Have you ever been confused about how your blood sugar might affect normal values as you age? Since blood sugar levels are key to overall well-being, blood sugar control helps maintain optimal levels. As it turns out, these vary for many reasons, which could lead to complications in healthy and aging people. Additionally, figuring all of this out on your own can be challenging, especially if you haven't already monitored your blood sugar levels. So read on for a simple guide to understand what blood sugar levels are considered normal in older adults.
Which factors could affect blood sugar normal values in old age
Seniors who have difficulty maintaining healthy blood sugar levels need to closely monitor their numbers, activities, and daily diet. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause fainting, memory problems, and even death in some cases. However, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can also cause problems with the kidneys, eyes, nervous system and heart over time. For example, when people consume carbohydrates,blood sugar levels rise, as the carbohydrates enter the bloodstream. In response to this fast sugar, the body releases insulin from the pancreas, allowing cells to use the carbohydrates for energy.
Seniors with hypoglycemia may have released too much insulin or not eaten for too long. When the body doesn't have enough energy to function, it quickly shuts down. bBlood sugar levels in older peoplefor example, below 70 mg/dL are considered hypoglycemic. Seniors with hyperglycemia often also have diabetes. When this happens, their body may no longer produce insulin (type 1 diabetes) or may no longer use insulin effectively for energy (type 2 diabetes). Since high blood sugar levels can damage the various organs in the body over time, it is therefore important to keep blood sugar levels within a normal range.
Normal blood sugar levels for seniors
The normal range of blood sugar levels is between 70 and 130 mg/dL before eating or in a fasting state. For this reason, diabetologists recommend that seniors maintain a blood sugar level of less than 180 mg/dL two hours after eating. However, not all older people have the same care needs. This means they don't all need the same type of home care. Additionally, seniors should make sure to focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as consuming nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and having strong social bonds.
Control of blood sugar levels
In order to maintain normal blood sugar levels in old age, older people with hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia should continuously monitor their values using blood glucose meters at home. These monitors can be designed for one-time use or continuous use. With a disposable monitor, a senior puts a test strip into the monitor and then pricks their finger with a lancet. The blood is applied to the test strip and the meter gives a blood glucose reading within seconds. Those who have difficulty maintaining their blood sugar levels may need to use continuous blood glucose monitors. These monitors continually check blood sugar and alert the user if levels are too high or too low.
Regardless of how you measure your blood sugar levels, you should keep a log of your fasting, as well as before and after eating conditions. The doctor can then use these numbers to formulate a treatment plan that is best suited for that individual. So if you want to manage your health, you should consider having regular blood sugar checks. This helps you with a variety of daily tasks and gives you the opportunity to focus on other personal tasks or take some time off.
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels
You can keep your blood sugar levels stable by exercising, eating a healthy diet, and taking medication or insulin as prescribed by your doctor. Here are a few tips for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels:
- Eat a healthy breakfast with fiber and protein within an hour of waking up to prevent hypoglycemia.
- Always include healthy fats, proteins and fiber at every meal. This slows down the digestion process and the number of carbohydrates released into the bloodstream, keeping blood sugar levels stable.
- Exercise regularly to burn off extra blood sugar.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks such as cola, sports drinks and juices, as these quickly increase blood sugar levels.
- Keep a supply of candy on hand in case your blood sugar levels plummet. If you have hypoglycemia, you should eat a sugary snack or drink as soon as possible and check your blood sugar levels again.
Maintaining a high quality of life can be a real challenge for some seniors. However, following a few healthy habits can help them reach normal levels as they age with unstable blood sugar. Additionally, this can increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life.
