Is It Your Circulation
Dizziness can be a sign of a problem with your blood flow. Your brain needs a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood. Otherwise, you can become lightheaded and even faint.
Some causes of low blood flow to the brain include blood clots, clogged arteries, heart failure, and an irregular heartbeat. For many older people, standing suddenly can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure.
Its important to get medical help immediately if youre dizzy and faint or lose consciousness.
You’re Extra Irritated And Angry
Is your level of frustration a 20 out of 10? Angry and anxious for no obvious reason? It could be hypoglycemia. The most common mood changes are being belligerent and argumentative, says Dr. Wyne. Or it could be more subtle in just refusing to discuss something or not agreeing to something that is normally acceptable to you, she says. If your partner tells you youre crankier than usual, take note. Personality changes like Bettys a major sign of hypoglycemia, agrees Zappe.
What Is High Blood Sugar
Elevated blood sugar levels are known as hyperglycemia. Blood sugar levels are measured using a small sample of blood that is tested in a lab. Blood sugar can also be tested using at home devices such as a handheld glucometer. Levels that indicate hyperglycemia are indicative of prediabetes and both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Normal ranges of blood sugar will vary depending on the test being done. In general, a normal fasting glucose level will be between 70-100 mg/dL. After a meal, these levels are expected to rise slightly around 1 to 2 hours after the beginning of a meal, but should be less than 180 ml/dL.
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is important not only for metabolic health, but heart health too. Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart. People with diabetes are also more likely to have other conditions that raise the risk for heart disease:
- High blood pressure increases the force of blood through your arteries and can damage artery walls. Having both high blood pressure and diabetes can greatly increase your risk for heart disease.
- Too much LDL cholesterol in your bloodstream can form plaque on damaged artery walls.
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Early Signs And Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which your body doesnât make enough of a hormone called insulin or doesnât use insulin the way it should. Insulin helps carry glucose to your cells. So when thereâs a problem with the insulin, glucose builds up in your blood. Youâve probably heard this called high blood sugar.
About 90% of people who have diabetes have type 2. The other two main ones are type 1, in which your body stops making insulin, and gestational, which happens in pregnant women.
You can usually control type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes. Some people also need medication.
You might not know that you have type 2 diabetes until it affects your health. About 1 in 4 people with the condition donât know that they have it.
Symptoms can come on slowly. They may include:
How Can Dizziness After Eating Be Treated
The treatments for dizziness after eating usually depend on the underlying cause. For example, if postprandial hypotension is causing the problem, some treatments can include these options:
- Choose foods that take longer to digest, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. High-sugar foods and refined carbohydrates digest rapidly and increase the risks for postprandial hypotension.
- Drink plenty of water, especially before a meal. Drinking a glass or two of water can increase the amount of blood volume in a persons body so that their blood pressure is less likely to drop.
- Eat several small meals in a day instead of a few large meals. Because the body uses more energy and blood flow to digest a large meal, eating small meals can reduce dizziness after eating.
- Get up slowly during the first hour after eating as this is the time when dizziness after eating is most likely to occur.
- Avoid foods known to trigger dizziness such as caffeine, alcohol, and high-sodium foods.
If your dizziness is the result of eating a certain food or having a food allergy, you should avoid that food. If youre uncertain exactly which food is causing the problem, talk to your doctor about an elimination diet to pinpoint the exact underlying cause.
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The Dangers Of Low Blood Glucose
At some time, most people with diabetes experience the sweating and shakiness that occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dl a condition known as hypoglycemia. The average person with type 1 diabetes may experience symptoms of low blood glucose up to two times a week. However, not all are aware that these symptoms can rapidly progress to seizures, coma and even death if hypoglycemia is severe. Though hypoglycemia can be common and occur repeatedly in some people with diabetes, symptoms of low blood glucose should always be taken seriously. People with diabetes and their families, friends or coworkers should be prepared to act quickly and responsibly at the earliest signs of low blood glucose.
Complications Of High Blood Sugar
Diabetes is one of the main causes of high blood sugar levels, but there are other causes that can impact your blood glucose and your risk for hyperglycemia.
Hyperglycemia is the medical term for high blood sugar levels. You can have temporary spikes in blood sugar after eating a large meal or as a result of medication side effects. Chronically elevated blood sugar levels are dangerous and common in those with diabetes. Without treatment, you run the risk of a diabetic coma.
Ketoacidosis is a condition that develops when elevated blood glucose levels go untreated. Without glucose to use for fuel, your body begins to burn fat instead and produces ketones. When there are too many ketones in the blood, it will turn acidic, which can very quickly lead to ketoacidosis, a diabetic coma, and even death.
People without diabetes can develop a similar condition known as ketosis, but they can tolerate a certain level of ketones because inulin is still effectively working.
Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome is another serious complication of high blood sugar. This is more common among individuals with type 2 diabetes and is triggered by an infection or illness.
As a result of the high blood sugar, your body tries to push out the excess glucose by passing it through your urine. Without treatment, this can result in life-threatening dehydration so prompt medical attention would be necessary.
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You Feel Super Hungry
Some people call it hangrythat intense hunger with low blood sugar that makes you feel a bit crazed. Ginger Vieira, 33, who has type 1 diabetes, says severe lows can make you want to eat everything in sight. The reason? Counter-regulatory hormones known as glucagon, cortisol, and adrenaline, says Siripoom McKay, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics, diabetes and endocrinology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. When you’re hypoglycemic, these chemicals surge to counteract insulin and get your blood sugar back up. In the meantime, they can make you feel like youll starve if you dont eat all the foodimmediately.
Type 2 Diabetes In Children
Type 2 was once called adult-onset diabetes because it was rare in children and teens. But it has become more common since the mid-1990s, in large part because more young people are overweight or obese, a risk factor for the disease.
Children are also at higher risk of type 2 diabetes if they donât get enough exercise or if they have a close relative with the condition. African American, Hispanic, Native American, Alaska Native, Asian American, and Pacific Islander children are more likely to get it.
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How To Manage Blood Sugar
“Diet is the key to managing blood sugar levels,” Dr. Mitchell emphasizes. “Foods high in sugar and simple carbohydrates cause spikes in blood sugar, while complex carbs and proteins help keep levels stable. Therefore, it is essential to include a variety of healthy foods in your diet. Whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein should make up most of your meals, while sugary snacks should be limited. In addition, regular exercise can also help to regulate blood sugar levels. Aerobic exercise helps to increase insulin sensitivity, while resistance training helps promote muscle growth. Therefore, combining both types of exercise is ideal for managing blood sugar. Finally, it is also essential to monitor blood sugar levels regularly. Checking levels before and after meals can help you identify patterns and make necessary adjustments to your diet and lifestyle. You can effectively manage your blood sugar levels by following these simple tips.”
How Is Vertigo Diagnosed
The diagnosis of vertigo is most often made based upon history and clinical presentation. If the patient is experiencing a spinning sensation that worsens by a change in position, and lessens by lying still, the health care professional can confirm the cause of dizziness as vertigo if there are appropriate findings on physical examination.
The doctor may take a further history to make certain that the symptom of vertigo is isolated to an inner ear condition and not due to a problem in the brain .
Neurological examination
Physical examination will focus on the neurologic examination and may involve looking at eye movements. With vertigo, nystagmus may be present. Nystagmus is an involuntary movement of the eyes, slow and smooth in one direction with fast twitches in the other. It is the eyes’ attempt to compensate for the abnormal signals created in the inner ear. The patient may be asked to lay flat or sit upright to uncover the presence of nystagmus.
The doctor may test the patient’s hearing to assess potential hearing loss. This may be seen in Meniere’s disease or with an acoustic neuroma, but not necessarily with labyrinthitis or benign positional vertigo.
The rest of the neurologic examination may be done to look for one-sided weakness, loss of coordination, or loss of balance as potential signs of stroke.
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How Food Affects The Vestibular Problems
Vertigo is a consequence of certain problems in the inner ear. It can be an infection, mechanical problems like dislodgement of calcium carbonate particles , inflammation, functional disorders, weak immune response, increased inner ear pressure, etc.
The underlying pathological conditions need proper medication and treatment. Dietary modifications may augment the effect of the medical management.
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When Should I Call The Doctor For Dizziness
Dizziness is a common complaint and often has resolved by the time the patient arrives to see a health care professional. Usually there is no rush to seek care. However, while the complaint of dizziness is not often an emergency, seek care immediately if it is accompanied by any of the following:
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations. These symptoms should not be ignored, as they suggest the heart may be the source of the dizziness.
- Dehydration. Often there may be an associated illness including fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- People with diabetes may have dizziness due to low blood sugar or high blood sugar , and may need emergent care to stabilize their insulin and medication requirements.
- Bleeding from any source.
- Altered mental status or thinking. This may include symptoms such as confusion, change in vision, change in speech, facial droop, weakness of one side of the body, or headache. These may be signs of stroke, bleeding in the brain, or tumor.
- FAST warning signs of a stroke:
- Face facial droop
- Arm arm or leg weakness
- Speech difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Time time is of the essence. Call 911.
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A Natural Method To Manage Chronic Vertigo
Now you are aware of the six conditions positively associated with vertigo. If you experience vertigo attacks with no connection to any of those stated above, you can perhaps benefit from upper cervical chiropractic care.
