High blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia) and low blood glucose levels (hypoglycaemia) may affect you differently over time.
Your symptoms may change, or become less obvious.
You may be at higher risk of falls with low blood glucose levels. Or, you may start taking medications for other health conditions that increase your blood glucose levels.
Being aware of how low and high blood glucose levels may affect you differently as you age can help you identify the signs early, so you can get support when you need it.
Low blood glucose
What to do if you have a hypo
High blood glucose
When to seek help
FAQs
Information and resources
A low blood glucose level, also called hypoglycaemia or a ‘hypo’, is when your blood glucose level drops below your target range. Not everyone is at risk of hypoglycaemia, so check with your health professional if it might affect you.
Generally, hypoglycaemia is a blood glucose level below 4 mmol/L. For some older people this level may be higher, for example, a blood glucose level below 6 mmol/L.
Hypo warning symptoms may become less obvious as you age, or you may have no symptoms at all. This may mean that the first signs noticed by you, a family member, friend or carer may be:
If a hypo goes untreated, you may become confused, and have difficulty speaking and taking care of yourself. You are also at increased risk of having a fall or losing consciousness, as well as cognitive damage or a heart attack or stroke.
If you are experiencing hypos, let your doctor, diabetes educator or nurse practitioner know.
It is important to treat a hypo quickly, particularly when you are older. You should always carry hypo treatment with you.
High blood glucose levels are common for people with diabetes, and are usually considered hyperglycaemia when they are above 15 mmol/L. You may already know about or have experienced high blood glucose levels.
A high blood glucose level can affect everyone differently and sometimes your symptoms can change as you get older.
Hyperglycaemia symptoms may become less obvious as you get older, or you may have no symptoms at all. This may mean that the first signs noticed by you, a family member, friend or carer may be:
Ask your doctor, credentialled diabetes educator or nurse practitioner if you are unsure what blood glucose level is high for you.
Unlike hypoglycaemia, high blood glucose levels may creep up over hours or days, so it is important to check your levels regularly as agreed with your healthcare team.
Certain factors related to getting older can make hyperglycaemia more likely:
Make an appointment with your doctor if:
Call 000 or emergency medical assistance if:
You may have some questions about what you need to do to keep your blood glucose levels in your target range.
Focus on eating healthy foods and doing more physical activity. Talk to your doctor about whether you need medication to balance your blood glucose levels.
Keep in touch with your healthcare team to continue learning how to look after your diabetes, as you may find that things change over time.
Many people with diabetes will need medication to help manage their blood glucose levels. Your doctor can work with you to decide if and which type of medication you may need to keep your blood glucose levels in your target range.
Your diabetes health professional will recommend a blood glucose target range that is best for you.
You can check if your glucose level is in your target range with a blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor. Your diabetes health professional will discuss with you whether they recommend that you monitor your glucose levels.
It depends. Some people need to check their glucose levels one or more times a day, while others do not need to check them at all.
Have a chat with your doctor or credentialled diabetes educator if you are not sure how often you need to check your glucose level.
Starting to make positive changes to what you eat, how active you are, or taking new diabetes medication will help get your blood glucose level in your target range.
It may take some time, but your blood glucose levels should improve. If not, this may mean you need to start on medication, or have your medication adjusted. Talk to your health professional if you are concerned about your blood glucose levels.
As you get older, your doctor may increase your target blood glucose range to be higher than you are used to. This usually happens if you take certain diabetes medicines, have other health problems, become frail or are at risk of falls.
If you are feeling frustrated, let your doctor know. They can discuss your concerns and help you understand your diabetes management plan.
Blood glucose monitoring
Checking your blood glucose levels can help manage your diabetes. You will be able to see what makes your numbers go ‘up’ and ‘down’.
Hypoglycaemia
More information on recognising the signs of hypoglycaemia and how to manage it.
Blood glucose monitoring strips
Find out how to access subsidised blood glucose monitoring strips and other products on the NDSS.
Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.
