Understanding the Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia refers to a condition caused by low blood glucose levels. Glucose is the body’s main source of energy and a hormone known as insulin aids cells in absorbing and using glucose. Hypoglycemia typically occurs with several conditions but is most commonly associated with diabetes medications, such as insulin. It is particularly common in individuals with diabetes who also have issues with food, medication, or exercise. However, other drugs and conditions can also cause low levels of blood sugar in people without diabetes. There are two types of non-diabetic hypoglycemia: Fasting hypoglycemia, which can be…

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The Dangers of Extremely High Blood Sugar Levels

There are many dangers of having an extremely high blood sugar level. When the insulin levels are low the glucose skyrockets, which can permanently damage the body. The damage that the body can sustain includes heart damage and the increased chance of getting: heart disease nerve damage blindness and kidney damage which can be life threatening in the end. Extremely high blood sugar symptoms include tiredness, dehydration, a very dry mouth, vomiting and nausea, excessive urination, stomach pain and other side effects.  Hypoglycemia, or extremely low blood sugar, is also very dangerous and can lead…

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Dealing with Hypos and Hypers in Diabetes

Blood glucose levels can go up or down during the day. The goal is to get them as stable as possible. Dealing with Hypos: Levels are generally low before meals, during or after exercise and in the middle of the night when there is a long time between meals. Higher glucose levels generally occur about two hours after meals and during stress. But everyone is different and diabetics should learn their patterns as completely as possible. Low blood glucose is called hypoglycaemia, or ‘hypo’ for short. High blood glucose is called hyperglycaemia, or ‘hyper’ for…

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Top 10 Signs and Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia is a condition where a person’s blood sugar level is too high. Although this can happen to anyone, it is of particular concern to diabetes patients. Hyperglycemia is caused by resistance to insulin or loss of insulin producing cells. In most cases, the body is usually unable to produce an adequate amount of insulin to metabolize glucose in the bloodstream. This can happen when people with diabetes eats to much of the wrong food or forget to take their diabetes medication. Self-monitoring and good management of blood sugar levels is the key to preventing…

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Alcohol and Diabetes

Is alcohol and diabetes a good combination? If you have diabetes, you probably know the impact of different foods on your blood sugar levels. How does alcohol influence glucose readings, and can diabetics consume alcoholic beverages safely?  What is the best alcohol for diabetics? Diabetics can incorporate alcoholic beverages in their diet in a safe and responsible way. However, it is essential to always keep in mind that consumption of alcohol should always be done with food. This is mainly because alcohol increases the risk for low blood sugar especially in diabetics. Therefore, it is…

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