Hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose, means there is too much sugar in the blood due to the lack of enough insulin. Often associated with diabetes, hyperglycemia can cause vomiting, a rapid heartbeat, excessive hunger and thirst, vision issues and other symptoms. Untreated hyperglycemia can easily lead to serious health problems.
Hypoglycaemia is an abnormally low level of glucose in your blood. When your sugar level is too low, your body does not have enough energy to conduct its activities. Hypoglycaemia is also associated with diabetes and occurs if someone with diabetes takes too much insulin, exercises too hard or misses a meal. It is possible for a person who does not have diabetes to experience hypoglycaemia.
Common Signs of Blood Sugar Issues
Feeling tired- Fatigue is a sign that your blood sugar is not under control. When sugar is remaining in your bloodstream instead of being directed to your body's cells, your muscles do not get enough fuel. You may feel only a little tired, or you might need a nap. If you have diabetes, you may feel tired after eating a big meal.
You are thirsty and must go- Thirst and frequent urination are two common diabetes signs resulting from too much sugar in your blood. As your kidneys work to filter out the sugar, they will also pull more fluids from your tissues, which is why you need to relieve yourself more than usual. Thirst is your body's way of asking to replenish the liquids it is losing.
The Room is spinning- Feeling dizzy can be a sign of low blood sugar. Because your brain also needs glucose to function, a drop in your blood sugar can be quite dangerous. A glass of juice can bring up your blood sugar in the short term. If you have been feeling shaky or dizzy, see your doctor.
Your hands and feet swell- If you have both high blood pressure and diabetes, the two conditions can damage the kidneys' ability to filter wastes and fluid. As fluid builds up in your body, your hands and feet swell, which is a warning sign that you might have kidney disease. Take your prescribed diabetes and blood pressure medications to preserve kidney function.
You have numbness or tingling- Nerve damage can be another sign of elevated blood sugars. It can cause the inability to feel pain or temperature changes. If you have this neuropathy, you may not realize you have been injured from a cut or that a wound which can become infected.
You have stomach trouble- Diabetes also damages the nerve that helps your stomach empty and move food through your digestive tract. When your stomach cannot empty you may deal with unpleasant abdominal problems.
You are losing your sight- High blood sugar and high blood pressure can damage the structures in your eyes and threaten your vision. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the biggest causes of blindness in adults. Blurred vision, spots, lines, or flashing lights are signs that it is time to visit your eye doctor right away.
You are losing weight- If you are losing weight quickly it may be a sign that your blood sugar is too high. When your glucose is high, it gets flushed out of your body in urine, taking the calories and fluids with it.
You have recurring infections- Frequent infections can be a sign of high blood sugar. You may experience gum disease, urinary tract infections, fungal infections of the skin, or yeast infections. Other infections may include respiratory infections, kidney and gallbladder infections, and severe sinus infections.
Cuts or bruises will not heal- If your blood sugar is not controlled, you may find that cuts and bruises are slow to heal.
When to Call Your Doctor
Do not panic about diabetes complications. Try to avoid them by carefully following your treatment plan. Take your medicine, eat a healthy diet, and exercise. Any unusual or new symptoms are worth making a call to your doctor. Call if you feel dizzy or if you have severe symptoms.