Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body and brain, so you can’t function well if you don’t have enough. Anything under 40 mg/dL is considered extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. Hypo unawareness occurs in about 40% of people with type 1 diabetes, and less frequently in people with type 2 diabetes. If you are experiencing any of the later-stage symptoms of high blood sugar, seek immediate medical attention. This is a true medical emergency, is extremely dangerous, and can be life-threatening.
High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, can have serious consequences on one’s health. When glucose levels in the blood are too high, it can lead to complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, and vision problems. In severe cases, it can even result in a diabetic coma. On the other hand, low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause dizziness, confusion, and in extreme cases, seizures or loss of consciousness.
The Importance of Balancing Blood Sugar Levels
Try to treat low blood sugar levels by eating some carbohydrates quickly, says Susan Spratt, MD, an endocrinologist and professor of medicine at the Duke University School of Medicine. “If you are driving and your blood sugar drops too low, you need to pull off to the side of the road and treat it immediately,” she says. Reactive hypoglycemia, sometimes called postprandial hypoglycemia, happens when blood sugar drops after a meal — usually within four hours after eating. Your levels may be different depending on your age and the type of diabetes you have.
People with diabetes may have problems with their feet because high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves. To help prevent foot problems, wear comfortable and supportive shoes and take care of your feet before, during, and after physical activity. Work with your health care team to create a meal plan that works for you. You may want to have a diabetes educator or a registered dietitian on your team. A registered dietitian can provide medical nutrition therapy, which includes counseling to help you create and follow a meal plan.
It is crucial for individuals with diabetes to carefully manage their blood sugar levels to avoid these dangerous outcomes. Monitoring blood sugar regularly, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider are all essential steps in maintaining proper blood sugar balance. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of both high and low blood sugar so that appropriate action can be taken promptly.
Finding Solutions to Improve Blood Sugar Control
Glucagon is also available as a powder that can be mixed with a provided liquid to be injected into the skin, muscle, or vein. While hyperglycemia symptoms can start small and insignificantly, the longer your blood sugar is high, the worse these symptoms can become. Typically, hyperglycemia starts with fatigue, headache, frequent urination, and increased thirst. Over time, symptoms can progress to nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, and coma.
If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia several times a week or more, see your health care provider. You may need to change your medication dosage or timing, or otherwise adjust your diabetes treatment regimen. This is when the body’s blood turns acidic due to prolonged, dangerously high blood sugar levels and ketones in the blood. Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia both can cause symptoms and serious complications if left untreated.
With advancements in technology, there are now tools available to help individuals better manage their blood sugar levels. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide real-time data on blood sugar levels, allowing for more precise adjustments in medication dosages and lifestyle choices. Additionally, insulin pumps can deliver insulin in a more controlled manner, reducing the risk of dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar.
Overall, by staying informed, proactive, and utilizing the latest resources available, individuals can take steps towards achieving better blood sugar control and minimizing the risks associated with both high and low blood sugar levels.
The organization points out that, in general, this is when your blood sugar has fallen below 70 mg/dL, though that number can vary from person to person depending on their age, health and more. The lower your blood sugar falls, the more serious the situation can be. If you have diabetes, it’s important to try to keep your glucose, or blood sugar, levels within your target range. If your blood sugar either dips too low or spikes too high, you could experience serious health complications — both in the short and long term, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). If you have high blood sugar, your doctor or care team may ask you to test your blood or pee to check for ketones.
