Ora Larson, an 85-year-old diabetic, has experienced increasing episodes of hypoglycemia, marked by shakiness and confusion. Her daughter, Susan, describes these episodes as frightening. Dr. Sei Lee explains that hypoglycemia is common in older diabetics, noting the risks include falls, cognitive damage, and heart issues. As a result, healthcare providers are advising that older patients allow their A1c levels to rise above 7 percent, shifting the focus from controlling blood sugar tightly to preventing dangerous lows that could have severe consequences.
"If you've been a diabetic for years, it's likely you've experienced an episode," says Dr. Sei Lee, emphasizing the common occurrence of hypoglycemia in older adults.
"It's really scary," said Susan Larson. She described her mother's episodes of confusion and shakiness, highlighting the anxiety that accompanies such symptoms.
Doctors recommend allowing hemoglobin A1c levels to rise above 7 percent to prevent dangerous lows in blood sugar, focusing on safety over tight control.
The dangers of hypoglycemia may include falls, broken bones, heart arrhythmias, and cognitive damage, particularly concerning for elderly diabetic patients.
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