As a family caregiver to an older adult with diabetes, you probably watch their blood sugar levels closely and work hard to keep diabetes under control. Unfortunately, no matter how diligent you are, sometimes blood sugar levels get too high. This is sometimes referred to as a blood sugar spike. If blood sugar is frequently too high, it should be reported to the older adults doctor as a change in treatment may be needed. However, if blood sugar spikes happen only occasionally, there are steps you can take at home to get levels back under control.

About High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar occurs when blood sugar levels are above 240. High blood sugar level can be caused by several things, including:

  • Forgetting a dose of medication.
  • Eating too much.
  • Not getting enough physical activity.
  • Medications taken for other conditions.
  • Illness.
  • Stress.
  • Infection.
  • When blood sugar isnt kept under control, it might lead to serious complications. It can cause neuropathy, vision problems, kidney damage, and even heart disease.

Tips for Lowering Blood Sugar and Preventing Spikes

There are several things that can be done to keep blood sugar levels under control, such as:

  • Exercise: When blood sugar is high, exercise can help to bring it quickly back under control. Try taking the older adult for a walk when they test high. In addition, regular exercise can prevent blood sugar spikes.
  • Lose Weight: People who are overweight usually have a harder time controlling blood sugar because excess weight makes it harder for the body to use insulin.
  • Follow the Meal Plan: There are different ways to ensure a diabetic eats properly to avoid high blood sugar. One of them is to count carbohydrates. Whatever the method the health care team recommends, be sure that you understand it and are able to follow it. If youre having difficulty, request an appointment with a dietician.
  • Know What Affects Blood Sugar: Its important to understand how food can affect blood sugar. One way to know which foods to include and which to avoid is to learn about the glycemic index, or GI. When a food has a high GI, it means that it will more sharply affect blood sugar than one with a lower GI.

Another way to help keep blood sugar levels under control is to hire home care. Home care providers can remind your aging relative to check their blood sugar, track the numbers, and take medications. Home care providers can also cook healthy meals that fit into the meal plan recommended by the dietician. In addition, home care providers can assist the older adult to be more physically active by encouraging them to participate in activities like gardening and going for walks.

Sources

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/blood-sugar-levels#1
http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2011/jan/how-do-i-quickly-bring-down-my-blood-glucose.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/blood-sugar-spike

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Plymouth, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.