Low blood sugar in the elderly is dangerous?

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1. What is hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is an abnormally low blood sugar (glucose) level that falls below 3.9 mmol/L. In addition to diabetes, hypoglycemia can also occur when blood sugar is low in people who do not have diabetes, precisely speaking low blood sugar is like a warning that there is a health problem. some.

2. Signs of hypoglycemia in the elderly

Symptoms of hypoglycemia in the elderly are not obvious.
Hypoglycemia causes the patient to have the following symptoms and behaviors:
Confusion, abnormal behavior such as inability to complete regular tasks. Blurred vision Seizures, loss of consciousness Blood pressure increases but not much Heart palpitations Tremor Excessive anxiety Sweating, pale skin Feeling of hunger Sleepy sleep at night, in dreams see or eat a lot. If the lowering continues, the patient has symptoms of jaw stiffness, confusion, loss of muscle tone and coma. With the same degree of hypoglycemia, the disease in the elderly is often more severe and difficult to treat than in the young.
To know exactly if an elderly person has hypoglycemia, it is best to measure blood sugar at the time of signs and symptoms.

3. Causes of hypoglycemia

Use of diabetes medications that cause low blood sugar
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar (glucose) drops too low. There are causes of hypoglycemia, the most common of which is the side effect of blood sugar-lowering drugs used to treat diabetes. Do not take medications as directed by your doctor and do not periodically self-monitor your glucose levels.

Sudden increase in the amount of sugar used in the liver
The liver in the elderly decreases the ability to store glucose, especially when away from meals. Therefore, when exposed to a sudden cold environment, the elderly are easy to lower blood sugar. Sudden changes in behavior that have not yet been adapted can also lead to hypoglycemia in the elderly, such as when suddenly standing up from sitting.
Due to decreased liver storage
In the elderly, the total amount of sugar in the liver is still low even after eating, easily leading to hypoglycemia if not provided with food regularly. This is even more evident in people who are suffering from chronic liver diseases
In addition, it may be because the patient follows a diet that is too poor in glucose for the purpose of treating and preventing diabetes complications.
Low blood sugar in the elderly is dangerous?
Hypoglycemia is more dangerous than hyperglycemia because they can cause the patient to die quickly if not handled promptly.

4. Treatment of hypoglycemia in the elderly

Stopping blood sugar-lowering drugs or stopping insulin injections
When you see signs of mild hypoglycemia, you can eat 1 candy, cake or can drink sugar water,...
In severe cases, it should be quickly take the patient to the nearest medical facility or hospital for glucose infusion into the blood.

5. How to prevent hypoglycemia in the elderly

Do not starve
Lightly exercise, maintain a moderate physical exercise regime
Divide into many small meals a day
Should carry sweets with you so that when you feel signs of hypoglycemia, you can can be used immediately.
Do not drink alcohol, especially drink alcohol without eating or eating little.
Regular check-ups for your doctor to monitor, evaluate and treat the underlying causes of hypoglycemia.
Keywords: Low blood sugar in the elderly
Elderly people with low blood sugar
Hypoglycemia in the elderly
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