Problem Solving
Managing diabetes problems when they arise can be puzzling.
What do I do if my sugars are too high or too low?
What do I do when I am sick?
What do I do if my diet changes?
Blood sugar highs and lows
Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar is dangerous. It is important to know the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Low blood sugar can make you feel shaky, hungry, confused, and tired. It can also cause sweaty skin, dizziness, irritability, anxiety, and weakness. You may feel like your heart is beating fast. It is important to fix the problem as soon as you feel symptoms. Low blood sugar can occur when blood sugar levels fall below 70mg/dl.
It is important to correct low blood sugar symptoms immediately. This can be done by eating sugary food or drinks. It can also be fixed by taking glucose tablets. It is recommended to take 15grams of simple carbohydrates with low blood sugar symptoms. This can be done by drinking 1/2 cup of fruit juice, 1 cup of sugary soda, eating 1 tablespoon of honey, or by taking 3-4 glucose tablets. Then it is suggested to follow up with a meal.
Seek emergency care with severe symptoms of low blood sugar.
High Blood Sugar
High blood sugars (hyperglycemia) can cause frequent thirst and frequent urination. It can also cause stomach pain, fatigue, confusion, nausea, vomiting and fruity odor to your breath.
High blood sugar occurs when blood sugar exceeds 180mg/dl after a meal or 130mg/dl fasting. Most of the time high blood sugar causes few symptoms unless the levels are very high. It is important to call your medical provider or go to the emergency department with severe symptoms.
Sickness
Illness can be difficult to manage with diabetes. There may be times that medications will need to be adjusted due to illness. Certain medications used to treat illness such as steroids can increase blood sugars. Infections may also increase blood sugars. Being unable to eat can cause low blood sugars. At times insulin or certain diabetes medications may need to be temporarily stopped during illness. It is important to discuss methods to manage illness and diabetes with your doctor.