Diabetes: symptoms of high or low blood sugar, and what to do

The diabetes It is one of the most common non-communicable diseases in the world. In Spain alone, it affects more than six million people.

Patients with type 1 diabetes (which usually appears in adolescence) and type 2 diabetes (the most common and which originates because the body does not produce the adequate amount of insulin) must control their blood sugar levels.

And for this, it must be taken into account how food influences glucose levels and what to do in the event of an episode of hyperglycemia either hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia is considered when the blood sugar level is higher than 240 mg/dl. It is caused by the accumulation of glucose in the blood. Instead, hypoglycemia is the drop in sugar below 70 mg/dl.

And as they alert from the (SEFAC), it can produce complications long-term as “nephropathy (kidney damage), retinopathy (eye problems), peripheral neuropathy (pain, numbness, and numbness in the hands and feet).”

It can also lead to a diabetic coma which, in turn, can lead to permanent brain damage or, in the worst case, death.

The glucose meter is used to know the blood sugar level MARILYN NIEVES / MARILYN NIEVES – Archive

symptoms of hyperglycemia

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Fatigue.

• You want to urinate

• Thirsty feeling.

• Very hungry.

• Weakness and abdominal pain.

• Fainting.

• Ketoacidosis (high blood production of acids called ketones).

These symptoms, as recalled by SEFAC, do not usually appear until continuous values ​​of 200 mg/dl. And it may be due, among other causes, to a decrease in physical activity, a higher-than-recommended intake of carbohydrates, an infection (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, flu…) or a variation in the pharmacological treatment intended to treat diabetes.

What to do in case of hyperglycemia

The first thing that specialists advise is to remain calm. And the second, “take a glucose measurement at the moment and drink plenty of water.”

The most suitable drink is water, since sugary liquids such as soft drinks and juices should be avoided. If prescribed insulin is available and prescribed by a doctor, administer the corresponding dose.

It is recommended to carry out a test with the reactive strips to check if there is presence of acetone in the urine. Although physical exercise helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, it should not be done if ketone is present in the blood, because it will further raise the blood sugar level. In this case, contact or see a doctor immediately.

Diabetes can also cause acute pancreatitis freepik

symptoms of hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels are below the normal range. Translated into figures that we can observe in the glucometer, we must be alert when the number drops below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). But you also have to know that there is no exact rule and that each person can have their own ranges.

In either case, because glucose is the body’s main source of energy, hypoglycemia requires immediate treatment.

And the symptoms to watch out for They would be, as listed by the prestigious Mayo Clinic:

• Pallor

• tremors

• sweating

• Headache

• Hunger or nausea

• Irregular or racing heartbeat

• Fatigue

• Irritability or anxiety

• Difficult to focus

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Tingling or numbness of the lips, tongue, or cheek

If we do not put a quick remedy and the hypoglycemia worsenssymptoms may also include:

• Disorientation

• Inability to complete routine tasks

• loss of coordination

• slurred speech

• Blurred or tunnel vision

• Nightmares, if you are asleep

And if it becomes serious could cause:

• loss of consciousness

• seizures

How to act in case of hypoglycemia

If there is no loss of consciousness, the so-called rule of 15 must be rigorously applied:

• Eat 15 grams of rapidly absorbed carbohydrates (a tablespoon of honey or jam, a 200 cc glass of juice, isotonic drink, or half a glass of soft drink, or ). And wait 15 minutes at rest.

The intake of slowly absorbed carbohydrates, such as sweets or candies, is not recommended. Although they carry the necessary sugar to restore blood glucose levels, their digestion is slower because they also contain fat. And you don’t have to exceed 15 grams either. Otherwise, hyperglycemia may occur.

• If blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dl after the first 15 minutes, eat another 15 grams of fast-absorbing carbohydrate.

If there is loss of consciousness, the help of another person is necessary for recovery.

• Oral intake of any drink or food should be avoided and, instead, glucagon, a natural hormone that has the opposite effect of insulin, should be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly.

• Once the patient has regained consciousness, the rule of 15 must be followed.

SEFAC reminds that “in case of doubt whether it is hypoglycemia or not, always take 15 g of fast-absorbing carbohydrate (it raises the glucose value by 30 mg/dl).