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If you or someone you know has diabetes, you've probably heard about the dangers of blood sugar levels going too low or too high. But what does that really mean, and what can you do about it? Let's break it down in simple terms.
1. What Happens When Blood Sugar Goes Up or Down?
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) – Imagine your body's energy like a car's fuel. If it drops too low, the car won't run. That's what happens with low blood sugar. You might feel shaky, dizzy, or even pass out. It’s important to catch these signs early because if this keeps happening, it can affect how you think and, in severe cases, can cause you to blackout.
High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia) – Now, think about what happens when a car's tank is too full: it can't hold any more fuel. That's like high blood sugar. Sometimes, it's okay and won't harm you. But if it happens a lot, it can damage parts of your body. Signs to watch out for include feeling super thirsty, going to the bathroom a lot, feeling tired, and blurry vision. In very high cases, you could get seriously sick.
2. What to Do When Blood Sugar Levels Get Crazy
For low blood sugar, think of the “15-15 rule”. This means eating or drinking 15 grams of quick carbs (like sugar or juice), waiting 15 minutes, and then checking your blood sugar. You keep doing this until your blood sugar is back to normal.
For high blood sugar, first, spot any patterns. If you notice your blood sugar is often too high, you might need to change how you're treating your diabetes. And if it gets super high and you feel sick, especially if there's something called ketones around, call your doctor straight away.
3. What Happens If You Don’t Fix Your Blood Sugar Levels?
Not acting on these signs can lead to bigger problems. If your blood sugar drops too low often, it can mess with your brain and how you think. And if it’s high all the time, it can lead to other health problems that can hurt your eyes, nerves, and kidneys.
4. Why Do Blood Sugar Levels Go Up and Down?
Lots of things can make blood sugar levels change. Low blood sugar can happen if you take your medicine at the wrong time, skip meals, or drink too much alcohol. High blood sugar can happen if you forget to take your medicine, get sick, or if your insulin device breaks.
5. Tips to Keep Blood Sugar in Check
The key? Check, check, and check. For those with diabetes, wearing a device that keeps an eye on your blood sugar all the time can be super helpful. This device will let you know if your blood sugar is going up or down fast. Other tips include eating balanced meals, relaxing, getting good sleep, and doing fun physical activities.
6. The Takeaway
Keeping an eye on blood sugar is super important for those with diabetes. With so many things affecting blood sugar, it's key to know your normal range and keep checking it. If you're ever not sure what to do when your blood sugar is too high or too low, always reach out to your doctor or diabetes team for help.
Remember, understanding and managing your blood sugar is the best way to stay healthy and feel your best!