Diabetes In Older Adults - Deepashree Gupta, MD | UCLAMDChat [199f5b]

2025-07-18

Post Time: 2025-07-18

When it comes to maintaining healthy energy levels, blood sugar range is a crucial factor to consider. The ideal blood sugar range varies based on individual factors such as age, sex, and physical activity level. For adults without diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends a fasting blood glucose level below 100 mg/dL and a postprandial (after meal) value less than 140 mg/dL.

However, many people experience fluctuations in their blood sugar range due to various lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress. To maintain optimal energy levels, it is essential to understand the science behind normal blood sugar ranges and how they impact overall health. Blood Sugar Balance: The Key to Unlocking Energy

Maintaining a stable blood sugar range requires careful monitoring of your body's response to different foods and activities. Research has shown that certain nutrients such as fiber can play a significant role in regulating blood sugar levels (1). Fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains help slow down the digestion of carbohydrates, thereby preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar.

In addition to dietary changes, incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine is also essential for maintaining healthy energy levels. Exercise has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity by up to 60% (2), reducing the risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Dietary Choices: The Power to Regulate Blood Sugar

The foods we eat have a significant impact on our blood sugar ranges, with certain choices promoting stability while others contribute to fluctuations. Foods high in added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels (3). On the other hand, nutrient-dense options such as lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables help maintain stable energy levels.

Meal timing is another critical factor that influences our blood sugar ranges. Eating regular meals throughout the day can help prevent large fluctuations by providing a consistent source of nutrients for your body to use (4). It's also essential to avoid skipping meals or waiting too long between eating periods, as this can cause drops in blood glucose levels.

Supplements: The Additional Support You Need

While dietary changes and regular exercise are crucial components of maintaining healthy energy levels, supplements may provide additional support. Certain vitamins and minerals such as chromium, magnesium, and vitamin D have been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity (5) while others like cinnamon extract may help reduce inflammation in the body.

However, it's essential to note that excessive consumption of any supplement can be detrimental to your health. Always consult with a healthcare professional before adding new supplements into your regimen.

Stress: The Hidden Enemy Affecting Your Energy Levels

Unrecognized as an environmental stressor affecting blood sugar ranges is chronic exposure to toxins in our daily lives, including household cleaners and personal care products that contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These substances have been linked to decreased insulin sensitivity (6).

Additionally, factors like sleep deprivation can also wreak havoc on your energy levels by impairing glucose regulation and reducing insulin sensitivity.

The Connection Between Blood Sugar Range and Mental Clarity

Research has shown a clear link between blood sugar control and cognitive function, with imbalances in blood glucose affecting mood, memory consolidation processes, emotional processing capabilities (7), stress reactions, focus abilities.

Join UCLA endocrinologist Deepashree Gupta, MD for an overview blood sugar level 343 what to do of the differences in diabetes management in younger versus older adults, including ADA standards of care adult blood sugar chart in elderly patients suffering from a1c of 6.0 equals what blood sugar diabetes. #UCLAMDChat
Diabetes in Older Adults - Deepashree Gupta, MD | UCLAMDChat
Diabetes In Older Adults - Deepashree Gupta, MD | UCLAMDChat [199f5b]