diabetes management in the same manner as unhealed wounds do.