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Is Diabetes High Or Low Blood Sugar


Your Diabetes Devices And Hypoglycemia

High and Low Blood Sugar Symptoms

Several insulin pumps are now available that make managing blood sugar levels easier, particularly when connected to a glucose meter or a CGM.

Some of the most important advantages of CGM devices are the improved insulin control and the ability to detect trends and lows early. With improved technology, it is now possible for parents to track blood sugar trends in their kids even when they are hundreds of miles apart .

In addition, automated insulin delivery systems, also known an artificial pancreas or a hybrid closed-loop system, will automatically adjust insulin to match your bodys need to help you spend more time in your target range.

Resources that provide people with T1D and their families with more detailed information about pumps and CGM devices are available through JDRF here. For people looking for a deeper understanding of technology that helps people with T1D better manage their blood sugar, JDRF resources are available here.


Signs And Symptoms Of Hypoglycemia

The good news is that you can use test strips or a continuous glucose monitor to measure your blood sugar levels, past research establishes. Its important to know that some people can feel symptoms of low blood glucose even if the blood sugar is normal, called pseudohypoglycemia. On the flip side, some mild cases of low blood sugar may not cause any symptoms at all. This is where regular at-home testing becomes important if you have diabetes, especially if you have type 1 diabetes, as established by previous research.

One of the first physical symptoms of hypoglycemia is hunger. At first, you might pass this off as being hangry if you have other symptoms like irritability from not eating in a while. But aside from hunger and irritability, the Mayo Clinic outlines other early signs of hypoglycemia, such as:

  • Shakiness, which is especially noticeable in your hands
  • Anxiety
  • Concentration difficulties
  • Increased heart rate

In more severe or prolonged hypoglycemia, loss of consciousness and seizure are also possible.

Diabetic Alert Dogs Can Help

Not only can dogs deal with low blood sugar like people, but they are also known to help their human companions detect hypoglycemia.

In a July 2016 study published in Diabetes Care, researchers studied eight women ages 41 to 51 with type 1 diabetes and found that dogs could detect isoprene chemicals, a marker of low blood sugar, on participants breath. These results suggest dogs may be able to warn their owners of impending hypoglycemic attacks. Dogs can be trained to detect such episodes.


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Type 2 Diabetes Can Be A ‘devastating Diagnosis’ Says Expert

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Many in the UK have high blood sugar levels, making them pre-diabetic, this is not diagnosed as diabetes yet but it creates a higher risk. One crucial aspect of diabetes is blood sugar control. Diet can play an important role in keeping your levels at bay.

Hypo Vs Hyper Your Greek Lesson For The Day

Hypoglycemia low blood sugar symptoms

Glycemia is defined as the presence of glucose in the blood.

Hypo comes from the Greek word hupo, which translates as under or, more typically, less.


Hyper is also a holdover from the Greeks, from the Greek word huper, which translates as over or above.

So extending that logic, hypoglycemia is a low blood sugar level and hyperglycemia is a high blood sugar level.

Now that we have that sorted…

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What Is A Balanced Blood Sugar Level

There is no universal balanced level of your blood sugar. As the ADA suggests, an A1C level of less than 7 should be considered ideal for non-pregnant adults.


Doctors may set a stricter goal for particular patients depending on their existing conditions. Elderly people with several health complications are often suggested to keep an A1C targets between 7.5 and 8.5 because too much regulation on their blood sugar level might cause hypoglycemia a condition when blood sugar becomes lower than the normal.

How Blood Glucose Influences Your Body

When you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels may be continually high. With time, this could damage your body and also bring about several other problems.

What does it cost? sugar in the blood is way too much? And why is high glucose so bad for you? Heres a look at exactly how your degrees impact your health.

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How To Get Your Blood Sugar Up

A quick way to do it is the 15-15 rule:


  • Eat 15 grams of carbs, like glucose tabs, fruit juice, a few raisins, some jellybeans, or hard candy. Avoid things like chocolate and ice cream, because those donât work fast enough.
  • Wait 15 minutes.
  • Check your blood sugar. If itâs still below 70 mg/dL, have some more carbs.
  • But donât eat too much — That could send your blood sugar sky-high. Stick with repeat doses of 15 grams until youâre back to normal.

    If your blood sugarâs very low or the 15-15 method doesnât work, you may need a shot of glucagon. This is a hormone your body makes that raises your blood sugar fast. Ask your doctor if you should have a glucagon rescue kit on hand. Be sure the people in your life know how to use it if you faint.

    Tell your diabetes team any time you have low blood sugar, especially if itâs serious. They can suggest things to do so it doesnât happen as often.

