Signs of High and Low Blood Sugar Levels | Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia Guide

Understanding Blood Sugar Levels

For people with diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range is crucial. Blood sugar that is too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia) can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia is an important part of diabetes management.

What is Hyperglycemia?

Hyperglycemia refers to abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It occurs when the body has too little insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is the hormone that allows cells to absorb and use glucose for energy. Without enough insulin or an insulin resistance, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of being absorbed by the cells that need it.

Some common causes of hyperglycemia include:

• Missing a dose of insulin or oral diabetes medication
• Eating more carbohydrates than the insulin dose covers
• Being ill or having an infection
• Experiencing significant stress
• Taking certain medications that raise blood sugar

Hyperglycemia usually develops over several hours or days. The longer blood sugar stays elevated, the more serious the effects. Over time, uncontrolled hyperglycemia can lead to complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, vision loss, cardiovascular disease, and impaired wound healing.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

Recognizing the signs of elevated blood sugar is key to treating it promptly and preventing complications. Common symptoms of hyperglycemia may include:

• Increased thirst and frequency of urination - As excess glucose builds up in the blood, the kidneys will try to filter it out which leads to increased urination and fluid loss. This triggers thirst as the body tries to rehydrate.
• Headache - Dehydration from increased urination can sometimes cause headaches.
• Fatigue - The body’s cells cannot access glucose for energy, which may cause tiredness and weakness.
• Blurred vision - High blood sugar can cause fluid to be pulled from the lenses of the eyes, temporarily affecting vision.
• Unintended weight loss - Weight loss may occur due to loss of calories from increased urination.
• Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting - Hyperglycemia can slow digestion and cause gastrointestinal symptoms.

Treating Hyperglycemia

If hyperglycemia is caught early, it can often be treated at home. Methods may include:

• Taking a correction dose of rapid-acting insulin to lower blood sugar when above the target range.
• Drinking extra fluids to rehydrate.
• Getting light physical activity to help bring down blood sugar.
• Eating less carbohydrates at the next meal.

For severe or persistent hyperglycemia, seeking medical care is important. At the hospital, treatment may involve intravenous fluids, insulin, and other medications. Blood sugar over 600 mg/dL is considered a medical emergency.

Preventing Hyperglycemia

The best way to avoid hyperglycemia is to closely manage diabetes. Steps to help prevent high blood sugar include:

• Taking diabetes medications as prescribed.
• Checking blood sugar regularly.
• Carrying quick-acting glucose tabs or snacks.
• Adjusting insulin doses based on carbohydrate intake, physical activity, and stress.
• Having an appropriate meal plan.
• Seeing a diabetes educator to learn carb counting.
• Getting needed screenings to monitor long-term blood sugar control.

Understanding Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia refers to a low level of sugar in the bloodstream. For people with diabetes, it occurs when blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL. The brain relies on glucose from the blood for fuel and cannot function normally when glucose gets too low.

Some potential causes of hypoglycemia include:

• Taking too much insulin or diabetes medication
• Delaying or missing a meal
• Getting more physical activity than normal without adjusting insulin
• Drinking alcohol, especially on an empty stomach

Hypoglycemia can come on quickly and cause serious complications if left untreated. Recognizing and treating low blood sugar promptly is essential.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

Signs of low blood sugar may appear suddenly and can include:

• Shakiness, sweating, chills, clamminess
• Irritability, impatience, confusion, anxiety
• Rapid heartbeat
• Hunger, nausea
• Weakness, fatigue, drowsiness
• Blurred vision, difficulty concentrating
• Tingling or numbness in the lips, tongue, or cheeks
• Nightmares or crying out during sleep
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness (in cases of severely low blood sugar)

Treating Hypoglycemia

At the first signs of hypoglycemia, it is important to raise blood sugar quickly. Recommended treatment steps include:

• Consuming 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates such as glucose tablets, candy, juice or regular soda (not artificially sweetened), or raisins.
• Rechecking blood sugar after 15 minutes and repeating carbohydrate treatment if still below 70 mg/dL.
• Consuming a snack with protein like peanut butter crackers or cheese once glucose returns to normal.
• Adjusting insulin doses if needed to prevent recurrence.
• Seeking emergency care for severe hypoglycemia involving seizure, loss of consciousness, or inability to swallow.

Having sources of glucose readily available at home, work, and school can prepare a person to treat hypoglycemia promptly.

Preventing Hypoglycemia

Steps to help avoid episodes of low blood sugar include:

• Checking blood sugar regularly, especially before driving or operating machinery.
• Consuming regular meals and snacks as planned.
• Adjusting insulin and medication based on food, exercise, stress, and alcohol.
• Carrying quick-sugar sources like glucose tabs.
• Wearing medical identification indicating diabetes.
• Letting family and friends know how to spot and treat hypoglycemia.

Key Takeaways

Maintaining blood glucose within a healthy range can prevent acute complications of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia as well as long-term problems. Understanding the causes, signs, treatment, and prevention of high and low blood sugar is crucial for diabetes management. Working closely with your healthcare providers and diabetes educators can help you effectively stabilize blood sugar levels.

With vigilance about monitoring blood glucose, following diet and medication plans, and being prepared with supplies to treat highs and lows, people with diabetes can keep their blood sugar under control. This takes dedication but leads to better health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.