Type 2 Diabetes

What do the numbers mean?

You have checked your blood sugar and now there is a number staring back at you from your glucometer. What does it mean?  The American Diabetes Association suggests the following Normal blood sugar levels for adults who are diabetic:

Between 70 and 130 before meals

less than 180 one to two hours after meals

 *Blood sugar levels below 70 may result in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) symptoms. Hypoglycemia requires treatment as soon as possible!  You may feel:

            Shakiness
Nervousness or anxiety
Sweating, chills and clamminess
Irritability or impatience
Confusion, including delirium
Rapid/fast heart beat
Light headedness or dizziness
Hunger and nausea
Sleepiness
Blurred/impaired vision
Tingling or numbness in the lips or tongue
Headaches
Weakness or fatigue
Anger, stubbornness, or sadness
Lack of coordination
Nightmares or crying out during sleep
Seizures
Unconsciousness

What to do?  EAT! Consume glucose or simple carbohydrates. Many people use candy to get their blood sugar level up quickly. But you will have to eat a regular snack/meal once your sugar level returns to normal. 

** It is important to be aware that you could experience hypoglycemic symptoms with a blood sugar that is higher than 70.  If you don't feel well, check your sugar levels to be on the safe side, and eat a small snack to feel better. Not everyone will experience symptoms at the same sugar levels. Additionally, some people are not aware of symptoms at all. Checking your levels at regular times may prevent this and keep you from the negative aspects of low blood sugar.

A Diabetic can have Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) too. This is a sugar level greater than 130 before a meal, and over 180 after. Hyperglycemia is not as dangerous as hypoglycemia in the immediate future, but it still needs to be treated as soon as possible. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include: Feeling thirsty, having to go to the bathroom to empty your bladder more often, headaches, and blurred vision. You may even experience nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, fruity smelling breath, and confusion if sugar levels are left too high for too long. 

Often these symptoms do not occur until blood sugar levels are above 200, but everyone is different. If you don’t feel well, or suspect your sugar is high, check it.

What to do?  Exercising and drinking water are easy ways to help lower blood sugar. But some people may require medications to do this. The American Diabetes Association (2013) notes that when blood sugar is over 240, urine should be checked for ketones before exercising. If Ketones are present, exercise should be avoided and your doctor should be called. 

Any time you are in doubt, or do not feel well, check your blood sugar!             

 

References

Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Hyperglycemia in diabetes. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperglycemia/basics/symptoms/con-20034795

American Diabetes Association. (2013). Hyperglycemia. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hyperglycemia.html

American Diabetes Association. (2013). Hypoglycemia. Retrieved  from http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hypoglycemia-low-blood.html