The latest recommendations from the Endocrine Society regarding low blood sugar, the elderly and diabetes are surprising, to say the least: lower blood sugar isn’t always best. And for people who’ve been maintaining a routine of finger pricks, insulin injections, and thorough monitoring of food consumed, this alteration may be rather hard to swallow.
Known as de-intensification, geriatricians are now often using the strategy with seniors that the benefits to be obtained by aiming for strict blood sugar control aren’t outweighing the health risks inherent with aging and illness. When A1c and blood sugar levels are held at minimal levels within the elderly, for example, it may result in an increased occurrence of hypoglycemia or even kidney failure.
With nearly one in three seniors currently identified as having diabetes, these new recommendations are poised to have an astounding impact on the treatment and management of the disease for older adults, necessitating a change in mindset for all.
And not surprisingly, many older diabetics are unwilling to welcome this change. In one patient’s statement to Dr. Pei Chen, a geriatrician in the geriatric clinic at the University of California, San Francisco, “I’ve been doing this for 25 years. You don’t need to tell me what to do. I can handle it.”
The new guidelines recommend an increase in A1c from 7 to 7.5% for older adults who are in good health; and up to 8 – 8.5% for people with dementia, multiple chronic illnesses, or poor health. It is crucial to note, however, that recommendations are highly individualized based on a variety of factors, and that at no time should high blood sugar be ignored in the elderly.
The Hinsdale home care experts at Independence-4-Seniors Home Care can help aging parents stick to doctors’ recommendations to control diabetes and a variety of other conditions with professional, customized, in-home care services for seniors. Just some of the many ways we are able to assist include:
- Grocery shopping to guarantee the senior has lots of healthy food options easily available
- Meal planning and prep in adherence to nearly any recommended dietary plans
- Transportation and accompaniment to health appointments, tests, and procedures
- Motivation to engage in doctor-authorized physical exercise programs
- Medication reminders to make certain prescriptions are taken at the proper time and in the right dose
- And more!
Contact us online or call us at (630) 323-4665 to request an in-home assessment and uncover a healthier lifestyle for a senior you love.