If you are diabetic, maintaining your blood sugar is a critical and daily task. Blood sugar, or glucose, needs to remain at a consistent level in your bloodstream. When glucose levels dramatically increase or decrease it impairs the way that your body performs and functions.
The glucose in your blood is comprised of the simplest form of carbohydrates. These carbohydrates come from your diet and fuel your body throughout the day. Foods like bread, fruit, vegetables, and dairy products are great sources of carbohydrates. When your pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to manage the increase in glucose in the blood, your blood sugar can get too high. Insulin resistance is another instance where your glucose levels can elevate because the liver doesn’t recognize insulin and continues to create and store glucose. Ideally you want your blood sugar level to fall between 80 and 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) before meals, and less than 180 mg/dL two hours after meals, according to the American Diabetes Association. Levels above and below these targets can create serious health risks. Let’s take a closer look at the signs and treatment of high and low blood sugar levels.
What is Hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia means that you have high blood sugar. Physical activity choices, diet, illness, and medication can all be factors for hyperglycemia. If left untreated, hyperglycemia can require emergency care and cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, heart, and nerves.
What is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia means that you have low blood sugar.
What are the Symptoms of Hyperglycemia?
Recognizing early signs of hyperglycemia can help you treat the condition. Some common symptoms include:
- Frequent Urination
- Fatigue
- Impaired Vision
- Headaches
If high blood sugar is left untreated, toxic acids, like ketones, can build up in your blood and urine causing ketoacidosis. Signs of this exacerbated condition include:
- Shortness of Breath
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Abdominal Pain
- Dry Mouth
- Confusion
What are the Symptoms of Hypoglycemia?
When your blood sugar levels become too low, common signs can include:
- Shakiness
- Fatigue
- Pale Skin
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Hunger
If low blood sugar goes untreated, more serious symptoms can include:
- Seizures
- Blurred Vision
- The Inability to Complete Simple Tasks
- Loss of Consciousness
How do you Treat Hyperglycemia?
There are many ways to treat and manage hyperglycemia. Discuss a plan with your doctor help maintain your glucose levels. This plan may include a regular exercise routine, following a specific diet, medication, blood sugar monitoring, or an adjustment to your insulin dose. The good news is that these treatments can be done on a daily basis at home. However, if this condition persists, more serious measures will need to be taken.
If you show symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis or other conditions related to hyperglycemia, you may need to be treated in the emergency room or admitted to the hospital. Emergency treatment can lower your blood sugar to a normal range. These treatments typically involve fluid and electrolyte replacement, as well as insulin therapy.
How do you Treat Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia can be treated with medication and by ingesting food and drinks that are high in sugar. If this condition persists, diagnosing and treating its root cause will be the next step.
If you have diabetes and struggle with regulating your blood sugar, you should consult your doctor. The expert staff at Lane Family Practice in Zachary, Louisiana is here to help you manage your health.
