Good for the elderly
Active aging in the presence of diabetes in the elderly Exercise and being active are especially important for older individuals. In addition, physical exercise increases insulin sensitivity, which can result in better blood sugar control and a reduction in the requirement for diabetes medications.
Patients over the age of 65 should be treated according to the philosophy of ″start low and go gently.″ Treatment of diabetes in the elderly is accomplished by the use of oral antidiabetic medications and insulin injections.
Some persons with type 2 diabetes may be completely unaware that they have the disease.
Many diabetes individuals over the age of 65 are predisposed to hypoglycemia. When it comes to managing diabetes in the elderly, the goals of treatment may differ from those of treating the illness in younger individuals. Some medications may be less suited for elderly individuals, and treatment strategies will almost likely need to be modified as a result.
Despite the fact that diabetes is frequently connected with its impact on working-age individuals, age-related diabetes is associated with increased mortality and decreased quality of life, as well as a greater risk of early isolation and institutionization. Diabetes in the elderly is frequently associated with one or more other disorders, which can make patient treatment more difficult.
Long-acting basal insulin analogs (insulin glargine and detemir) are favoured in the treatment of older persons with diabetes because they are reasonably easy to titrate and have a lower risk of hypoglycemia when compared to NPH and normal insulin, and they are less expensive.
Prescription of metformin as a first treatment for older persons who do not have contraindications to its use (e.g., renal impairment or unstable or acute heart failure at risk of hypoperfusion and hypoxemia), as well as recommendations for a healthy lifestyle
Type 2 diabetes is treated mostly by lifestyle modifications and blood sugar monitoring, as well as with diabetic medicines, insulin, or a combination of the two.
The appropriate blood sugar level for an average senior is less than 100 mg/dL after not eating for around eight hours, according to the American Diabetes Association. After eating, people should have fewer than 140 mg/dL in their bloodstream. Keep in mind, however, that a physician is the best person to determine whether or not your aging loved one’s glucose levels are out of whack.
This is due to the fact that insulin resistance increases as we become older, for example. Reduced muscle mass (sarcopenia), being overweight, and engaging in less physical exercise are all factors that lead to insulin resistance in older persons. In addition, the pancreas does not operate as well as it did when the person was a younger age.
Many persons with type 2 diabetes are able to control their blood glucose levels solely by diet and physical activity. Others may require diabetic tablets or insulin injections, as well as medications to control other illnesses such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Metformin is usually considered to be the best first-line medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, unless there is a specific reason why it should not be used. Metformin is a medication that is effective, safe, and reasonably priced. It has the potential to lower the risk of cardiovascular events. Metformin has also been shown to have good effects when it comes to lowering A1C levels.
If you ask your doctor, he or she will most likely tell you not to use metformin. As a reminder, tell your doctor if you are over 65 years old and if you have ever experienced any of the following conditions: heart attack, stroke, diabetic ketoacidosis (blood sugar that is high enough to cause severe symptoms and necessitates immediate medical attention), coma, or heart or liver disease.
High levels of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia) If your blood sugar level is too high, you may experience the following symptoms: Thirst has increased. Urination on a regular basis. Fatigue.
Beverages that have been sweetened with sugar (juice, soda, sweet tea, sports drinks) sweeteners are substances that are sweet (table sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, molasses) items that have been processed (chips, microwave popcorn, processed meat, convenience meals) trans fatty acids (vegetable shortening, fried foods, dairy-free coffee creamers, partially hydrogenated oil)
Six weeks after starting the trial, participants demonstrated a drop in their blood sugar levels, insulin levels, and insulin resistance. They did this by drinking one cup of chamomile tea after meals three times each day.
Adults with normal blood glucose levels (i.e., those who do not have diabetes) have readings between 90 and 110 mg/dL. Learn about the signs and symptoms of high and low blood sugar levels here. Adolescents should have normal blood sugar levels.
Normal blood sugar levels for adolescents | |
---|---|
Age 6-12 | mg/dL |
Fasting | 80-180 |
Before meal | 90-180 |
1-2 hours after eating | Up to 140 |