When an individual has diabetes, it is vital that you know the side effects of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and how to properly manage them. Remember that both can become a diabetic emergency if not recognized and treated promptly. The suitable treatment is prevention but oftentimes, it can be unavoidable.
What is hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia can occur due to illness, stress, surgery, trauma, too much carbohydrate, certain medications (steroids) and skipping medications. If the blood sugar level is higher than 130 before meals or higher than 180 after a meal, it is considered as hyperglycemia.
Once the blood sugar is higher than the normal, the individual should drink water and move around to lower the level. In case this occurs regularly, a doctor should be consulted so that changes in the medication regimen or meal plan can be started.
If the blood sugar level is higher than 240 mg/dl, it requires immediate attention. This can be due to eating too much carbohydrate or not enough medications are taken. The ketones should be checked if the blood sugar is over 240 mg/dl for two tests in a row for no apparent reason or if the blood sugar is high.
Diabetic ketoacidosis
This can also result to a condition called as diabetic ketoacidosis. Even though this is quite common among those who have type 1 diabetes, it can also occur among those with type 2 diabetes especially those who are insulin dependent.
Once the blood sugar is too high, ketones start to accumulate in the blood and it becomes too acidic. Take note that cell damage can occur and if left to progress, can lead to coma or even death. Diabetic ketoacidosis entails immediate medical attention.
Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonkinetic syndrome (HHNS)
This condition involves dangerously high blood sugar level higher than 600 mg/dl. This is triggered by an infection such as urinary tract infection or pneumonia or even poor management of the blood sugar level.
What is hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar occurs once the blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dl. This can occur when the individual skips a meal or delays one, increase in physical activity or too much medication. The symptoms include shaking, confusion, sweating, disorientation, dizziness and increased heartbeat.
Take note that hypoglycemia can be managed at home if the symptoms are not severe and the blood sugar level has not dropped to low. If the blood sugar level is lower than 70, it must be treated promptly. Provide the individual with a fast acting carbohydrate such as glucose tablets, hard candies and juice or glucose gel.
In rare circumstances when the blood sugar level drops too low in which the individual is unresponsive, an injection of glucagon is required. This typically occurs among those with type 1 diabetes, but can also occur among those with type 2 diabetes.