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Many older diabetics may be pushing their blood sugar too low. Basic diabetes education has taught many diabetics to focus on keeping their blood sugar below a certain target based on the patient’s medical history. A new study examining blood sugar control in older adults has found that bar may be set too low in many. “The researchers measured a substance in the blood called hemoglobin A1c. A1c reflects a person’s average blood sugar levels over the past three months. A person without diabetes would have an A1C reading under 5.7 percent. People with pre-diabetes may have a reading between 5.7 and 6.4 percent. Levels above that qualify for a diabetes diagnosis. Most people with diabetes aim to keep the number under 7 percent. Almost two-thirds of the older adults in the study maintained tight blood sugar control, keeping their A1C levels at 7 percent or lower, according to results.” The problem is that other research has shown that keeping the A1C level so close to seven dramatically increases the risk of low blood sugar, which can lead to serious consequences in those who are older without any real benefit. Older adults with low blood sugar are particularly at risk for falls, which can lead to serious and life-threatening injuries. The researchers say all diabetics should continually reassess with their doctor which A1C and blood sugar goals are right for them.
