In people over 80 years old, the risk of diabetes and blood sugar-related complications tends to increase. Therefore, regular blood sugar monitoring helps detect abnormalities, supports treatment adjustment and limits the risk of excessive hypoglycemia or hypertension.
In the elderly, blood sugar goals need to be personalized based on health status, accompanying medical conditions, cognitive ability and level of independence in daily life.
For people over 80 years old who are relatively healthy, have few chronic diseases and still live independently, pre-eating blood sugar is usually maintained at about 80–130 mg/dL (4.4–7.2 mmol/L). Pre-sleep blood sugar can be at 80–180 mg/dL (4.4–10 mmol/L).
For people with multiple chronic diseases or mild to moderate dysfunction, the target may be broadened, such as pre-eating blood sugar 90–150 mg/dL (5.0–8.3 mmol/L) and pre-sleeping blood sugar 100–180 mg/dL (5.6–10 mmol/L).
In people with very poor health, severe cognitive impairment, or long-term care, overly tight blood sugar control is often not a priority. The main goal is to maintain about 100–200 mg/dL (5.6–11.1 mmol/L), while avoiding symptomatic hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
Hypoglycemia is especially noteworthy in the elderly. When blood sugar is below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), early treatment and close monitoring are needed. Caregivers should also contact medical staff if blood sugar increases above 250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L) repeatedly with obvious changes in health, or over 300 mg/dL (16.7 mmol/L) lasting for two days.
Do not arbitrarily change the dose of medication or insulin. When blood sugar fluctuates strongly, hypoglycemia recurs, or the patient is taking many medications, it is necessary to talk to a doctor to adjust the regimen.
Blood sugar control in people over 80 years old needs to prioritize safety, avoid hypoglycemia and maintain quality of life. Specific goals should be determined by doctors based on each person's health condition.
