Hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by severely low blood sugar levels, is a threat to diabetics at any age. However, studies are showing that the risks associated with hypoglycemic episodes increase exponentially for seniors as compared to younger diabetics. Perhaps the greatest source of increased risk to seniors is that posed by injury. Diabetics undergoing a hypoglycemic episode are known to pass out or fall, leading to injury.
For healthy adults and children, a minor fall may amount to nothing more than a bruise on the hip and a mildly bruised ego to match. However, seniors and older adults who fall face a significantly greater risk of broken bones and hip fracture. Studies have shown that hypoglycemia can also increase the risk of stroke in older diabetics. To avoid hypoglycemic episodes, it's key to maintain strict blood sugar control at all times, eat on schedule and keep snacks handy when traveling.
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