Originally Published January 13, Are you wondering, what does insulin do? Learn what this hormone is, how it functions, and what goes wrong in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes…. Halloween is nearly here, and while the kids may be munching on loads of sugar and chocolate, you can be enjoying your own Halloween treats that just happen to be a little healthier for you.
Check out these healthy Halloween foods…. For those who suffer from allergies, fall can mean misery from runny noses, sneezing and more. Learn about foods that fight seasonal allergies…. Sign up for Free. Skip to content Advertisement. Share This:. What is a normal blood sugar level? Originally Published January 13, Are you wondering, what does insulin do?
Save Your Favorites. Sign Up Already have an account? Log in. Save This Article. Hypoglycemia happens when blood glucose levels drop too low. Low blood sugar can be caused by many things including the two different types of diabetes, certain medications, alcohol, endocrine disorders, eating disorders, pregnancy gestational diabetes , and disorders of the liver, kidneys, or heart.
Here are some of the most common symptoms that someone with low blood sugar might experience:. If your blood sugar is low you might start to feel some of the first signs of hypoglycemia like dizziness, lightheadedness, or sweating.
The only way to know for sure if your blood sugar is low is to test it with a glucose meter or other glucose monitoring device. Here are some other lifestyle and medicinal treatments that can help treat hypoglycemia:. Hyperglycemia is the medical term for high blood sugar. Many things can cause high blood glucose levels like Type 1 diabetes , Type 2 diabetes, stress, illness, or the dawn phenomenon. If you have hyperglycemia or suspect you may have it, talking with a healthcare provider is always a good idea.
Here are some of the most common symptoms that may indicate hyperglycemia:. Untreated hyperglycemia can lead to a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is where the body creates waste products called ketones that can build up in the blood and become life-threatening. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:. Checking your blood sugar frequently and taking immediate action when it is above range can reduce your risk of complications. High blood sugar is also referred to as hyperglycemia.
The numbers below represent values in the hyperglycemic range and require action to bring levels down to a normal range. When blood sugar levels are high, it can indicate that the body does not have enough insulin or glucose lowering medication.
Levels may be elevated due to a large meal, if you have an illness or infection, are stressed, or are inactive. If you are newly diagnosed, it may take a little time to get you below this range.
Your healthcare provider may provide individualized instructions on when to contact the office. Testing for ketones is recommended for people with Type 1 diabetes and those with Type 2 diabetes on insulin therapy who are having vomiting and symptoms of severe illness. When blood sugar levels are this high, it could be a sign of ineffective glucose management, a problem with your insulin or insulin pump infusion set, illness, or another problem.
Notify your healthcare provider for further treatment instructions. Low blood sugar: what to watch out for Hypoglycemia low blood sugar can occur in people with diabetes who:. Sometimes people experience a fast heartbeat and some symptoms may make a person appear to be drunk.
A severely low blood sugar can result in unconsciousness, seizures, coma or death — especially when a low occurs during the night. Low blood sugar affects many parts of the body, but the most frustrating part can be that hypoglycemia can happen anytime and anywhere — even when you think you are closely following the plan for your diabetes care. If low blood sugar is severe, people may need to go to the hospital to help raise their glucose level or miss work due to the side effects.
It can happen during a date, during a business meeting, or even while driving, which is the most dangerous scenario if there is confusion or loss of consciousness while behind the wheel.
Frequent testing with your blood sugar meter and taking action when blood sugar is trending low can prevent a severe low and keep your life on track. Low blood sugar is also called hypoglycemia. The numbers below represent values in the hypoglycemic range and require action to bring blood sugar levels up into a normal range.
Call emergency medical response if necessary. Do not place food or drink into the mouth. If a person is alert and able to speak clearly, treat with 15 grams of rapid-acting carbohydrate such as glucose gel, 4 oz regular soda, or fruit juice.
Re-test blood sugar in 15 minutes and repeat as needed to bring blood sugar within range. Treat with 15 grams of rapid-acting carbohydrate and re-test in 15 minutes. Repeat treatment as needed to bring blood sugar within range. Repeat treatment or follow with a meal. If it is meal time, move forward with eating the meal. People often fall into this range when they are late for a meal or have been especially active.
Discussing your unique health goals and challenges with your healthcare provider can provide customized target ranges for normal blood sugar levels and action plans based on your needs. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is important to your overall health, so remember to check your blood sugar frequently. Taking immediate action when blood sugar is above range can help reduce your risk of health complications, and if low, keep you safe.
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