There was an excellent article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on January 27th, 2015 entitled Diabetes in the elderly: safe sugar isn’t simple.( http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2015/01/27/Diabetes-in-the-elderly-safe-sugar-isn-t-simple/stories/201502020003.) I encourage anyone with diabetes and their caregivers to read this article.
The article talks about the need for an individualized approach to controlling blood sugar. Blood sugar goals, such as your A1C measure, need to be based on several factors. Your age, how you respond to your blood sugar medicine, and any other chronic conditions you may have; should be considered when making your goal.
The article also talks about the need for a team approach in controlling blood sugars. Dieticians and pharmacists are specifically mentioned as being important members of your team.
There are many medications on the market to control blood sugar. Often, they work slightly differently than another diabetic medication to lower your blood sugar. This is why physicians typically add medications to your regimen rather than switch one drug for another. Diabetic medications may work synergistically to control your blood sugar.
However, as the years go on, our bodies continue to change. We may become more sensitive to the regimen that controlled our blood sugar so well just a few years prior. Our eating habits may have also changed. Both of these factors may lead to an increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Hypoglycemia can be deadly. If you have had even one episode of hypoglycemia, your medications should be reviewed.
Consider calling a senior care pharmacist at Our Personal Pharmacist and add us to your team.