Blood sugar is also known medically as glucose. Glucose comes from food we eat and becomes an important energy source for your body. Carbohydrates, found in foods such as fruit, bread, rice, potatoes, tortillas, cereal, vegetables, and milk, are your body’s main source for glucose.
After you have eaten, glucose is absorbed into your bloodstream, where it then travels to your body’s cells. A hormone called insulin, which is generated in your pancreas, helps your cells absorb the glucose in your blood. Your cells then use that glucose for energy.
If you consume more sugar than your body needs, your body stores the surplus glucose in your liver and muscles, or it will change it into fat so it can be used for energy later.
If your cells do not get the glucose, your body cannot perform normally. In the short term, if you are not on a medication that increases insulin to maintain blood sugar levels, the liver can make some glucose if needed.
If you do currently take an insulin medication, then a short-term reduction in blood glucose will cause issues. Immediate treatment for your low blood sugar levels is quite important to prevent more serious problems from developing.
Common Causes of Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia, is when your blood sugar drops below a healthy range. If your blood sugar drops too low, it could be a dangerous condition that will need immediate treatment.
Even if you do not have diabetes, you can experience low blood sugar. However, hypoglycemia is less common if you do not diabetes.
Some probable causes of low blood sugar if you do not have diabetes are:
* Some medical conditions, such as hepatitis or kidney disorders.
* Certain medications, such as quinine.
* A tumor that is producing excess insulin.
* Endocrine disorders, such as an adrenal gland deficiency.
Hypoglycemia is more common in people with diabetes. Taking too much medication, skipping meals, not eating properly, or exercising more than usual can lead to low blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
Exceptionally low blood sugar can be a medical emergency. If either you or someone else with diabetes is experiencing some severe symptoms, it is important to administer a medication called glucagon and contact your emergency services immediately.
If you are at risk for low blood sugar, it is crucial to talk with your doctor about getting a prescription for glucagon.
Common Causes of High Blood Sugar
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood. This will happen when your body has too little insulin, the important hormone that transfers glucose into your blood, or if your body cannot use the insulin properly. The condition is also most often linked with diabetes.
Primary causes of high blood sugar are:
* You have a family history of Type 2 diabetes.
* You are overweight.
* You are African American, Native American, Hispanic, or Asian American.
* You have elevated cholesterol or high blood pressure.
* You have a history of gestational diabetes.
* You have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Contact your doctor immediately if you have a high blood sugar level and experience the following symptoms:
* You feel sick or are vomiting.
* You have abdominal pain, or a severe tummy ache.
* You have rapid, deep breathing.
* Signs of dehydration, like a headache, dry skin, and a weak, rapid heartbeat.
* Having trouble staying awake.
These symptoms could be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, or a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, and you may need immediate medical attention.