Tracking blood sugar is essential for taking control of your health. However, new research shows that a healthy range may change throughout our lives, and older people have a higher normal blood sugar range.
While the normal range in a three-month blood test is considered to be below 5.7, the researchers say that might be too low for people 65 and older. Moreover, while tightly controlling blood sugar is important for younger people, the risks of low blood sugar can outweigh the dangers of hyperglycemia.
When older people are hypoglycemic, or have low blood sugar, they are at a higher risk for falls, a stroke or cognitive decline. While we don’t often talk about low blood sugar, it can lead to feeling tired, shaky, dizzy and potentially seizures or losing consciousness.
For people with blood sugar concerns, it might be alarming to hear that healthy blood sugar targets can change. Being told to aim at 5.7 or below for years and then being told that’s too low is frustrating. The American Geriatrics Society suggests older people aim for a 7.5 to 8. You should speak to your doctor about your age, your health concerns and this study to see if it impacts you.
the daughter of an 85-year-old who has worked on their blood sugar for years said, “For someone who’s been so compliant all these years, it’s like they changed the rules.” That frustration is understandable. Health always seems like a moving target.
Knowing that blood sugar goals can change may come as a relief to some people. However, it may also be anxiety-provoking for people who want clear parameters of how to act and what their target is. If you talk to your doctor, who knows your health concerns, they can help you better understand it.
When we see these articles, we’re reminded that people aren’t just one thing. No one has just one medical concern. No one has a blood sugar concern, and nothing else they need to consider. This research shows people need a balance. If you discuss it with someone who knows your complete medical history, they can say, “Because of your concerns about A, B and C, the best route for you to take is X, Y and Z.”
Reading headlines like this can be alarming because you can think you’ve been mishandling your health. But it’s always essential to remind yourself that you can only do your best with the available information.
You may want to speak to a geriatric specialist if you are older. Not all doctors are versed in giving recommendations to older people. We need different advice as care as we age. Getting information tailored to your specific needs is the best tool to care for yourself.
