If left untreated, particularly in those with diagnosed diabetes, hyperglycemia can lead to a condition called ketoacidosis, which can be life-threatening. Ketoacidosis occurs when blood sugar is high and the body does not have enough insulin to allow glucose into the cells. The cells then break down triglycerides into fatty acids to use for energy, which results in ketones as byproducts to circulate in the bloodstream. Though the body tries to rid ketones through the urine, they may build up in the bloodstream and result in ketoacidosis. Symptoms include fruity-smelling breath, shortness of breath, very dry mouth, confusion, nausea and vomiting, and coma. Medical treatment for ketoacidosis is needed immediately (American Diabetes Association, n.d.)
If you have signs or symptoms of high blood sugar and have not been diagnosed as diabetic, please contact your health provider.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, according to the American Diabetes Association, is when blood sugar levels dip so low that action is necessary to bring them back up (n.d.). There are two types of hypoglycemia: reactive and non-reactive. Reactive hypoglycemia occurs within a few hours after eating due to an overproduction of insulin and is a risk factor for developing diabetes. Non-reactive (fasting) hypoglycemia is not related to meals and could be an indicator of certain diseases or an eating disorder (Brusie, 2018). Some may have hypoglycemia unawareness and not know when it is occurring.
Signs and symptoms vary among individuals but may include (Brusie, 2018 and American Diabetes Association, n.d.):
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- Shakiness
- Sweating, chills, and clamminess
- Rapid heartbeat
- Pale skin
- Extreme hunger
- Headache
- Feeling sleepy, weak, or a loss of energy
- Being nervous or anxious
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Personality changes
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Low blood sugar signals to the adrenal glands to release epinephrine, which then causes certain cells to make glucose to release into the bloodstream. This hormone also causes symptoms of rapid heartbeat, sweating, and anxiety that occur both in “fight-or-flight” situations and in hypoglycemia. Other signs and symptoms may occur due to the brain’s lack of glucose for proper function (American Diabetes Association, n.d.). It is extremely important for diabetics to understand how to treat hypoglycemia in both low blood sugar and severe situations and to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Caregivers and family members should also be aware of how to treat low blood sugar, especially in severe cases where medical treatment is necessary. Contact your doctor for more information on this topic.
For those without a medically-related cause of hypoglycemia, episodes may be related to diet and eating schedule. To prevent hypoglycemia, aim for a stable, balanced diet low in simple sugars and high in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Eat small meals every couple of hours to keep blood sugar levels stable. Keep healthy snacks on hand. Remember that simple or refined sugars will boost blood sugar quickly, and that foods with complex carbohydrates and protein will sustain blood glucose once the blood sugar is raised (Brusie, 2018). This is important to note if a low blood sugar episode occurs while working out or after exercise and a rapid sugar source is needed. Because it takes a while for glycogen stores to be replenished, low blood sugar episodes may occur for a period of time after an exercise session. As an aside, some diagnosed with diabetes may actually experience episodes of high blood sugar after exercise, stressing the importance of proper blood sugar monitoring. Meal quality and timing are not the only causes of low blood sugar, so it is important to discover why it occurs (Brusie, 2018). If you experience hypoglycemic episodes or episodes during or after exercising, talk to your doctor.
It can not be stressed enough, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have questions, please talk to your healthcare provider. Check back next week for more topics in our blood sugar dysregulation informational series.
