Not all older people have the same care needs, which means that not everyone needs the same type of care at home. When blood sugar levels rise too high, older people may experience problems such as increased thirst, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. For people with type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association also recommends individualizing blood sugar targets. It's also important that your friends, family, co-workers, teachers, coaches, and other people you may be with know frequently how to measure your blood sugar level and how to treat very low blood sugar before it happens.
You also may not be able to measure your blood sugar level or treat it yourself, depending on your symptoms. Determining all of this on your own can be difficult, especially if you haven't thoroughly tested your blood sugar levels beforehand. If you continue to have episodes of low blood sugar, share your blood sugar, insulin, physical activity, and food records with your doctor. Be sure to check your blood sugar level more often to keep it from dropping too low again, especially before eating, exercising, or driving a car.
Untreated low blood sugar levels can be dangerous, so it's important to know what to do about them and treat them right away. Your loved one should start by talking to the doctor about how to eat a proper diet that keeps blood sugar levels within the normal range, which usually involves reducing sugar and carbohydrates in the diet. Random blood sugar values aren't usually very helpful to your provider, and this can be frustrating for people with diabetes. Read on to learn what “normal” is, and then check out some blood sugar level charts to learn more about the typical target range of blood glucose levels based on your age.
Being sick or injured can also test the body's systems to the point where blood sugar levels become abnormal. Abnormal glucose levels can cause problems that affect overall health, and knowing how to help your loved one keep their blood sugar level regulated can help you prevent diabetes. Make sure that your family, friends, and caregivers know your signs of low blood sugar so that they can help treat it if needed. Keeping blood sugar levels within the right limits as much as possible can help prevent or delay serious long-term health problems.
