Symptoms of High or Low Blood Sugar in Diabetics

The sugar inside our bodies is called Glucose. Glucose is found in our bloodstream. A simple blood test can tell us if our blood sugar is too high or too low. This can be done in a lab or at home with a blood glucose meter. The body reacts in a negative fashion whenever it has too much glucose, or not enough. The levels need to be brought back in to the normal range, or significant health issues will arise. Some of these health issues include seizures, comas, heart attacks, strokes, wounds that don't heal, kidney diseases, and even vision problems.

The most common high blood sugar symptoms are increased thirst, increased amount of urination (both frequency and length), unexplainable weight loss, and feelings of fatigue. The most common low blood sugar symptoms are irritability, mood swings, body tremors (shaky), headache, breaking out in sweats, bouts of confusion, and passing out.

High blood sugar comes in three types: hyperglycemia, which occurs when extra glucose is found stored up in your blood stream; type 1 diabetes, in which a person doesn't make his own insulin which is needed to carry the glucose to the body's cells; and type 2 diabetes, which happens because the body becomes confused as to what to do with its own insulin. There is one basic type of low blood sugar: hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia happens because too much insulin has been produced.

One way to prevent attacks of low or high blood sugar is through your diet. Consult a registered dietitian for help. The dietitian can make a plan based on your condition. She can advise you as to which foods to eat if you are having an attack of high blood sugar or low blood sugar. For example, if your blood sugar is low you can drink a glass of orange juice to bring it up. Unfortunately, there are no foods that would instantly bring down your blood sugar if it was too high. Instead, you may be advised to eat six smaller meals spread throughout the day, instead of three big ones. This will help keep your blood sugar at a regular level. Exercising is also something you should do to help your body work at its best. You will need to do your part to eliminate any extra stress in your life--stress plays a part in your blood sugar levels. Finally, if you cannot control your blood sugar levels on your own, your physician may prescribe medication.

Do not ignore the symptoms of high or low blood sugar. You could pass out, have a seizure, or go in to a coma. It is important to be prepared as much as you can. Your doctor will be able to give you a list of things you can do if symptoms arise. For example, you can purchase special glucose tablets that can be taken when your blood sugar becomes too low. These are sold over-the-counter and are not that expensive. You can keep them in your car, purse or briefcase. You can also carry around a blood glucose meter to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels. You should be able to get one of these for free from your insurance company.