Sometimes a headache is just a headache. Rest your eyes, pop a couple of pain relievers, have a cup of coffee or take a nap, and it goes away. But if you have diabetes, a headache can be a warning sign of low blood sugar, a potentially serious problem that most diabetics will face from time to time.
Dangers
A dip in your blood sugar can occur suddenly. Low blood sugar --- also called low blood glucose or hypoglycemia --- usually is a minor problem that you can resolve quickly on your own. But the National Institutes of Health warns that severe, untreated cases of low blood sugar can result in seizures or coma and can even be fatal. Your blood sugar is considered low if it falls below 70 mg/dL.
Causes
If you use insulin or diabetes pills to keep your blood sugar from rising, it occasionally may cause your level to fall too far in the other direction, the Cleveland Clinic explains. Other possible causes are skipping meals or waiting too long between meals, not taking in enough carbohydrates, exercising more than usual, or drinking alcohol, especially on an empty stomach.
Symptoms
The American Diabetes Association advises that it's important to test your blood sugar if your have any of the symptoms of low blood sugar. Besides headache, they may include shakiness, dizziness, sweating, sudden mood changes, clumsiness, confusion or a tingling sensation around your mouth. Be especially cautious about driving if you have these symptoms, since there's a chance low blood sugar could make you pass out.
Treatments
If your blood sugar is low, you usually can deal with it by eating a snack, glucose tablets or glucose gel containing at least 15 g of carbohydrates. Some food remedies the American Diabetes Association suggests are 2 tbsp. of raisins, 4 oz. of fruit juice or soda, or five hard candies. As an added precaution, the ADA advises that a severe headache --- possibly with other symptoms such as dizziness and blurred vision --- could be a sign of a stroke and needs immediate medical attention.
