What are some effective therapies for seniors to keep their blood sugar levels under control?
For some people, the risk of diabetes goes up as they age. If you are over the age of 60 and your blood sugar levels start to rise, then the problem can be even more serious. This blog will look at how to keep blood sugar levels normal and how you can help your body cope with the process of aging.
Seniors are at higher risk of developing diabetes, with type 2 diabetes being the most common. 21.4%, seniors over 60 have the largest share of diabetes diagnose of all age groups.
While diabetes cannot be cured, it can be prevented, though some of the preventive measures need to be taken care of before and after the age of 60 to have healthy, normal blood sugar levels.
Managing Diabetes over the age of 60
Hypoglycemia happens when the body’s blood sugar levels are lower than normal. It is described as a blood sugar level of less than 70 mg/dL. It is commonly found in seniors because they are more likely to have malnutrition and other chronic conditions.
Diabetes is difficult to manage. Multiple modes of insulin must be administered daily in addition to complex meal planning, blood sugar monitoring, and tracking exercise activity. Due to the complexity of this management process, making adjustments to diabetes care often requires multiple healthcare providers, a motivated patient, and a supportive caregiver.
Blood sugar levels
Seniors, who suffer from diabetes, may be more sensitive to insulin than younger adults and children. In general, elderly patients are less likely to experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This is because their need for insulin is typically much lower. However, it’s still important to watch what seniors eat because if they are sensitive to the hormone changes dramatically, even with a small amount of food, they could develop dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Target Blood Sugar Levels in Seniors | |||
| Health Status | A1C | Fasting Blood Sugar | Bedtime Blood Sugar |
| No or few chronic health conditions | Less than 7.5% | 90–130 mg/dL | 90–150 mg/dL |
| Multiple chronic conditions | Less than 8% | 90–150 mg/dL | 100–180 mg/dL |
| End-stage chronic illness | Between 8% to 9% | 100–180 mg/dL | 110–200 mg/dL |
Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
After the age of 60, people are more likely to develop diabetes. This is because their bodies do not produce enough insulin, which is necessary to break down sugar that is found in food. Diabetes can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. In order to maintain blood sugar levels, people with diabetes must take insulin and monitor their blood sugar with a blood glucose meter. This will help people with diabetes keep track of their blood sugar levels, so they can adjust their insulin dosages or eat extra carbohydrates if the blood sugar levels are too low or too high.
Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional therapy is often provided to those with diabetes. It provides individuals struggling with disordered eating a plan that is worked out in conjunction with a registered dietician to address specific medical and psychological needs.
Taking proper medication is one tool for diabetes management. Another effective way to manage diabetes is diet because eating or not eating is what impacts blood sugar. Maintaining a healthy diet can be challenging for some seniors due to gastronomical issues including, swallowing disorders, anorexia, indigestion, etc, that can make it difficult to eat and put them at risk of malnutrition.
Medical Nutritional Therapy
Seniors may need to add medical nutrition therapy to their diabetes treatment plan. This is done under the guidance of a registered dietitian who creates a tailored nutrition plan that addresses issues that make it hard to eat. Some of the recommendations are adding supplements, liquid calorie boosters to maintain weight, loosening food restrictions. One another strategy may include assisting with food prep, grocery shopping, meal intake, and macronutrient counting.
Medication
Even after taking so many precautions and following a healthy lifestyle, Seniors need medication to help control blood sugar levels. Usually, seniors take multiple medicines for chronic illnesses, so they must be very cautious in choosing a safe and efficient medication.
Some of the most common medication options are:
1-DPP4 inhibitors (saxagliptin, sitagliptin, alogliptin linagliptin): It helps in lowering the risk of hypoglycemia. One pill needs to be taken daily.
2-GLP1 agonists (exenatide ER, liraglutide, albiglutide, exenatide, albiglutide, dulaglutide, lixisenatide): It is administered by daily or weekly injections. Nausea, pancreatitis, weight loss, and diarrhea are some of its common effects.
3-SGLT2 inhibitors (canagliflozin, dapagliflozin): To low down the risk of hypoglycemia, one pill needs to be taken daily. However, some of its side effects may include decreased bone density and low blood pressure.
The blood sugar targets for seniors are different than those of younger age groups. Similarly, they may need more help to adhere to monitoring and treatments plans, so it’s always a good idea to always stay in contact with your health care provider.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should seniors eat to lower blood sugar?
As seniors age, maintaining a healthy diet is important for overall health and well-being. Seniors are encouraged to consume more natural foods with high fiber content, such as fruit and vegetables, and to limit consumption of processed foods containing excessive sodium, sugar, unhealthy saturated fats, and trans fats.
What is the miracle fruit that cures diabetes?
MiraBurst can benefit pretty much anyone who suffers from diabetes or a pre-diabetic condition. MiraBurst creates a healthy and well-balanced environment in the body that not only helps you get better at controlling your insulin levels but also helps promote cell regeneration and the healing process long after anyone experiences any negative results from diabetes.
Are eggs good for diabetics?
Eggs are a great food to help you get your protein. The American Diabetes Association agrees that it is a great food for people with diabetes because it has 5 grams of protein and only 0.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Is coconut water good for diabetics?
Coconut water comes loaded with protein and fiber, both of which are important nutrients for diabetics. Coconut water’s high amounts of both protein and fiber mean that its effect on blood sugar is minimal. The combination makes it a healthier choice than an aerated drink or a sweetened beverage.