    Understanding The Relationship Between High Blood Pressure And Type 2 Diabetes

    DIABETES HIGH & LOW BLOOD SUGAR

    Most people with type 2 diabetes also suffer from high blood pressure, which has very few noticeable symptoms, can lead to an enlarged heart, and further complicate and worsen your diabetes symptoms.

    If you have diabetes, youre already aware that you have to take special precautions with your blood sugar. But you may not be aware of another, often silent, problem that can go hand-in-hand with diabetes high blood pressure or hypertension.


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    Type 1 Diabetes High Blood Sugar Symptoms

    Wondering about the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemiaâor high blood sugar? High blood sugar occurs in type 1 diabetes when the body has too much glucose/food or not enough insulin. Having hyperglycemia symptoms doesnât immediately put you in danger but regular high blood-sugar levels over time does. Thatâs because they can lead to complications including blindness, heart disease, kidney failure and amputation. What are the symptoms of high blood sugar? â Thirst â Frequent urination â Stomach pain â Blurry vision â Increased Hunger Other signs of hyperglycemia With high blood sugar, you may also experience drowsiness, exhaustion, nausea or vomiting, confusion, fruity or sweet-smelling breath, impaired concentration and sweating. And, having very high blood-glucose levels for an extended period can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis . DKA happens when the body starts to burn fat and body tissue for energy. This releases toxic acids called ketones that build up in the blood and urineâand can lead to a diabetic coma. So if youâre experiencing any of the above signs or symptoms, itâs important to get checked out by your doctor. The earlier high blood-sugar issues are treated, the better. Your support is more critical than everContinue reading > >

    What Is High Blood Sugar

    The is the amount of glucose in the blood. Glucose is a sugar that comes from the foods we eat, and it’s also formed and stored inside the body. It’s the main source of energy for the cells of our body, and it’s carried to each cell through the bloodstream.

    Hyperglycemia is the medical word for high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels happen when the body either can’t make insulin or can’t respond to insulin properly . The body needs insulin so glucose in the blood can enter the cells of the body where it can be used for energy. In people who have developed diabetes, glucose builds up in the blood, resulting in hyperglycemia.

    Having too much sugar in the blood for long periods of time can cause serious health problems if it’s not treated. Hyperglycemia can damage the vessels that supply blood to vital organs, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve problems. These problems don’t usually show up in kids or teens who have had the disease for only a few years. But they can happen in adulthood in some people with diabetes, particularly if they haven’t managed or controlled their diabetes well.


    Blood sugar levels are considered high when they’re above your target range. Your diabetes health care team will let you know what your target blood sugar levels are.

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    What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Dka

    The symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis usually don’t develop all at once they usually come on slowly over several hours. People who have DKA may:

    • feel really tired
    • feel really thirsty or pee way more than usual
    • have a dry mouth and signs of dehydration

    These symptoms are caused by the high blood sugar levels that usually happen before someone develops DKA. If the person doesn’t get treatment, these signs of DKA can happen:

    • abdominal pain
    • unconsciousness

    How Is Hypoglycemia Diagnosed

    For new diabetics!

    Your doctor will diagnose hypoglycemia based on a physical exam, your health history, your symptoms, and testing of blood glucose. A first step in diagnosis can be to document blood glucose values of less than 70 mg/dL at home when symptoms occur. This may be confirmed with a blood draw.


    Timing of hypoglycemia can be important in the diagnosis. Some causes of hypoglycemia are more likely to result in low blood glucose when fasting, while other causes can induce hypoglycemia after meals.

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    When To See A Healthcare Provider

    Getting professional medical advice from a healthcare provider like an endocrinologist is the best way to learn more about whether your blood sugar levels are where they should be. Not getting proper treatment for low or high blood sugar levels can be serious and lead to health complications, especially for those with diabetes. Diabetes complications include nerve damage, kidney disease, heart disease, or heart attacks.

    If you see a healthcare provider about your blood sugar levels, be prepared to answer questions about risk factors like what you eat, how much you exercise, and about your family history. Some healthcare providers may want to take a blood sample to test your blood sugar levels. They may also order an A1C test, which is a blood test that measures blood sugar levels over several months. You may have to fast eight hours beforehand to get accurate test results, so its always a good idea to check before your appointment.

    If your blood sugar level goes above 250 mg/dL, you should go to the ER for immediate medical attention, says Dr. Tarugu. Emergency rooms are equipped to handle high blood sugar levels and can administer treatments like insulin therapy and fluid or electrolyte replacement.


    Symptoms Of Mild Low Blood Sugar

    You may have these symptoms when your blood sugar has dropped below 4.0 millimoles per litre . When you have had diabetes for many years, you may not always develop symptoms of mild low blood sugar.

    Some young children with diabetes cannot recognize symptoms of low blood sugar. Others can, but not every time. To be safe, the parents need to do a home blood sugar test whenever they suspect low blood sugar in a child.

