Diabetes can cause your blood sugar levels to spike and dip beyond healthy levels, MayoClinic.com explains. The condition of having high blood sugar levels is also called hyperglycemia, and having low blood sugar levels is called hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are caused by certain factors. These conditions can exhibit certain symptoms and may even develop complications if not properly treated. You may even require medical assistance if your symptoms are severe.
Causes of Diabetes with High and Low Blood Sugar
Hyperglycemia can be caused by a variety of factors, KidsHealth.org explains. One possible reason may be that you are taking insufficient amounts of insulin or your diabetes medication. Another reason could be because you are diverting from your prescribed eating plan. Your blood sugar levels may be raised by insufficient exercise or lack of sleep. On the other hand, hypoglycemia may be caused excessive exercise, Drugs.com notes. Taking excessive amounts of insulin medication may also cause your blood sugar levels to dip. Low blood sugar may also be caused by skipping meals.
Symptoms of Diabetes with High and Low Blood Sugar
You know you have hyperglycemia when you urinate more frequently than usual, MayoClinic.com explains. You may also feel thirsty more frequently when you have hyperglycemia. High blood sugar levels can also cause you to feel exhaustion. Hypoglycemia can cause dizziness, hunger and overall confusion, the American Diabetes Association notes. You may even lose consciousness as a result of low blood sugar. You may have trouble focusing your attention on anything when your blood sugar levels are low. Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can cause your vision to blur.
Complications for Diabetes with High and Low Blood Sugar
Prolonged high blood sugar levels can cause complications, MayoClinic.com notes. Hypoglycemia can cause damage to your nerves, blood vessels, and kidneys. You may even go blind as a result of hyperglycemia. You may also develop a condition called diabetes ketoacidosis. Hypoglycemia can cause seizures if left untreated. Your brain requires blood sugar in order to function properly. If your blood sugar levels remain low, loss of consciousness may occur eventually even death.
Treatment and Prevention for Diabetes with High and Low Blood Sugar
You can treat hyperglycemia by making sure you are taking the correct dose of insulin, KidsHealth.org explains. Another way to alleviate your high blood sugar is to exercise regularly. Doing these can also prevent or at the very least lower your chances of developing hyperglycemia in the future. Hypoglycemia can be treated by eating or drinking something that has sugar, Drugs.com notes. You should be careful to check your blood sugar levels prior to and after doing this so that you only take enough sugar to address your hypoglycemia. You can avoid hypoglycemia by taking your diabetes medication as directed by your doctor. Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can be prevented if you strictly adhere to your prescribed eating plan.
