Diabetic Seniors

Ups and downs, peaks and dips, raises and falls—no it is not the stock market, it is the day in a life  of someone with diabetes blood glucose (also known as blood sugar) levels. Several times a day, a diabetic must check their diabetes blood sugar levels. The diabetes blood glucose level is the amount of sugar carried by the blood to the cells of the body. The blood sugar is made when carbohydrates are broken down by the digestive system; it is also created from protein or fat in the liver and kidney.

In order to prevent diabetes blood sugar levels that are too low (hypoglycemia), be aware of these tell-tale signs:

• Autonomic-heart rate, trembling, sweating

• Mental-slow thinking and lack of concentration and coordination

• Mood- irritation or aggression

• Food- skipping meals

• Insulin- taking it earlier than usual

• Exercise-working out harder or longer than normal

By keeping frequent tabs of your diabetes blood glucose levels, one can avoid sudden lows that can hinder your ability to enjoy life.

How frequently one checks their diabetes blood sugar varies by why it is being checked; however, studies show that the more often one checks their diabetes blood glucose levels, the better the control. Consequently, a minimum of 4 diabetes blood sugar level test per day is recommended.  If you are interested in keeping a record of the highs and lows of your blood sugar levels, there are basic times that you should check your diabetes blood glucose levels.

• Before breakfast, lunch, dinner or a large snack

• Before you go to bed

• 1-2 hours after breakfast, lunch, dinner or a large snack

• At 2 or 3 in the morning

While these are standard times to check your diabetes blood sugar, there are additional situations when you should plan for extra diabetes blood sugar levels checks. These instances include the following:

1. When you are sick
2. Any time you think your blood sugar level is low
3. When you are especially active
4. Before driving (for insulin or sulfonylurea)
5. If you have recurrent insulin reactions overnight or have high diabetes blood sugar levels in the morning
6. If you make any changes—insulin, diet, exercise routine, etc.
7. If you have lost or gained weight
8. When you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant
9. If you don’t recognize the signs of hypoglycemia
10. If your diabetes blood glucose levels are extremely high or low
11. When you are on insulin therapy

Your goals for healthy diabetes blood sugar level should be 80-120 mg/dl before meals and 100 – 140 mg/dl before bedtime. These diabetes blood glucose levels can be met by following these changes

• How much you eat
• The type of foods you eat
• How much you exercise
• How much insulin or medication you take

Healthy diabetes blood glucose levels are attainable. So, don’t give up. While the stock market may have drastic ups and downs, your diabetes blood sugar levels don’t have to!

Tags: diabetes blood glucose levels, diabetes blood sugar, diabetes blood sugar levels