Upper cervical chiropractors clearly understand the connection between the upper necks bones and your bodys balance system. Any misalignment in the C1 and C2 vertebrae would deal with excess stress and pressure on your brainstem. When this occurs, the brainstem would become irritated from the misaligned bones and would malfunction. As a result, the brainstem would send improper signals to the brain. Since the signals are wrong about the location of the body, conflicting signals would ensue. The brain thinks the body is moving, but it is not. Thus, vertigo becomes the result.
Upper cervical care uses a specific method of examining and adjusting the spines upper cervical vertebrae. We focus on the atlas and axis vertebrae. We also use neurological tests, heat sensitive instrumentation, and other scientific means to determine and correct misalignments in the upper cervical spine. Our precise and gentle method naturally assists the vertebrae in returning to proper positions without any excess force. Our delicate and accurate procedures success lasts longer, and many patients experience significant improvements in their vertigo symptoms immediately.
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Low Blood Pressure As A Cause Of Dizziness
Dizziness, lightheadedness, and the feeling of passing out is a common complaint in people who have low blood pressure. When the blood pressure is too low, not enough oxygen-rich blood is delivered to the brain, and its function can be affected. If the brain’s blood supply is decreased too much, the person may pass out . Symptoms may worsen when changing position from lying down or sitting to standing up.
In addition to feeling dizzy, associated symptoms may include:
In individuals who are dehydrated or anemic, blood pressure readings may be normal when they are lying flat however, the lack of fluid is unmasked when they stand up quickly. The lack of blood to the brain may cause dizziness and lightheadedness. This feeling may pass in a few seconds as the body adapts. However, if dehydration or medications prevent the body from reacting by constricting blood vessels and increasing the heart rate, the dizziness may persist to the point at which the patient passes out .
Some diseases are associated with an inability to compensate for changes in body position . Normally when a person stands, blood vessels contract to increase blood pressure slightly, and the heart rate also increases slightly, to pump blood uphill to the brain against gravity. In autonomic dysfunction, a person may become dizzy when they move from a lying position to sitting or standing up. Examples of these diseases with this syndrome include diabetes, Addison’s disease, or Parkinson’s disease.
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Can Low Blood Sugar Cause Dizziness
Low blood sugar can cause dizziness beside other symptoms.
- Glucose level < 60 mg/dl with symptoms that are relieved promptly after the glucose level is raised, document hypoglycemia.
- Low blood sugar with dizziness is usually seen in diabetic patients who are on anti-diabetic drugs and insulin and have an insulin overdose accidentally or otherwise.
- The first symptom in these patients is dizziness and disorientation if the blood sugar level decreases.
- Lack of glucose supply to the brain can result in brain dysfunction, like dizziness and if prolonged, leads to irreversible neuronal damage and death.
Diagnosis Of Dizziness And Vertigo
In trying to work out the cause of a persons dizziness, investigations may include:
- medical history, including careful questioning about the nature of the dizziness
- physical examination, which may include observing eye movements, positional testing and a blood pressure check
- specialised hearing or balance testing
- CT or MRI scans of the inner ear or brain
- other tests relating to specific conditions.
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Low Blood Sugar: The 1: 15 Rule
Doctors may recommend that people with low blood sugar follow the 15:15 rule. The ADA explains that a person can take 15 grams of carbohydrates and then check their blood sugar levels 15 minutes afterward. If blood sugar is still low, they should take another 15 g.
People can repeat this until their levels are within a normal range. Examples of carbohydrates that can raise low blood sugar efficiently include:
- glucose tablets or glucose gel, which a person should take according to the instructions on the label
- a half cup of juice or non-diet soda
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
- hard candies, such as jelly beans or gumdrops
It is important to avoid using complex carbohydrates to treat low blood sugar in an emergency, as these can slow down the time it takes for the body to absorb glucose. The same applies to carbohydrates with fat, such as chocolate.
Once blood sugar levels have returned to a healthy level, a person can eat a healthy snack to prevent their levels from dropping again.
Carbohydrate levels may vary for each individual, and children will need less than 15 g to treat low blood sugar. People can discuss a specific treatment strategy for low blood sugar with a doctor.
What Causes Low Blood Glucose
- Symptoms occur when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dl a condition known as hypoglycemia.
- In most cases, low blood glucose results from overtreatment: Either taking too much diabetes medication or not eating enough food. Higher doses of medicine than the person actually requires can also lead to hypoglycemia.
- People who aim for too-low values on their A1C test tend to experience more frequent drops in blood glucose.
- Vigorous exercise doesn’t just burn calories, it also burns blood glucose! Hypoglycemia can occur unless blood glucose levels are carefully monitored during and after exercise.
- Not eating on a regular basis can deprive the body of glucose and make it difficult to prevent hypoglycemia. Eat balanced meals throughout the day and always keep a snack on hand.
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