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What Is The Normal Blood Sugar Level For Seniors


How To Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Blood Sugar Levels Chart | Includes fasting and after eating

There are some simple changes your loved one can do to manage his or her blood sugar. 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 typically involves reducing sugar and carbohydrates in the diet. Your loved one can also help his or her body flush out too much sugar in the blood by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. If your loved ones levels fluctuate too much, he or she may need to take medication to keep it under control.

If youre the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Fair Oaks, live-in care is available if your loved ones health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more. Call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers today at 485-4663 to learn more about how we can assist your loved one at home.

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Measure Your Waist Circumference

The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is higher if fat is stored around the abdomen . BMI assessments do not take into account where fat is stored. Men with a waist circumference of 102 cm or more and women with a waist circumference of 88 cm or more are at higher risk. Measure after breathing out . This is not the same as the waist size on your pants.


Physical Exercise To Regulate Glucose

Your parent should try to exercise for 30 minutes at least four or five times per week, breaking down the workouts into ten- or fifteen-minute sessions based on his or her abilities and daily schedule. The best exercises for older adults who want to maintain normal glucose levels are cycling, walking, and swimming. These are movements that keep the heart pumping, burn calories, and help seniors maintain healthy blood sugar. Drinking water, eating healthy foods, and monitoring stress levels can also lower the risk of hyperglycemia.

A professional caregiver with training in nutrition and exercise can be an outstanding source of support for your senior 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 senior care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life. Call Home Care Assistance today at 226-3737 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.

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For Those Diagnosed With Diabetes You Can Reduce The Risk Of Complications:

  • Monitor blood glucose levels with appropriate testing and an A1C blood test every three months to measure the average amount of sugar in your blood
  • If you smoke, it’s never too late to quit
  • Be physically active
  • Examine feet and skin every day
  • Have an eye exam at least once a year
  • Have a kidney function test at least once a year
  • Visit your healthcare provider regularly

High Blood Sugar Symptoms

Normal adult blood sugar level

Hyperglycemia is the medical term for high blood sugar. Hyperglycemia happens when the body doesnt have enough insulin or when it cant use insulin correctly. Many things can cause high blood glucose levels like Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, stress, illness, or the dawn phenomenon. If you have hyperglycemia or suspect you may have it, talking with a healthcare provider is always a good idea. A doctor can help you determine whats causing your high blood sugar levels and lower it to a healthy range.

Here are some of the most common symptoms that may indicate hyperglycemia:


  • Fatigue
  • Vision loss

You should seek immediate medical attention if your blood sugar reaches 400 mg/dL or higher.

When patients experience any of these accompanied by elevated blood sugar levels, diabetic patients are advised to go directly to the ER to avoid diabetes-induced coma, says Vikram Tarugu, MD, a gastroenterologist and the CEO of Detox of South Florida. Patients who have elevated blood sugar may also present with frothy, ketone-like smelling breath.

Here are some lifestyle changes and medical treatments that can help treat hyperglycemia:

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What Is High Blood Sugar

If your blood sugar levels are chronically higher than normal, then this is referred to as hyperglycaemia. This is a common issue for those suffering from diabetes. The condition can also affect pregnant women who have gestational diabetes and occasionally those who are severely ill .


Some of the symptoms of hyperglycaemia include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Blurred vision
  • Issues with concentration and/or thinking

If severe hyperglycaemia is left untreated the condition can lead to organ and tissue damage as the excess glucose present in the body can make it difficult for the organs and cells to function correctly. The disorder can also impair the immune system response in the healing of wounds and cuts.

What Is The Normal Blood Sugar Level For Seniors

We, humans, get our energy from food. Our body converts food into a sugar called glucose with the help of insulin and supplies the necessary energy required to continue our daily activities.

Is it okay to have a random level of blood glucose? No! Definitely not!

Blood sugar has also got an optimum level. What is it then? Thus, this is our topic today. Here in this article, I will give you a brief idea about the normal blood sugar levels in our body. But my main focus will be on the geriatric or older adult citizens as altered blood glucose level or diabetes is the most prevalent amongst them. So, let dig into the topic quickly!


Table of Content

  • 8 Final Words
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    Specific Advice For Older Adults

    Many older adults with diabetes who are otherwise healthy and independent can try to achieve the same SMBG targets as their younger counterparts.

    However, in some people, aiming for these near-normal blood sugars may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar a side effect of insulin or certain diabetes pills which can increase the risk of falls, confusion or accidents.

    To avoid hypoglycemia, ADA recommends that physicians individualize and relax blood sugar targets in older adults who have multiple chronic illnesses, cognitive impairment or those who rely on others for daily care.


    How Can I Treat High Blood Sugar

    What is a normal blood sugar level?

