{"id":17759,"date":"2026-09-15T14:47:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T14:47:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/?p=17759"},"modified":"2026-09-15T14:47:13","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T14:47:13","slug":"how-chandler-families-can-recognize-abnormal-blood-sugar-levels-in-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/resources\/how-chandler-families-can-recognize-abnormal-blood-sugar-levels-in-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"How Chandler Families Can Recognize Abnormal Blood Sugar Levels in Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Managing blood sugar is key for older adults with diabetes to stay healthy and independent. Even those who have managed diabetes well for years may notice changes as they get older. Illness, medications, changes in appetite, activity, and other health issues can all affect blood sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When blood sugar gets too high or too low, it can cause anything from mild discomfort to a serious emergency. Family members and caregivers should know the warning signs, especially if their loved one lives alone or has trouble noticing or sharing how they feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_36 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><label for=\"item\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/resources\/how-chandler-families-can-recognize-abnormal-blood-sugar-levels-in-seniors\/#Why_Blood_Sugar_Can_Become_Harder_to_Manage_with_Age\" title=\"Why Blood Sugar Can Become Harder to Manage with Age\">Why Blood Sugar Can Become Harder to Manage with Age<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/resources\/how-chandler-families-can-recognize-abnormal-blood-sugar-levels-in-seniors\/#Recognizing_Low_Blood_Sugar\" title=\"Recognizing Low Blood Sugar\">Recognizing Low Blood Sugar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/resources\/how-chandler-families-can-recognize-abnormal-blood-sugar-levels-in-seniors\/#Recognizing_High_Blood_Sugar\" title=\"Recognizing High Blood Sugar\">Recognizing High Blood Sugar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/resources\/how-chandler-families-can-recognize-abnormal-blood-sugar-levels-in-seniors\/#Pay_Attention_to_Changes_from_the_Seniors_Normal_Routine\" title=\"Pay Attention to Changes from the Senior&#8217;s Normal Routine\">Pay Attention to Changes from the Senior&#8217;s Normal Routine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/resources\/how-chandler-families-can-recognize-abnormal-blood-sugar-levels-in-seniors\/#Consistency_Can_Make_Diabetes_Easier_to_Manage\" title=\"Consistency Can Make Diabetes Easier to Manage\">Consistency Can Make Diabetes Easier to Manage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/resources\/how-chandler-families-can-recognize-abnormal-blood-sugar-levels-in-seniors\/#When_Memory_or_Mobility_Problems_Complicate_Diabetes_Care_in_Chandler\" title=\"When Memory or Mobility Problems Complicate Diabetes Care in Chandler\">When Memory or Mobility Problems Complicate Diabetes Care in Chandler<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/resources\/how-chandler-families-can-recognize-abnormal-blood-sugar-levels-in-seniors\/#How_Always_Best_Care_of_Chandler_Can_Help\" title=\"How Always Best Care of Chandler Can Help\">How Always Best Care of Chandler Can Help<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/resources\/how-chandler-families-can-recognize-abnormal-blood-sugar-levels-in-seniors\/#Helping_Your_Loved_One_Stay_Safe_with_Diabetes\" title=\"Helping Your Loved One Stay Safe with Diabetes\">Helping Your Loved One Stay Safe with Diabetes<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Blood_Sugar_Can_Become_Harder_to_Manage_with_Age\"><\/span>Why Blood Sugar Can Become Harder to Manage with Age<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/resources\/managing-diabetes-in-seniors-supporting-health-and-independence-at-home\/\">Dealing with diabetes<\/a> can get harder as people age. Many older adults experience several health problems all at once, and take different medications for them. Changes in kidney function, appetite, movement, memory, and daily habits can also affect blood sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a senior gets sick or feels unwell, it is common for them to eat less than usual. Memory problems can lead to missed meals or medications. Changes in activity levels can also affect blood sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is why it\u2019s important to regularly check blood sugar and stay in touch with healthcare providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recognizing_Low_Blood_Sugar\"><\/span>Recognizing Low Blood Sugar<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, occurs when glucose levels fall below a healthy range. It may be associated with diabetes medications, eating too little, skipping meals, increased physical activity, or other factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Symptoms can develop quickly and may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shaking or sweating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dizziness or weakness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hunger<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headache<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Irritability or anxiety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty concentrating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confusion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Changes in coordination<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In older adults, some of these symptoms may resemble normal aging. But sudden confusion, weakness, or odd behavior should not be ignored or assumed to be just part of getting older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Severe low blood sugar can cause seizures or make someone pass out. This needs immediate medical help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recognizing_High_Blood_Sugar\"><\/span>Recognizing High Blood Sugar<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">High blood sugar, called hyperglycemia, happens when there is too much sugar in the blood. It often develops more slowly than low blood sugar, so the warning signs can be easy to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Symptoms may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increased thirst<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Frequent urination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blurred vision<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fatigue or weakness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headache<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unexplained