There are several types of diabetes. Types 1 and 2 are the most commonly known. While Type 1 diabetes is not preventable, Type 2 diabetes may be avoidable by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you develop diabetes, you and your doctor should keep a close eye on your blood glucose levels. You will need a glucose meter and strips, as well as other diabetes supplies. Monitoring your blood glucose levels is a very important part of diabetes care.
A blood glucose level higher than 180 mg is too high. This is called hyperglycemia. Some of the signs of hyperglycemia include increased thirst or hunger, urinating more often, fatigue, blurred vision, and frequent infections. This condition should be treated in a timely manner, as it can become very serious. Diabetic ketoacidosis can result from this condition and can result in a coma. Sometimes, treatment consists merely of adjusting medication and diet. Monitoring your blood glucose level will help you recognize warning signs more quickly and help you figure out what to do in timely and efficient manner.
What should you do if you do experience hyperglycemia? First, you must consult your doctor. Make sure you continue your medications, drink lots of fluids, and test your blood glucose level every two to four hours. Adjust your meal plan accordingly, and your doctor may adjust your medications as well.
A glucose level that is too low can also present major problems. When your level falls below 70 mg, you are experiencing hypoglycemia. This can result from too much insulin, more activity or higher stress levels than usual, not eating regularly, or drinking alcohol. Hypoglycemia occurs because there is too much insulin in the body at once.
The symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating, hunger, irritability, shaking, dry mouth, dizziness, weakness, headache, and confusion. It can happen very quickly, and needs to be treated right away. If your sugar drops too low, you can even lose consciousness or go into a seizure.
If your glucose levels drop too low, you need to get them back up quickly. The ways to treat it are to drink juice or a sweet soda or take some dextrose tablets. Test the blood glucose levels again after fifteen minutes, then ingest more sugar if it has not gone back up. It is very important to remember to carry candy, dextrose tablets, or some other form of sugar with you.
The most important prevention of either of these conditions is to monitor your food intake. Eat regularly and healthily, and hopefully you won’t have to deal with hyper or hypoglycemia.