Blood Sugar Targets by Age: A Senior’s Guide to Safe Ranges

This article provides general information about blood sugar target ranges by age. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice based on your specific situation.

Understanding your blood sugar targets based on your age is crucial for managing diabetes effectively as a senior. While general blood sugar targets age ranges exist, your personal goals may differ based on your overall health, lifestyle, and other factors. Let’s explore what blood sugar numbers you should aim for and why they might be different from younger adults.

Why Blood Sugar Targets Change with Age

As we get older, our bodies handle blood sugar differently. What worked in your 50s might not be appropriate now. Many seniors need slightly higher blood sugar targets to prevent dangerous lows while still protecting their long-term health.

Your blood sugar goals should balance safety with good control. For most seniors over 65, this means slightly higher targets than younger adults.

Key Reasons for Different Targets:

Reduced awareness of low blood sugar symptoms
Higher risk of falls from hypoglycemia
Multiple medications that can interact
Changes in kidney and liver function
Other health conditions to consider

Recommended Blood Sugar Targets by Age Group

Here are the general guidelines for blood sugar targets age ranges, according to the American Diabetes Association:

Adults Under 65:

Before meals: 80-130 mg/dL
After meals: Under 180 mg/dL (2 hours after eating)
A1C goal: Less than 7%

Healthy Seniors (65+):

Before meals: 80-130 mg/dL
After meals: Under 180 mg/dL
A1C goal: Less than 7.5%

Seniors with Health Complications:

Before meals: 90-150 mg/dL
After meals: Under 200 mg/dL
A1C goal: Less than 8% or as advised by your doctor

Helpful Tip: Use a larger-print blood sugar log or CGM device with easy-to-read numbers to track your readings more easily. Call Peak Medical Supplies at 888-649-5705 for a free printable log sheet.

Understanding Your Personal Targets

Your doctor may recommend different blood sugar targets based on:

Overall Health Status

How long you’ve had diabetes
Presence of diabetes complications
Other chronic conditions
Life expectancy considerations
Your ability to manage diabetes independently

Risk Factors for Low Blood Sugar

History of severe hypoglycemia
Inability to feel low blood sugar warnings
Living alone without daily support
Cognitive changes or memory issues
Balance or mobility problems

Quality of Life Factors

Your personal preferences
Daily activity levels
Dietary flexibility needs
Social and family considerations

A1C Goals for Different Age Groups

A1C measures your average blood sugar over 2-3 months. Here’s what different age groups should target:

For Active, Healthy Seniors:

A1C goal: 7.0-7.5%
Average blood sugar: 154-169 mg/dL
Appropriate for those with good health and long life expectancy

For Seniors with Moderate Health Issues:

A1C goal: 7.5-8.0%
Average blood sugar: 169-183 mg/dL
Suitable for those with some chronic conditions

For Frail Seniors or Those with Limited Life Expectancy:

A1C goal: 8.0-8.5%
Average blood sugar: 183-197 mg/dL
Focus on comfort and avoiding lows

Monitoring Your Blood Sugar Effectively

Regular monitoring helps you stay within your target range:

Testing Schedule for Seniors:

Type 2 on oral medications: 1-2 times daily
Type 2 on insulin: 2-4 times daily or as directed
Using a CGM: Continuous monitoring with periodic checks

Best Times to Test:

Before breakfast (fasting)
Before your largest meal
2 hours after meals occasionally
Before bed if on insulin
When you feel “off” or unwell

Medicare Coverage for Testing Supplies

Medicare helps cover the cost of monitoring your blood sugar:

What’s Covered:

Blood glucose monitors
Test strips (quantity based on insulin use)
Lancets and lancing devices
Continuous Glucose Monitors (if you qualify)
Control solution for meter accuracy

Coverage Tip: Medicare Part B covers testing supplies when prescribed by your doctor. Peak Medical Supplies can help verify your coverage and handle the paperwork.

Staying Within Your Target Range

Practical strategies for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels:

Daily Habits That Help:

Eat regular meals – Don’t skip breakfast
Count carbohydrates – Aim for consistency
Stay active – Even chair exercises help
Take medications on time – Use pill organizers
Stay hydrated – Drink water throughout the day
Get enough sleep – 7-8 hours is ideal

Food Choices for Stable Blood Sugar:

Choose whole grains over white bread
Include protein with each meal
Eat vegetables first
Limit sugary drinks and desserts
Watch portion sizes

Recognizing and Preventing Low Blood Sugar

For seniors, preventing lows is just as important as avoiding highs:

Warning Signs of Low Blood Sugar:

Shakiness or trembling
Sweating or clamminess
Confusion or difficulty thinking
Weakness or fatigue
Hunger or nausea
Irritability or mood changes

Quick Treatment Options:

3-4 glucose tablets
4 ounces of juice or regular soda
1 tablespoon of sugar or honey
Hard candies (not sugar-free)

Safety Tip: Always carry a quick-acting sugar source. Keep supplies in your car, purse, and nightstand.

When Higher Targets Make Sense

Sometimes, slightly higher blood sugar targets are safer:

Consider Higher Targets If You:

Live alone without daily check-ins
Have had severe low blood sugar episodes
Experience hypoglycemia unawareness
Have significant heart or kidney disease
Take multiple medications
Have cognitive impairment

Working with Your Healthcare Team

Your diabetes care team should help personalize your targets:

Questions to Ask Your Doctor:

“What are my personal blood sugar targets?”
“How often should I check my blood sugar?”
“What A1C should I aim for?”
“When should I call about my readings?”
“Do my other medications affect my targets?”

Bring to Every Appointment:

Your blood sugar log or CGM reports
List of all medications
Questions or concerns
A family member or friend for support

Technology to Help You Stay on Track

Modern tools make monitoring easier for seniors:

Helpful Devices:

Large-display glucose meters – Easier to read
Talking meters – Announce your results
Continuous Glucose Monitors – Fewer finger sticks
Smartphone apps – Track and share data
Medication reminders – Never miss a dose

Adjusting Targets During Illness

When you’re sick, your blood sugar targets may need temporary adjustment:

Sick Day Guidelines:

Check blood sugar more frequently
Stay hydrated with sugar-free fluids
Don’t skip diabetes medications
Call your doctor if readings stay above 240 mg/dL
Have a sick day kit prepared

Creating Your Personal Action Plan

Work with your doctor to create a plan that includes:

Your personal target ranges
When to check blood sugar
What to do for high readings
How to treat low blood sugar
When to call for help

Medicare Resources and Support

Take advantage of Medicare-covered services:

Diabetes Self-Management Training – Learn from certified educators
Medical Nutrition Therapy – Work with a dietitian
Annual wellness visits – Review your diabetes plan
Preventive screenings – Eye exams, foot checks
CGM coverage – If you meet criteria

The Bottom Line

Your blood sugar targets should be personalized for your age, health status, and lifestyle. While general guidelines suggest slightly higher targets for many seniors, the most important thing is finding the right balance between good control and safety from dangerous lows.

Remember:

Work with your doctor to set personal targets
Focus on preventing low blood sugar
Use technology and tools that make monitoring easier
Take advantage of Medicare benefits
Adjust expectations as your health changes

Managing diabetes as a senior is about finding what works for you while maintaining your quality of life. Don’t compare your numbers to others – focus on meeting your own targets and feeling your best.

Peak Medical Supplies is here to help you manage your diabetes with Medicare-covered testing supplies and continuous glucose monitors. Call us at 888-649-5705 to learn more about your coverage options and get the supplies you need delivered right to your door.