weight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slow-healing cuts or wounds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If blood sugar stays high for a long time, it can cause serious health problems, such as damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Very high blood sugar can also cause dangerous problems right away. If someone has major confusion, severe weakness, trouble breathing, passes out, or has other sudden serious symptoms, get emergency medical help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pay_Attention_to_Changes_from_the_Seniors_Normal_Routine\"><\/span>Pay Attention to Changes from the Senior&#8217;s Normal Routine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Families don\u2019t have to be medical experts to help manage diabetes. Just knowing what\u2019s normal for your loved one can help you spot when something is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe your mom seems much more tired than usual. Your dad might be drinking a lot more water and going to the bathroom often. A loved one who is usually alert might suddenly seem confused or unsteady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to look into these changes instead of just assuming they are part of aging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your loved one has <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/resources\/when-to-see-a-podiatrist-warning-signs-in-senior-foot-health\/\">diabetes<\/a>, ask their healthcare provider about their personal blood sugar goals, how often to check their glucose, which symptoms mean you should call the doctor, and what counts as an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consistency_Can_Make_Diabetes_Easier_to_Manage\"><\/span>Consistency Can Make Diabetes Easier to Manage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Healthy routines can help keep blood sugar in the range recommended by the senior\u2019s healthcare provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the individual&#8217;s treatment plan, this may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eating meals and snacks on a consistent schedule<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Taking medications exactly as prescribed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Checking blood glucose as directed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Staying adequately hydrated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participating in appropriate physical activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attending regular medical appointments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Families should also let healthcare providers know about all the medications and supplements a senior takes, since changes in treatment can affect diabetes care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Memory_or_Mobility_Problems_Complicate_Diabetes_Care_in_Chandler\"><\/span>When Memory or Mobility Problems Complicate Diabetes Care in Chandler<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Effectively managing diabetes means remembering a lot of details. For seniors with memory changes, it can be hard to keep track of medications, meals, blood sugar checks, and appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Physical problems can also make things harder. Arthritis, vision changes, tremors, or trouble moving can make it tough to test blood sugar, prepare healthy meals, or get to appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These signs often mean that extra help at home could be useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Always_Best_Care_of_Chandler_Can_Help\"><\/span>How Always Best Care of Chandler Can Help<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, living with diabetes involves more than just checking blood sugar numbers. Eating healthy meals, keeping routines, taking medications as directed, staying active, and seeing the doctor regularly all help with long-term success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always Best Care of Chandler caregivers can help each day by <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/resources\/when-appetite-declines-helping-seniors-eat-well\/\">preparing meals<\/a>, reminding about medications, encouraging drinking enough water and safe activity, helping with rides to appointments, and noticing changes that should be shared with family or healthcare providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For seniors who qualify for home health services, trained healthcare professionals can give extra support based on the person\u2019s medical needs and doctor\u2019s care plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Helping_Your_Loved_One_Stay_Safe_with_Diabetes\"><\/span>Helping Your Loved One Stay Safe with Diabetes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the end of the day, blood sugar has the ability to change quickly, and older adults might not always notice the warning signs. By staying involved, knowing your loved one\u2019s usual routines, and knowing when to get help, you can make a real difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your loved one has diabetes and could use more help at home, Always Best Care of Chandler is here for you. Contact Always Best Care of Chandler at (480) 656-8393 for a care consultation to learn how our caring team can support safer routines, greater independence, and a better quality of life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Managing blood sugar is key for older adults with diabetes to stay healthy and independent. Even those who have managed diabetes well for years may notice changes as they get older. Illness, medications, changes in appetite, activity, and other health issues can all affect blood sugar. When blood sugar gets too high or too low,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":17761,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[162,166,169],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17759","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-senior-health","category-tips","category-aging-well"],"acf":{"background_image_blog_posts":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17759","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17759"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17759\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17763,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17759\/revisions\/17763"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17761"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17759"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17759"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/chandler\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17759"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}