Blood sugar levels above or below the normal range can be potentially dangerous if not recognized and treated. According to the book "Current Diagnosis & Treatment Emergency Medicine," blood glucose less than 50 mg/dL is considered low blood sugar and a level greater than 200 mg/dL is considered high blood sugar. If you have diabetes, high and low blood sugars are potential complications.
Understanding Glucose and Insulin
Glucose is a simple sugar that fuels the body and brain. Cells take in glucose from the bloodstream and break it down for energy. Any excess glucose is stored in the liver and muscles as long chains of glucose called glycogen as reserves for when the body needs glucose again. In order for glucose to enter into cells, the hormone insulin must be present. When the body does not produce insulin or is not using it efficiently, blood glucose levels will rise. Low blood sugars can result from changes in insulin dosages, changes in diet, exercise or infections.
High Blood Sugar Symptoms
High blood sugar, called hyperglycemia, can cause increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue and weakness. In addition, weight loss, blurred eyesight, nausea and vomiting are symptoms of hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia causes blood circulation to be diminished, resulting in a loss of sensation or tingly feeling in the feet. Prolonged levels of high blood sugars can result in eye, heart and kidney damage. As glucose levels rise, decreased appetite and stomach cramps are common. Higher levels of glucose are more dangerous and will cause confusion, a slow response in answering questions, a fruity breath odor and deep, rapid breathing. If interventions to lower glucose levels are not taken, there can be a loss of consciousness and coma.
Low Blood Sugar Symptoms
Early symptoms of low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia, include sweating, pale and clammy skin, trembling and shaking. A person may say he feels a pounding of the heart, a feeling of hunger, and may appear anxious and irritable. As the blood sugar continues to fall, blurred vision, confusion and slurred speech with aggressive behavior may be seen. If left untreated, seizures and loss of consciousness can occur.
Treatment
Treatment for hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia focuses on bringing the blood glucose level back within normal range. For hyperglycemia, treatment may require the administration of insulin as well as intravenous fluids. For hypoglycemia, treatment requires giving some form of glucose. If the person is awake and able to swallow, glucose tablets or drinks containing glucose can be administered. In more severe cases of hypoglycemia, intravenous dextrose may be required.
References
- "Current Diagnosis and Treatment Emergency Medicine"; C. Keith Stone; Roger Humphries: 2008
- "Sheehy's Emergency Nursing Principles and Practice"; Emergency Nursing Association; 2010
- "Nursing & Residential Care"; The dangers of hypoglycaemia; Debbie Hicks; January 2010
