Most of the complications related to diabetes are caused by high blood sugar levels. By staying in control of your blood sugar, you can help minimize both the short- and long-term complications of diabetes, which means more simplewins® for you.

Short-term Complications:

When your blood sugar goes out of control over shorter periods of time, you may experience the following complications.

Hypoglycemia or Low Blood Sugar:
The warning signs of hypoglycemia include feeling shaky, sweaty, weak, dizzy, irritable, extremely hungry and having a headache. If you become hypoglycemic, do the following things:

  • If possible, test your blood sugar to verify

  • Eat at least 15-20 grams of sugar or simple carbohydrates, like 3 glucose tablets (you can buy these at the drug store), a 1/2 cup of fruit juice, 5 to 6 pieces of hard candy, 2 tablespoons of raisins, 4 or 5 saltine crackers, 4 teaspoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of honey or corn syrup.

  • If you are not feeling better in 15 minutes, have more sugar. Consult your healthcare professional if it persists.

  • After you feel better, be sure to eat your regular meals and snacks as planned to keep your blood glucose level up.

Hyperglycemia or High Blood Sugar
The warning signs of hyperglycemia include blurry vision, headache, increased thirst, increased urination, irritability, tiredness and unexplained weight loss over a period of time. If you become hyperglycemic, do the following things:

  • Drink lots of water and sugar-free fluids. (Limit fluids with sugar, including fruit juices.)

  • Follow your recommended meal plan. (If you do not have a plan, meet with your dietitian.)

  • Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. If your blood sugar remains high, see your doctor or diabetes educator.

  • Test your blood sugar more often (every 3 to 4 hours).

  • Talk to your doctor about how activity can help lower high blood sugar.

Ketoacidosis is a serious condition usually caused by type 1 diabetes. It occurs when there is too little insulin in the bloodstream to help the sugar get into cells, and the body looks for other kinds of fuel to burn. When the body burns stored fat, ketones begin to build up in the body and appear in urine.
The first warning signs of ketoacidosis are thirst or a very dry mouth, frequent urination, high blood sugar levels and ketones in your urine. Then other symptoms may also appear, including fatigue, dry or flushed skin, nausea or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fruity breath odor, and confusion. Consult your healthcare professional if you experience these symptoms.

Your healthcare team will tell you when you should test for ketones. It’s also a good idea to test at the following times:

  • Before breakfast. This is called the fasting blood sugar.

  • Your blood sugar is 250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L) or higher for two tests in a row.

  • You are sick (even with a cold), because being sick can cause you to have ketones.

  • You are vomiting or have diarrhea.

  • You are under stress or are upset.

  • You are pregnant.

Long-term Complications:

Over time, high blood sugars can damage the blood vessels and nerves in your large organs, legs and feet. That may lead to complications, including decreased circulation, blindness, foot problems and amputations, nerve problems, kidney disease and heart disease.

Closely monitoring your diabetes can help you stay healthy. 
 

Source: Mayo Clinic,  American Diabetes Association