Blood sugar, or glucose, is the body’s main energy source, derived from food. The body regulates glucose levels using hormones like insulin, which transports glucose into cells. Maintaining balanced blood sugar is important for overall health, as imbalanced levels can lead to complications.
Healthy Blood Sugar Levels for Older Adults
For older adults, healthy blood sugar levels are assessed using several measurements. A fasting blood glucose test, taken after not eating for at least eight hours, is normal between 70 and 99 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 3.9 to 5.5 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Levels from 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) indicate prediabetes, while 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests suggests diabetes.
Two hours after eating, called post-meal blood glucose, a normal reading is generally under 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L). The Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test provides an average of blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. A normal HbA1c is below 5.7%, while 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher signifies diabetes.
As individuals age, blood sugar levels can naturally increase, and the body’s ability to produce or effectively use insulin may change. This can make blood sugar regulation more challenging for older adults. While general guidelines exist, an older adult’s specific blood sugar targets might be adjusted by a healthcare provider based on their overall health, other medical conditions, and individual risk factors. For some seniors, a fasting glucose level up to 120 mg/dL or a post-meal level below 160 mg/dL might be considered acceptable depending on their health status.
Factors Affecting Blood Sugar Readings
Blood sugar levels fluctuate throughout the day due to various factors. The types of food consumed play a significant role, with carbohydrates having the most direct impact on glucose levels. Proteins and fats can also affect blood sugar, though typically to a lesser extent and over a longer period.
Physical activity helps the body utilize glucose more efficiently, leading to lower blood sugar levels. Conversely, a lack of physical activity can contribute to elevated readings. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and some diuretics, can also raise blood sugar.
Stress and illness trigger the release of hormones that can temporarily increase blood glucose as the body’s natural response to fight infection or cope with stress. Age-related physiological changes, such as decreased insulin sensitivity and changes in pancreatic function, can make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar effectively.
Measuring and Monitoring Blood Sugar
Monitoring blood sugar is important for managing overall health, particularly for older adults. Home blood glucose monitoring involves using a glucometer, a portable electronic device that measures glucose from a small drop of blood, usually obtained by pricking a fingertip. These devices provide immediate readings, allowing individuals to track their levels in real-time. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) offer another method, using a small sensor worn on the body to provide continuous readings throughout the day and night without repeated finger pricks.
Beyond home monitoring, healthcare providers rely on laboratory tests for diagnosis and comprehensive assessment. A fasting plasma glucose test, performed after an overnight fast, is a common diagnostic tool. The HbA1c test, which measures average blood sugar over two to three months, is another standard laboratory test that does not require fasting. These tests are typically performed during routine check-ups or when there is a concern about blood sugar regulation.
Understanding High or Low Readings
When blood sugar levels fall outside the normal range, they can lead to noticeable symptoms and health concerns. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, can manifest with symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and headache. Consistently high blood sugar levels can indicate prediabetes or diabetes and, if left unmanaged, may contribute to long-term complications affecting nerves, kidneys, and eyes.
Conversely, hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, presents with symptoms like dizziness, shakiness, confusion, sweating, increased hunger, and a fast heartbeat. Untreated severe hypoglycemia can lead to serious events, including seizures or loss of consciousness.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if blood sugar readings are consistently outside healthy ranges or if symptoms of high or low blood sugar are experienced. A doctor can accurately diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate management strategies, emphasizing that self-diagnosis or self-treatment is not advised.