    Talk to your doctor about how to keep your blood sugar levels within your target range. Your doctor may suggest the following:

    • Be more active. Regular exercise can help keep your blood sugar levels on track. Important: dont exercise if ketones are present in your urine. This can make your blood sugar go even higher.
    • Take medicine as instructed. If your blood sugar is often high, your doctor may change how much medicine you take or when you take it.
    • Follow your diabetes meal plan. Ask your doctor or dietitian for help if youre having trouble sticking to it.
    • Check your blood sugar as directed by your doctor. Check more often if youre sick or if youre concerned about high or low blood sugar.
    • Talk to your doctor about adjusting how much insulin you take and what types of insulin to use.

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    What Are Blood Sugar Levels For Older Adults

    Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level is necessary as we grow older. This is because it can protect us from several diseases. However, high blood sugar levels can also damage several vital organs in our body with time. Therefore, it is essential to keep the sugar levels normal in your bloodstream. But, unfortunately, most seniors face difficulty in maintaining the normal range of their blood sugar levels. For this purpose, they strictly need to monitor their daily activities and diet plan to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

    A decrease in blood sugar is generally known as hypoglycemia. It may cause memory problems, loss of consciousness, and ultimately death of the patient. A high level of blood sugar is also called hyperglycemia. It may cause nerve, heart, eye, and kidney problems with time.

    Causes Of High Blood Glucose

    • The hormone, insulin, regulates blood glucose levels by stimulating various tissues to take up glucose from the blood. In this way it clears the blood of excess glucose. A deficiency or resistance of the bodys cell to insulin is one the main reasons for hyperglycemia.
    • Certain drugs may produce hyperglycemia . Some examples of these hyperglycemia inducing drugs include corticosteroids, beta blockers, thiazide diuretics, niacin, protease inhibitors, amphetamine, olanzapine, duloxetine.
    • Other than diabetes, conditions such as acute stress, myocardial infarction , stroke, pancreatic diseases, brain tumors and hormonal dysfunctions of adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands could also cause hyper-glycemia.

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    Are Low Blood Sugar Levels Dangerous

    Yes, low blood sugar symptoms can cause problems such as hunger, nervousness, perspiration, dizziness and even confusion if untreated, low blood sugar may result in unconsciousness, seizures, coma, or death. Low blood sugar levels begin at 70 mg/dL or less. People with diabetes who take too much medication or take their usual amount but then eat less or exercise more than usual can develop hypoglycemia. Although much rarer, hypoglycemia may develop in some people without diabetes when they take someone elses medication, have excessive alcohol consumption, develop severe hepatitis, or develop a rare tumor of the pancreas . The treatment for hypoglycemia is oral glucose intake (15. 0 grams of sugar, for example, 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, corn syrup, or IV fluids containing glucose. Recheck your blood sugar levels in about 15 minutes after treatment is advised.

    Official Fasting Blood Sugar Ada Recommendation For Someone With Diabetes

    18 Lovely Elderly Blood Sugar Levels Chart

    The American Diabetes Association recommends a fasting blood sugar target of 80 to 130 mg/dl for most nonpregnant adults with diabetes. However, the fasting blood sugar target may need to be individualized for certain people based on such factors as duration of diabetes, age and life expectancy, cognitive status, other health conditions, cardiovascular complications, and hypoglycemia unawareness. Its important that people with diabetes discuss their target blood sugar goals with their healthcare provider.

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    When Can I Eat Or Drink Again

    As soon as your blood is taken, your fast is over. You might want to bring a snack and a drink with you so you can eat as soon as possible after the test.

    American Academy for Clinical Chemistry: Basic Metabolic Panel,Comprehensive Metabolic Panel,GGT,Glucose Tests,Iron Tests,Lipid Profile,Renal Function Panel,Vitamin B12 & Folate.


    British National Health Service: Can I Eat and Drink Before Having a Blood Test?

    Crystal Moore, MD, PhD, FCAP, anatomical and clinical pathologist, Chesapeake, VA.

    National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: What Are Blood Tests?

    Nemours Foundation: Blood Test: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel .

    Providence Laboratory Services : Fasting Instructions.


    Diabetes In Older People

    Diabetes is a serious disease, and it affects many older adults. People get diabetes when their blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. The good news is that you can take steps to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of the disease to develop in older adults. If you already have diabetes, there are steps you can take to manage the condition and prevent diabetes-related health problems.

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    Normal Fasting Blood Sugar For Person Without Diabetes

    A normal fasting blood glucose for someone who does not have diabetes ranges from 70 to 99 mg/dl. The American Diabetes Association recommends a routine screening for type 2 diabetes starting at age 45. If the results are normal, the screening should be repeated every 3 years.