    Symptoms may include:

    • Sweating . Check for sweating on the back of your neck at your hairline.
    • Nervousness, shakiness, and weakness.
    • Extreme hunger and slight nausea.
    • Dizziness and headache.
    • A fast heartbeat and feeling anxious.

    These symptoms may go away shortly after you eat food that contains sugar.

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    Blood Sugar Levels And Exercise

    You can keep your blood sugar levels under control when you exercise, so that you do not become too hungry or make your blood sugar level drop. There are two ways to keep your blood sugar levels under control:

  • At the meal before your planned exercise, you can take less insulin, OR
  • Before you exercise, eat some carbohydrate.
  • Keep a quick-sugar food with you during exercise in case your blood sugar level drops low.

    How To Avoid Added Sugars And Improve Your Blood Pressure

    Diabetes & Exercise How to Reduce High/Low Blood Sugars

    Avoiding added sugars is the key to limiting sugar intake in your diet. Dietary guidelines from the American Heart Association recommend that for men, 36 grams of added sugar is the daily maximum and for women, 25 grams is the daily maximum. Less is always better though, so aim to consume as little added sugar as possible. Knowing where added sugars are hiding is important for making the best food choices for a low-sugar diet. Follow these tips for cutting down on the amount of added sugar in your diet.

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    Risk Factors For High Blood Sugar

    Doctors do not know exactly what causes diabetes. Some factors may increase the risk, however.


    Type 1 diabetes

    Researchers believe certain genetic or environmental factors may make people more likely to get type 1 diabetes.

    The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases say certain genes play a role, and other factors such as viruses and infections may have an impact.

    The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation say that there is nothing a person can do to prevent type 1 diabetes. Eating, exercise, or other lifestyle choices will not change the outcome.

    Type 1 diabetes usually begins during childhood or early adulthood, but it can happen at any age.


    Type 2 diabetes

    The following risk factors may make developing type 2 diabetes more likely:

    • having certain genes

    People who have high blood sugar should discuss their target levels with their doctor.

    They may need regular testing to keep these within a healthy range. Each person is different and levels can vary between individuals.

    To find out their blood sugar levels, the person may need to fast for 8 hours, 2 hours after a meal, or at both times.

    Some people may also take a glucose tolerance test, in which they drink a sugary liquid and have a blood test after.

    The American Diabetes Association recommend a pre-meal blood sugar level of 80130 milligrams per deciliter . Around 1 to 2 hours after the beginning of a meal, blood sugar should be less than 180 ml/dL.

    What Is The A1c Test

    The A1C test is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 or 3 months. The test is done at a lab or your doctors office in addition tonot instead ofregular blood sugar testing you do yourself.

    A1C testing is part of the ABCs of diabetesimportant steps you can take to prevent or delay health complications down the road:

    The A1C goal for most adults with diabetes is between 7% and 8%, but your goal may be different depending on your age, other health conditions, medicines youre taking, and other factors. Work with your doctor to establish a personal A1C goal for you.

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    How To Prevent Hyperglycemia With And Without Diabetes

    If you dont have diabetes, you can prevent hyperglycemia with regular physical activity. Aim for 30 minutes at least 5 days per week.

    Maintaining a healthy weight also keeps blood sugar within a safe range. This includes eating fewer refined carbohydrates, and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.

    If you have diabetes, always take your medication as directed. You can talk with your doctor, a diabetes educator, or a dietitian about healthy diabetes meal plans. You should also regularly monitor your blood sugar.

    If youre thinking about starting a new exercise routine, talk with your doctor first. They may need to adjust your medication.

    Tips On Monitoring And Managing High Blood Pressure With An Inflammation

    What a High Blood Sugar Feels Like

    A few tips to help you to monitor and manage high blood pressure with inflammation are below.

    • Helping yourself with early diagnosis

    Self-monitoring can assist the doctor in diagnosing the high blood pressure with an inflammation quite early in comparison with the situation if there would be just occasional blood pressure readings in a medical office.

    Home monitoring is very much vital if there is a problem of elevated BP.

    Other conditions can have a significant contribution to hypertension too. The two issues in this regard can be kidney problems and diabetes.

    • The tracking of the treatment is necessary

    The regular checking of blood pressure is essential. It is further vital to assess whether the present medications or lifestyle changes are working or not.

    • Encouragement of better control

    Self-monitoring can also provide a stronger sense of responsibility for health to any person. It will provide significant motivation for controlling the blood pressure with the improved diet, proper medication, and even to continue with the physical activity.

    • Cut down the healthcare costs

    Self-to monitor and managing of the high BP are proved to be essential for decreasing the number of visits you made to the doctors clinic. And, it can cut your total long-term healthcare cost too.

    Tip: You could consider ResPerate Device to lower your blood pressure norm.

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