Diabetes is a chronic disease that impairs the body's ability to use blood glucose. When food is digested, glucose is released into the bloodstream for use by the body as energy. Glucose is vital to the brain, muscles and tissue cells. In healthy individuals, the pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which helps the body move glucose from the bloodstream into the muscle, fat and liver cells. If you have diabetes, either your pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin or your cells do not respond to the insulin normally. Although diabetes is characterized by high levels of blood sugar, some diabetics experience fluctuations, or diabetic highs and lows that can be very dangerous.
Why Do Blood Glucose Levels Fluctuate
If you have diabetes, the goal of treatment is good blood sugar control. Certain factors can cause your blood sugar levels to go up and down throughout the day. Food, physical activity, medications, insulin, stress, mood changes and illness can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar. Highs and lows in your blood sugar levels can make you feel unwell and may result in serious problems. Your blood glucose may not be the same every day, but it is important to keep it in an acceptable range in order to feel your best and avoid complications. Learning to spot early warning signs of glucose highs and lows can help you control your blood sugar levels.
Normal Levels
Most diabetes patients test their blood sugar levels at home. Self-testing helps you know how well your diet, exercise and medication are working together to control your diabetes. Adults should aim for a fasting blood glucose level of 70 to 130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL at bedtime or 2 hours after eating. Blood glucose levels vary depending on your age, so it is important to discuss your specific goals with your doctor and dietitian.
Highs
High blood sugar is called hyperglycemia and it can be damaging to the body. Some causes of elevated blood sugar are controllable, while others are not. It is important to find out why your levels are high. Common causes of high blood glucose include inactivity, stress, illness, hormonal changes, missing a dose or not taking enough diabetes medication, and eating a snack or meal with too many carbohydrates. Warning signs include excessive thirst, dry mouth, loss of vision, confusion, weakness, sleepiness, hallucinations, fever and warm skin without sweat. Very high blood sugar levels are those over 600 mg/dL. If left untreated, high blood glucose levels can lead to health conditions such as heart attack, stroke, nerve damage eye problems, ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hypoglycemic nonketoic syndrome.
Lows
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is not as common as hyperglycemia if you are diabetic. Causes of hypoglycemia include eating too few carbohydrates skipping meals, exercising more than usual, taking too much medication or drinking alcohol. Blood sugar levels that drop below 70 mg/dL are considered low and most people will develop symptoms below 80 mg/dL. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, anxiety, sweating, shakiness, hunger, sleepiness, numbness or tingling and trouble speaking. If your blood sugar drops, immediate treatment is required. You should eat a small amount of food, candy or fruit juice. Wait 15 minutes and recheck your levels. If your blood sugar is still low, eat another serving of sugar. If left untreated, low blood sugar levels can make you pass out or become unconscious.
How to Avoid Highs and Lows
To prevent hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, it is important to eat regular meals, incorporate carbohydrates into your meal plan, exercise daily, take your medication as prescribed and check your blood sugar levels often. If you experience fluctuations in your blood sugar levels, you should treat it promptly. Good examples of food that will help bring your blood sugar up to normal during low periods include 4 oz. of fruit juice or regular soda, 8 oz. of low-fat milk, 5 pieces of hard candy or 1 tbsp. of sugar.
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