Everyone has glucose in their blood. When you eat foods that contain carbohydrates, they break down into sugars during digestion. Sugars go into the blood where they're supposed to go to the cells throughout the body.
To get sugar from the blood into a cell, insulin is needed. Insulin is the pathway between the blood vessels and the cells. If the pancreas isn't producing enough insulin, the sugar remains in the blood and causes abnormal levels. At this point, prediabetes or diabetes is diagnosed.
What Is a Normal Blood Glucose Reading?
What are the recommended glucose levels? If you've eaten in the past two hours, the general guidelines with the American Diabetes Association are less than 180 mg/dL. If you haven't eaten yet or have fasted for the blood test, the reading should be between 80 and 130 mg/dL.
When blood sugar levels are too high, it can damage organs. Hyperglycemia is defined as having blood sugar levels of over 180 mg/dL. If they're too low, it can impact cognitive skills. Hypoglycemia is defined as sugar levels of 70 mg/dL or lower.
Tips for Preventing Type 2 Diabetes as You Age
Type 2 diabetes is a common chronic condition in older adults. While there are no guarantees, daily exercise, a healthy diet, and maintaining a proper weight is important.
You and your parents want to focus on lean protein, whole grains, and fresh produce. Processed foods are not good choices. They're often high in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar. Vegetables and fruit should be the item your family focuses on. High-fiber foods are important.
At a meal, the goal should be to fill half of the plate with vegetables and fruit and the other two quarters with a lean protein and whole grain. For lean protein, fish and legumes are great choices. Rather than drinking soda and other sugary drinks, switch to water. Drink plenty of water each day. Seltzer is the other good choice.
If tea and coffee are preferred, aim for unsweetened tea and coffee. Skipping milk or cream is beneficial. Keep pitchers of unsweetened iced tea in the refrigerator if the water isn't appealing.
Instead of eating three large meals a day, it's helpful to eat smaller meals more frequently. Sugar levels remain stabilized rather than going through highs and lows.
More than 1.5 million adults have diabetes. If your parents are in that group, make sure they have the support they need when aging at home. They may need help managing medications. They may need a senior care aide reminding them to check their sugar levels.
Senior care services include other helpful items like transportation to appointments, meal preparation, and assistance with exercise goals. Learn more about these services by talking to a senior care specialist.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Homecare in West Hollywood, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Our number is: 323-244-4789
Sources:
http://www.diabetes.org/
