A high blood sugar level is a problem that you might encounter if you have diabetes, but it is not from going too long without eating. Skipping meals or fasting may cause low blood sugar, another health concern affecting diabetics. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your blood sugar being too high or too low.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can be a result of going without food too long, especially if you are diabetic. Other causes for hypoglycemia include taking too much insulin or not eating enough to cope with the demands of a new exercise program. Symptoms of low blood sugar are nervousness, sweating, heart palpitations, shaking and fatigue. If you are not able to quickly raise your blood glucose levels, you are at risk for going into hypoglycemic shock, which can cause fainting, a seizure or the loss of consciousness.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is the opposite of hypoglycemia. If you are diabetic and eat too much or do not take enough insulin, your blood sugar level can rise. Sometimes having a lot of stress or being sick with a mild virus is enough to raise your blood sugar. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include excessive thirst and frequent urination. You also might notice that your blood sugar levels are high through routine testing, even if you don't feel any symptoms. If you do not treat your high blood sugar promptly, you could go into ketoacidosis, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms include fruity breath, a dry mouth and vomiting.
Glucose Testing
Your doctor may do a blood glucose test if you show any signs of diabetes, hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. If your test results show that you might have diabetes, more tests may be run. If you are diagnosed as diabetic, your doctor will show you how to test your blood sugar at home so you can find out quickly whether it is too high or too low. Blood glucose levels that are higher or lower than normal may also be caused by other diseases, including pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Medications that you take may also alter the results.
Diet
Talk to a nutritionist if you have diabetes so she can help you plan a healthy diet for your condition. If you have the signs of hypoglycemia or if you have not eaten in a while, you may need to eat or drink something sugary, such as a glass of orange juice, to deliver sugar to your bloodstream quickly. Eating the correct amount of healthy foods regularly can help you keep your diabetes symptoms under control.
