Know The Signs Of High And Low Blood Sugar

November is Diabetes Awareness month.  Are you aware of what the signs of what high blood sugar are?  High blood sugar over a extended period of time can cause – cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage or failure, damage to the blood vessels of the retina – potentially leading to blindness, cataracts, and other serious conditions.  Some more immediate dangers of high blood sugar include

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis develops when you don’t have enough insulin in your body. When this happens, sugar (glucose) can’t enter your cells for energy. Your blood sugar level rises, and your body begins to break down fat for energy.This process produces toxic acids known as ketones. Excess ketones accumulate in the blood and eventually “spill over” into the urine. Left untreated, diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to a diabetic coma and be life-threatening.
  • Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. This condition occurs when people produce insulin, but it doesn’t work properly. Blood glucose levels may become very high — greater than 600 mg/dL (33 mmol/L). Because insulin is present but not working properly, the body can’t use either glucose or fat for energy.Glucose is then spilled into the urine, causing increased urination. Left untreated, diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome can lead to life-threatening dehydration and a coma. Prompt medical care is essential.

Know the signs and what you body is trying to tell you by utilizing this chart – Blood Sugar High Low Chart