Controlling your blood sugar level is something you should try and do throughout your lifetime. However, it becomes even more important in your old age when the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes is higher. If you are an elderly person with diabetes, your entire life doesn’t need to be built around managing your blood sugar level. Read on to find lifestyle and health advice to keep your blood sugar level normal.

What You Should Know:

Why your blood sugar level matters in diabetes control?
Steps to control blood sugar levels in old age
Importance of a doctor and regular tests

Why blood sugar levels matter in diabetes control?

As you grow older it becomes more difficult to control your blood sugar. This could be because your physical activity reduces. Your diet might change if you also have any other pre-existing conditions. A normal blood sugar level for seniors above the age of 60 should be around 70 and 130 mg/dL before eating and around 180 mg/dL around two hours after a meal.

It becomes even more of a problem to maintain your blood sugar level with diabetes. It can be dangerous, if your sugar level either drops or rises above a certain level. That’s why, more than controlling your blood sugar level, your focus should be more on maintaining a normal blood sugar level.

Steps to control blood sugar levels in old age

As you grow older, it become important to keep your sugar level without undertaking any extreme measures. You can try these lifestyle changes to keep a check on your blood sugar levels:

Take a closer look at your diet

As you grow older, you need to watch what you eat. This includes reading the food labels for products your buy. You should try and avoid consuming foods with a high sodium content or processed sugar. You will also need to plan your daily diet which should include foods like fruits, vegetables, proteins and wholegrains.

Make time to exercise daily

Your physical activity is likely to reduce as you age. However, you still require a healthy diet of aerobic exercises like walking or swimming. Spending about half an hour or one hour a day exercising can help improve your heart health. It also builds muscle strength to control your blood glucose level.

Check your feet and teeth

You should pay careful attention to your foot and dental health. People with diabetes tend to have teeth and gum problems. You can keep your feet clean and use lotion to avoid dryness and prevent blisters. If you notice your gums bleeding or a red patch on your feet you should consult a health professional at the earliest.

Importance of doctors, regular test and medication

Your trusted doctor or certified health professional will play a vital role in helping you maintain a normal blood sugar level in old age. They can help you create a healthy diet plan and suggest exercises that suit your age and physical condition.

The doctor can also suggest how often you should check your blood sugar level daily. The medication suggested by your doctor will also be an important part of your diabetes management. Here’s a complete account of how a doctor is important for anyone dealing with diabetes.

Aditya Birla Health Insurance’s Activ Health Platinum Essential plan provides Day 1 cover for chronic illnesses like Asthma, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol and Diabetes. You can also get access to an expert Health coach for guidance on nutritional, fitness, mental health and more.

You can use to our blood sugar level calculator to help manage your glucose levels. For more fitness or nutrition related advice, visit the Activ Living Community.