Do you know what high and low blood sugar is? These are conditions that affect the amount of sugar in the blood and can cause serious health problems. High blood glucose, also known as hyperglycemia, can cause cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, vision problems and even diabetic coma. Low blood glucose, also known as hypoglycemia, can cause dizziness, cold sweats, confusion, and even seizures. Therefore, it is important to understand the risks associated with these conditions and how to control blood glucose to avoid complications.
If you are diabetic or know someone who has diabetes, you know how important it is to monitor your blood glucose and keep your blood sugar within a safe and healthy range. But did you know that high and low blood sugars can also affect people who don’t have diabetes? Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms of these conditions and how to prevent them.
In this text, we will understand how to control blood glucose and how to prevent serious complications. So, if you want to take care of your health or the health of someone you know, keep reading this text and find out more about the risks of high and low blood glucose.
When does high blood sugar become dangerous?
Blood glucose becomes dangerous when it is too high or too low. High blood glucose is known as hyperglycemia and can occur when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Hyperglycemia can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, vision problems and even diabetic coma.
On the other hand, low blood glucose is known as hypoglycemia and occurs when there is little glucose in the blood. Hypoglycemia can be caused by too much physical activity, not eating properly, taking too much diabetes medication, or other factors. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as dizziness, cold sweats, confusion and even seizures.
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What is the dangerous glucose level?
The dangerous glucose level varies depending on the person and when it is measured. Normal fasting blood glucose is 70 to 99 mg/dL. High blood glucose is considered above 126 mg/dL fasting and low blood glucose is considered below 70 mg/dL. However, it is important to remember that blood glucose can vary throughout the day and therefore it is important to measure blood glucose regularly to avoid complications.
What happens when blood glucose is out of control?
When blood glucose is out of control, serious complications can occur. Check out some of the main associated problems below:
- Hyperglycemia: Can damage blood vessels, leading to cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and vision problems. Hyperglycemia can also lead to diabetic coma, a serious condition in which a person loses consciousness.
- Hypoglycemia: can cause symptoms such as dizziness, cold sweat and confusion. In more severe cases, hypoglycemia can lead to loss of consciousness and seizures.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke.
- Nerve damage: High blood glucose can damage nerves, especially in the feet and hands, causing tingling, pain, and loss of sensation.
- Vision problems: High blood glucose can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems such as diabetic retinopathy.
- Diabetic coma: In severe cases of hyperglycemia, a person may slip into a diabetic coma, a condition in which they lose consciousness and may even die if they do not receive prompt medical attention.
What glucose level to take insulin?
The glucose level for taking insulin varies from person to person and should be determined by your doctor. Insulin is often prescribed for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who cannot control their blood glucose through diet and exercise alone. The goal of insulin treatment is to keep blood glucose within a safe and healthy range. The doctor will determine the dose of insulin based on each person’s need, taking into account factors such as age, weight, level of physical activity and other medications the person may be taking.
What is the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia is the condition where the blood glucose is above the normal level, usually above 126 mg/dL fasting. This can occur when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Prolonged hyperglycemia can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, vision problems and diabetic coma. Below are some of the most common symptoms of hyperglycemia:
- Excessive thirst: Hyperglycemia can lead to a constant feeling of thirst.
- Frequent urination: Excessive blood sugar can lead to an increase in urine output.
- Fatigue: Hyperglycemia can cause fatigue and weakness.
- Blurred vision: Excessive blood sugar can affect vision, making it blurred.
Hypoglycemia is the condition in which blood glucose is below the normal level, usually below 70 mg/dL. This can be caused by too much physical activity, not eating properly, taking too much diabetes medication, or other factors. Hypoglycemia can be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. Below are some of the most common symptoms of hypoglycemia:
- Dizziness: Hypoglycemia can cause dizziness and vertigo.
- Cold sweat: Hypoglycemia can lead to a cold, clammy sweat.
- Confusion: Hypoglycemia can cause confusion and difficulty concentrating.
- Seizures: In severe cases, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures and loss of consciousness.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to measure your blood glucose immediately and, if it’s low, eat foods high in sugar or take other care prescribed by your doctor.