Prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) will cause long-term damage to your body. But hypoglycemia, low blood sugars, can cause immediate harmful effects including a diabetic coma. It is important to be able to recognize the signs when your blood sugar is too low and to carry emergency supplies to rectify the situation even in cases of diabetes and obesity.
People will react and show different symptoms when their blood glucose levels are too low. They can include some or all of the following:
* Feeling hungry * Feeling nervous or panicked * Feeling light-headed or dizzy * Weakness or lethargy (wanting to go to sleep) * You may be confused, having difficulty speaking or stringing thoughts together.
Once you have experienced hypoglycemia a few times you will begin to recognize the signals your body will give you when you need more food in your body. It is important to check you blood sugar with your monitor and have something right away that will act immediately to raise your blood sugars. Hard candies or glucose tablets work fast and are easy to have on you at all times. In case you are not able to help yourself, carry something that identifies you as a diabetic and instructions of what to do and who to call if you need assistance.
Once you have eaten something, test your blood sugar again in 15 minutes to make sure that it is going back to a normal range. You will want to have a snack or a meal too as the burst of sugar will not be long lasting.
By eating small and frequent meals every two to three hours you can lessen the chances of having hyperglycemia. Another safety precaution that should be taken includes eating prior to exercising and afterwards to keep up your energy level.
Elevated blood sugars are not good for your body and prolonged exposure to high blood sugars can have devastating affects on your organs (specifically your heart, kidneys, and eyes). Recognizing the signs of high glucose levels and testing regularly can help to keep you aware and in control of this important part of being a diabetic.
The symptoms that indicate your blood sugar is too high are the same signs that you might recognize from when you were first diagnosed with diabetes - an extreme thirst, frequent urination, and a feeling of lethargy. The good news is that once you are aware of how your body reacts to high blood sugar you can act more quickly because you know what is going on with your body.
If you are sick or are taking certain medications your blood glucose levels could be higher than normal. It is important to advise your pharmacist that you are diabetic when you are picking up your prescription. They can advise you of the side effects you can expect and what you should do about them if anything.
If your blood sugar is high everyday at the same time it may be a signal that your body needs more insulin. If you are comfortable adjusting your own dosage do so in small increments. If you are not comfortable a call in to your doctor or diabetes educator is in order and they can advise you on any adjustments that you will need to make.
In addition, review what you have eaten recently. If you have tried a new food or have been less active lately or you have eaten a food high in carbohydrates that is probably the reason for the high blood sugar readings. Once you know the reason for the high blood sugars you can do something to fix it and prevent it from happening again.
More articles at: canaccord adams diabetes and obesity.
Share and Enjoy:
These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.