Blood sugar is something we all have. However, in certain people, due to genetically passed on reasons, bad food habits and various other disorders, develop a condition known as diabetes. This is a condition in which the blood sugar levels in the body cannot be controlled by the body alone and require outside help to maintain it. There are two extremes to it, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Here we have listed out the effects of both these conditions and how it may be tackled.
Hypoglycemia (Low)
In this situation, the blood sugar levels drop below the norm and result in dizziness, shaking, hunger, headaches, increased heart rates and even problems in vision. Taking too much insulin, being more active than usual, or eating too little food can result in hypoglycemia. The best way in which to tackle this is to firstly get a proper diabetes education so as to remove the risk of such a problem occurring by controlling your food habits and knowing exactly how to react in an emergency situation.
The next step if in the case of hypoglycemia is to immediately take in a dose of easily absorbing sugar such as glucose, fruit juice, candy, sugar or milk. While most hypoglycemia attacks are mild and can be easily tackled, in the case of it progressing very fast and thereby significantly increasing the heart rate, seizures and even become completely unconscious. In this situation, immediate action needs to be taken and the patient needs to be rushed to hospital.
Hyperglycemia (High)
This is the exact opposite of hypoglycemia where the blood sugar levels are above the normal and could result in dry skin, hunger, blurred vision, drowsiness and in some cases even wounds that take long periods to heal. In order to reduce the risk of either of these conditions from occurring, it is important to consult a dietitian who could advice you on how and what to eat and at what time. Maintaining a steady diet will help reduce the risk of either occurring.
Hyperglycemia is a more serious condition which could lead to ketoacidosis which could be life threatening. This is a condition in which ketones are produced and mixed in the blood. When hyperglycemia occurs, when the body does not have enough insulin to convert sugar into usable energy, it begins to break down fats in the body to create energy. There are other forms of fat called ketones, which are a waste product. This overdose of ketones can build up in your body and create shortness of breath, vomiting and nausea.