Signs & Symptoms of High or Low Blood Sugar in Diabetics

At its core, diabetes is essentially a series of related conditions in which the body is unable to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood. This situation makes it all the more imperative for diabetics to recognize warning signs and symptoms of blood sugar levels that are too high or too low. This is crucial to managing the disease. Failure to understand what these symptoms mean can lead to severe, progressive long-term health complications, coma, and even death.

High Blood Sugar Warning Signs

• Observing a high blood sugar level is itself a symptom of the condition known as hyperglycemia. Blurry vision isn't specific to diabetes, but is often seen in patients with high blood sugar levels. Excessive thirst is also common, prompting diabetics to drink more fluids. This leads to excessive urination, another way that the body tries to break down high sugar levels, the site notes.

High Blood Sugar Symptoms

• Failing to address hyperglycemia can lead to breathing difficulties, dizziness when standing, increased drowsiness, and unconsciousness. The outcome is ketoacidosis or diabetic coma, as a result of insufficient insulin in the body, The body reacts by breaking down fats for energy, producing ketones, a harmful byproduct that remains in the blood until the patient is re-hydrated, and an adequate insulin level is restored. Left in the blood, ketones cause nausea, headache, fatigue, or vomiting.

Low Blood Sugar Warning Signs

• Tingling and numbness of the lips and fingertips are warning signs of mild hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Other signs include clammy skin, extreme hunger, feelings of nervousness, and trembling. If blood sugar continues to drop, the diabetic may experience sudden mood changes, lack of energy, difficulty in walking, and poor coordination.

Low Blood Sugar Symptoms

• Ignoring decreased blood sugar levels can also cause comas, loss of consciousness, seizures and convulsions, which are associated with severe hypoglycemia. Prolonged severe hypoglycemia can lead to irreversible brain damage and heart problems, which can prove fatal in patients with histories of coronary heart disease. Some medications, particularly beta-blockers, often used for heart conditions, and high blood pressure can mask low blood sugar symptoms.