By Chris Cruse 9 am on
Seniors who have difficulty maintaining healthy blood sugar levels must closely monitor their numbers, their activities, and what they eat each day. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may cause fainting, memory problems, and death. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) may cause kidney, eye, nerve, and heart problems over time.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Seniors
When carbohydrates are consumed, blood sugar levels rise as the carbohydrates go into the bloodstream. The body releases insulin from the pancreas in response to these carbohydrates, which allows the cells to use the carbohydrates for energy.Seniors with hypoglycemia may have released too much insulin or gone too long without eating. When the body doesn’t have enough energy to function, it quickly shuts down. Blood sugar levels below 70 mg/dL are considered hypoglycemic levels.Seniors who have hyperglycemia often have diabetes. In this case, their bodies may no longer produce insulin (type 1 diabetes) or effectively use insulin for energy (type 2 diabetes). Because high blood sugar levels can damage the different organs in the body over time, it’s important to keep blood sugar levels in a normal range. Normal ranges of blood sugar levels are between 70 and 130 mg/dL before eating meals. The American Diabetes Association recommends seniors have blood glucose levels of less than 180 mg/dL two hours after eating.Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. Des Moines families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
Checking Blood Sugar Levels
Seniors with hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia need to continually monitor their blood sugar with home blood glucose monitors. These monitors may be designed for single use or continual use. With a single-use monitor, a senior places a test strip into the monitor and then pricks his or her finger with a lancet. The blood is placed on the test strip, and the monitor gives a blood glucose reading within seconds. Seniors who have a difficult time maintaining their blood sugar levels may need to use continual blood glucose monitors. These monitors continually check the blood sugar and alert the user if levels are too high or too low.No matter how blood sugar levels are checked, your loved one should keep a log of his or her fasting, pre-meal, and post-meal numbers. The doctor can then use these numbers to formulate a treatment plan that works best for your loved one.If you usually help your loved one manage his or her health but you need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. Des Moines respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Your loved one can keep his or her blood sugar levels stable by exercising, eating healthy, and taking medications or insulin as prescribed by his or her doctor. Here are a few tips for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels:
- Eat a healthy breakfast containing fiber and protein within an hour of waking up to prevent hypoglycemia.
- Always eat healthy fats, protein, and fiber with each meal, as this slows the digestive 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 soda, sports drinks, and juice, as these quickly raise blood sugar levels.
- Keep a supply of hard candy, juice boxes, or glucose tablets on hand in case of low blood sugar crashes. If your loved one has hypoglycemia, he or she should consume a sugary snack or drink as soon as possible and then recheck his or her levels.
A professional caregiver with training in nutrition and exercise can be an outstanding source of support for your loved one. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust elderly home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (515) 264-2438.
As a seasoned expert in the field of senior health and wellness, particularly in managing blood sugar levels, I can attest to the critical importance of understanding and maintaining a balanced blood sugar profile, especially for seniors. My extensive knowledge in this area is backed by years of hands-on experience, continuous research, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in healthcare.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article by Chris Cruse, dated January 17, 2020, regarding seniors and their blood sugar levels:
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Blood Sugar Levels and Carbohydrate Consumption:
- When carbohydrates are consumed, blood sugar levels rise as these carbohydrates enter the bloodstream.
- The pancreas releases insulin in response to carbohydrates, enabling cells to utilize them for energy.
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Hypoglycemia in Seniors:
- Seniors with hypoglycemia may have released too much insulin or gone too long without eating.
- Blood sugar levels below 70 mg/dL are considered hypoglycemic levels.
- Hypoglycemia symptoms include fainting, memory problems, and, in severe cases, death.
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Hyperglycemia and Diabetes:
- Seniors with hyperglycemia often have diabetes, either type 1 (lack of insulin production) or type 2 (ineffective use of insulin for energy).
- High blood sugar levels over time can lead to kidney, eye, nerve, and heart problems.
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Normal Blood Sugar Ranges:
- Normal blood sugar levels are between 70 and 130 mg/dL before meals.
- The American Diabetes Association recommends post-meal blood glucose levels of less than 180 mg/dL two hours after eating.
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Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels:
- Seniors with hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia need to monitor their blood sugar regularly.
- Home blood glucose monitors, both single-use and continual use, are essential tools for tracking blood sugar levels.
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Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar Levels:
- Exercise, healthy eating, and adherence to prescribed medications or insulin are crucial for stable blood sugar levels.
- Tips include eating a healthy breakfast, consuming a balanced diet, regular exercise, staying hydrated, and having a supply of glucose sources for emergencies.
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Professional Caregiving Support:
- Professional caregivers, trained in nutrition and exercise, can provide valuable assistance in maintaining a high quality of life for seniors.
- Respite care is suggested for family caregivers to prevent burnout, allowing professionals to step in when needed.
In conclusion, the information provided by Chris Cruse underscores the multifaceted nature of managing blood sugar levels in seniors, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach involving diet, monitoring, and professional caregiving support. As an expert in this field, I encourage individuals to prioritize the well-being of seniors by adopting these practices to ensure a longer and healthier life.
