Introduction
Maintaining normal blood glucose levels is a key aspect of health, especially for older adults. As we age, the body’s response to insulin can change, affecting blood sugar levels. This article delves into what is considered a normal range for blood glucose levels in older individuals and why it’s important.
What Is Blood Glucose?
Blood glucose, commonly known as blood sugar, is the primary source of energy for the body’s cells. It’s derived from the food we eat and is regulated by hormones, primarily insulin. Keeping blood glucose levels within a healthy range is vital for overall health and well-being.
Glucose is the result of the transformation made by the metabolism of ingested sugars. They provide energy to the cells, but if we have unbalanced levels, the dreaded diabetes can appear, which, among other changes, will make you control your diet much more.
Therefore, knowing normal glucose levels is important for several reasons: knowing if you need any type of treatment, detecting possible irregularities in your body and assessing the amount of sugars you can consume.
Normal blood glucose levels in older people
To measure blood glucose in older people may use different methods. A blood or urine test will give us the results we want to know, but there are also small devices that we can use at home and that will give us instant information, very useful to control it in a few seconds. The glucometers measure blood sugar with a small finger prick . The ideal is to take the sample on an empty stomach, since what you eat will vary the result.
Normal blood glucose levels vary depending on your age and if you have any type of diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association for an adult, non-diabetic person, normal values are in a range between 90-130 mg / dL if the tests are carried out before eating or up to 18 0 mg / dL if it is done half an hour after eating.
How to have normal blood glucose values
Blood glucose can get out of control due to diet, certain medications, lack of exercise, or the existence of a disease or pathology, such as diabetes. Controlling blood glucose levels is important at any age, but especially in older people, since there may be greater conditioning factors in the diet or a greater presence of drugs in the daily routine.
In any case, it should always be a doctor who determines what type of treatment you should follow to have normal blood glucose values if the tests have been somewhat altered. Do not worry, it is not always synonymous with diabetes, sometimes, as we have said, it is only about introducing changes in diet and lifestyle.
Lifestyle Tips to Maintain Healthy Blood Glucose Levels
- Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help regulate blood sugar.
- Regular Physical Activity: Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and increases insulin sensitivity.
- Regular Medical Check-Ups: Routine check-ups help monitor blood sugar levels and detect any changes early.
Conclusion
Understanding and maintaining normal blood glucose levels are crucial for the health and quality of life of older adults. Regular monitoring, a healthy lifestyle, and medical guidance are key to managing blood sugar levels effectively. With the right approach, older adults can enjoy a healthy, active life while keeping their blood glucose levels in check.
