Blood Levels
Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness resulting from inadequate blood flow to the brain. For people with diabetes, this can occur because of the low blood sugar levels in the body, high blood sugar levels, nerve damage or heart conditions, according to the YourTotalHealth website. It is important that diabetics who experience fainting spells inform their physician so any immediate underlying cause can be tested and treated. Glucose tests may be taken. There may also be other tests, including CAT scans or MRI scans, to rule out ailments. Treatment may consist of maintaining the glucose levels within the recommended range. Low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia, can cause insulin shock in severe cases. High blood glucose, or hyperglycemia, can result in diabetic coma in its severe forms. Heart conditions, low blood pressure and stroke may also be causes of fainting.
Warning
Fainting may be a warning sign. It can also occur because of dehydration, sudden changes in body position, such as quickly moving from sitting to standing, or certain medications. Fainting is always a sign of some underlying condition, even if it is minor. It may just be a symptom that you need to check your blood sugar and take steps to get yourself back to a normal level. It may be an indication that the diabetic condition is heading into more severe issues, including a heart condition or nerve damage. Fainting could also be a sign of diabetes if you have not already been diagnosed. Although in many cases, fainting is just a temporary response, it is a good idea to check with your doctor for any possible causes.
Exercise
Diabetics are also at an increased risk for dizziness and fainting during exercise and activity. That is why warm-ups and cool-downs are very important for diabetics, says Dr. Shauna S. Roberts of Diabetes.org. Five- to 10-minute warm-ups allow the heart to adjust to an increasing demand from the strenuous exertion that can lead to fainting and, in more severe cases, heart attack. Cool-downs help avoid dizziness or fainting after exercise and also reduce the chances of heart attack. A cool-down keeps the blood moving rather than pooling in the legs. A cool-down is continuing the same exercise routine at a reduced intensity for about five to 10 minutes. Fainting also affects pregnant women, even if they have never had diabetes. Pregnant women with high blood sugar are said to have gestational diabetes, which affects about 4 percent of women who are pregnant. They need to monitor the condition for themselves and to avoid passing obesity or diabetic risks on to their children.