    If have diabetes risk factors, which include being overweight or obese, having a family history of type 2 diabetes, having a history of gestational diabetes, or being of a certain race/ethnicity , you should be screened for diabetes sooner than age 45.

    Children and adolescents who have diabetes symptoms or who are overweight and have a family history of type 2 diabetes, are of African American, Latino, Asian American, Native American or Pacific Islander descent, who have signs of prediabetes or a mother who had gestational diabetes should be tested beginning at age 10 and then every 3 years thereafter.


    A fasting blood sugar of 100 to 125 mg/dl is indicative of prediabetes, which is a condition where blood sugar levels are above normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Prediabetes is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Its managed by lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.

    What Is Considered A Normal Blood Sugar Level

    What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels?

    The normal blood sugar level for a healthy adult should be less than 126 mg/dL or 6 mmol/L before fasting and meals, and below 200mg/dL two hours after meals.

    If you are diabetic, then you should consult with your doctor in order for appropriate blood sugar level targets to be set based on the severity of your condition, medications taken and overall health status.

    The below information describes what normal blood sugar levels are prior to and after meals and what the recommended HbA1c levels are for those with and without diabetes.

    A HbA1c test determines your average level of blood glucose over the past two to three months. Red blood cells have a lifespan of roughly three months, and a HbA1c blood test measures the amount of glucose that has bound to them during this period.


    A blood test to determine Haemoglobin A1c levels is often performed in those who have diabetes. These levels are a reflection of how well diabetes is being controlled.

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    Official Hba1c Ada Recommendation For Someone With Diabetes

    The American Diabetes Association recommends an HbA1C of less than 7% for most nonpregnant adults with diabetes. A lower goal, such as less than 6.5%, may be appropriate for some people who have had diabetes for a shorter amount of time, for younger people, for those without heart disease, and/or for those with type 2 diabetes treated with lifestyle or metformin only. A higher HbA1C goal, such as less than 8%, may be appropriate for people with a history of severe hypoglycemia, a limited life expectancy, advanced diabetes complications, other illnesses, or for whom a lower HbA1C goal is difficult to achieve. Its important that people with diabetes discuss their target blood sugar goals with their healthcare provider.

    HbA1C levels should be checked between two to four times per year in people who have diabetes.

    Normal Blood Sugar Levels After Eating For Diabetics

    The American Diabetes Association recommends that the blood sugar 1 to 2 hours after the beginning of a meal be less than 180 mg/dl for most nonpregnant adults with diabetes. This is typically the peak, or highest, blood sugar level in someone with diabetes. Again, this target may need to be individualized for certain people based on such factors as duration of diabetes, age and life expectancy, cognitive status, other health conditions, cardiovascular complications, and hypoglycemia unawareness. Its important that people with diabetes discuss their target blood sugar goals with their healthcare provider.


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    Fasting Plasma Glucose Test

    A fasting plasma glucose test is taken after at least eight hours of fasting and is therefore usually taken in the morning.

    The NICE guidelines regard a fasting plasma glucose result of 5.5 to 6.9 mmol/l as putting someone at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly when accompanied by other risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

    Role Of A1c In The Care Of Older Adults

    108 fasting blood sugar

    A1C remains the gold standard test to assess long-term glycemic control in the management of diabetes. It is now also used to diagnose diabetes . However, as shown in , several factors commonly seen in older adults can falsely raise or lower A1C . Aging itself is associated with an elevation in A1C .

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    What Should Normal Blood Sugar Levels Be Like For Seniors

    By Debbie Waddell 9 am on January 21, 2020

    For the average senior, normal blood sugar levels are considered to be less than 100 mg/dL after not eating for around eight hours. After eating, they should be less than 140 mg/dL. However, keep in mind that a physician is the best person to state when your aging loved ones glucose levels are off. While blood sugar levels tend to fluctuate throughout the day, problems occur when they become too high or low for the body to function properly. Abnormal glucose levels can lead to issues that impact overall health, and knowing how to help your loved one keep his or her blood sugar regulated can help you assist with things such as diabetes prevention.

    Signs Of Abnormal Blood Sugar

    When blood sugar levels get too high, seniors may experience issues such as increased thirst, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Seniors with low blood sugar may feel weak, shaky, and moody. If the abnormal levels become severe enough, its possible for a senior to faint or even experience a life threatening emergency. Fortunately, the symptoms that occur early on tend to be uncomfortable enough that most older adults seek medical attention before the problem becomes severe. Talk to your loved one about the signs of abnormal blood sugar levels so he or she can take steps to prevent a more serious health issue from occurring.

    Diabetes is just one of the many serious health issues that can develop in the senior years. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care Fair Oaks, CA, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimers, and Parkinsons.

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