What Can Cause Diabetics To Get Dangerously Low Blood Glucose Levels (hypoglycemia)?
Great question, complex answer. Bear with me, I'll try to simplify this as much as possible without losing the high points. Let's imagine a diabetic patient named Nebuchadnezzar, nicknamed "Nebby" for short. Nebby's blood glucose level balances... (+) food (+) glucagon: a hormone that prevents blood sugar from becoming too low (+) gluconeogenesis: the liver's production of glucose from precursors; this is always happening to some extent (-) energy expenditure: basal metabolic rate, exercise, etc. (-) insulin: a hormone that drives sugar into the cells and keeps blood sugar from becoming too high To keep blood sugar even, Nebby's body must maintain this equation: food + glucagon + gluconeogenesis = energy expenditure + insulin So how could Nebby get hypoglycemia? Always think back to the equation! decreased food intake: Nebby skipped a meal because he was busy, but he still took his insulin. skipped meal = less (+) factor. Nebby's physician may suggest that Nebby skip/lower his morning insulin dose when he misses a meal. Or Nebby could just make sure to eat regularly. increased energy expenditure: let's say Nebby decides to take up a sport to get in shape. increased activity = more (-) factor. Nebby's physician may say that Nebby needs to get more (+) factor by increasing food intake and/or get less (-) factor by decreasing his insulin dose. I'd like to stress that most diabetics should never be discouraged from exercise--quite the opposite, in fact! too much insulin: Nebby's burning more daily energy thanks to tennis, and he's also eating a bit less to try and lose some weight. increased activity = more (-) factor, eating less = less (+) factor. Nebby's physician may decrease Nebby's overall use of insulin. More commonly, though, too much insulin can be seen when diabet Continue reading >>
Blood Sugar Level
The fluctuation of blood sugar (red) and the sugar-lowering hormone insulin (blue) in humans during the course of a day with three meals. One of the effects of a sugar-rich vs a starch-rich meal is highlighted.[1] The blood sugar level, blood sugar concentration, or blood glucose level is the amount of glucose present in the blood of humans and other animals. Glucose is a simple sugar and approximately 4 grams of glucose are present in the blood of humans at all times.[2] The body tightly regulates blood glucose levels as a part of metabolic homeostasis.[2] Glucose is stored in skeletal muscle and liver cells in the form of glycogen;[2] in fasted individuals, blood glucose is maintained at a constant level at the expense of glycogen stores in the liver and skeletal muscle.[2] In humans, glucose is the primary source of energy, and is critical for normal function, in a number of tissues,[2] particularly the human brain which consumes approximately 60% of blood glucose in fasted, sedentary individuals.[2] Glucose can be transported from the intestines or liver to other tissues in the body via the bloodstream.[2] Cellular glucose uptake is primarily regulated by insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas.[2] Glucose levels are usually lowest in the morning, before the first meal of the day, and rise after meals for an hour or two by a few millimoles. Blood sugar levels outside the normal range may be an indicator of a medical condition. A persistently high level is referred to as hyperglycemia; low levels are referred to as hypoglycemia. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia from any of several causes, and is the most prominent disease related to failure of blood sugar regulation. There are different methods of testing and measuring blood sugar le Continue reading >>
Must Read Articles Related To High Blood Sugar (hyperglycemia)
A A A High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia) Whenever the glucose (sugar) level in one's blood rises high temporarily, this condition is known as hyperglycemia. The opposite condition, low blood sugar, is called hypoglycemia. Glucose comes from most foods, and the body uses other chemicals to create glucose in the liver and muscles. The blood carries glucose (blood sugar) to all the cells in the body. To carry glucose into the cells as an energy supply, cells need help from insulin. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas, an organ near the stomach. The pancreas releases insulin into the blood, based upon the blood sugar level. Insulin helps move glucose from digested food into cells. Sometimes, the body stops making insulin (as in type 1 diabetes), or the insulin does not work properly (as in type 2 diabetes). In diabetic patients, glucose does not enter the cells sufficiently, thus staying in the blood and creating high blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels can be measured in seconds by using a blood glucose meter, also known as a glucometer. A tiny drop of blood from the finger or forearm is placed on a test strip and inserted into the glucometer. The blood sugar (or glucose) level is displayed digitally within seconds. Blood glucose levels vary widely throughout the day and night in people with diabetes. Ideally, blood glucose levels range from 90 to 130 mg/dL before meals, and below 180 mg/dL within 1 to 2 hours after a meal. Adolescents and adults with diabetes strive to keep their blood sugar levels within a controlled range, usually 80-150 mg/dL before meals. Doctors and diabetes health educators guide each patient to determine their optimal range of blood glucose control. When blood sugar levels remain high for several hours, dehydration and more serious complicat Continue reading >>
Is My Blood Sugar Normal?
“Is my blood sugar normal?” seems like a simple question – but it’s not! The answer can vary dramatically based on your situation. Let’s look at some of the factors to consider. Please remember: you should figure out your personal goals in consultation with your doctor. Normal Blood Sugar in Diabetic vs. Non-Diabetic First, a quick note on how we measure blood sugar. In the USA, blood sugars are measured by weight in milligrams per deciliter, abbreviated as mg/dL. Most everyone else uses millimole per liter, abbreviated mmol. If you are in the USA, look at the big numbers, most everyone else look at the small numbers. In a person without diabetes, blood sugars tend to stay between 70 and 100 mg/dL (3.8 and 5.5 mmol). After a meal, blood sugars can rise up to 120 mg/dL or 6.7 mmol. It will typically fall back into the normal range within two hours. In a person with diabetes, the story is much more complex: Below 70 mg/dL Below 3.8 mmol Low Blood Sugars (Hypoglycemia). When blood sugars drop below this level, you may start feeling hunger, shakiness, or racing of the heart. Your body is starved for sugar (glucose). Read how to detect and treat low blood sugars. 70 mg/dL to 140 mg/dL 3.8 mmol to 7.7 mmol Normal Blood Sugar. In this range, the body is functioning normally. In someone without diabetes, the vast majority of the time is spent in the lower half of this range. 140 mg/dL to 180 mg/dL 7.7 mmol to 10 mmol Elevated Blood Sugars. In this range, the body can function relatively normally. However, extended periods of time in this zone put you at risk for long-term complications. Above 180 mg/dL Abovoe 10 mmol High Blood Sugars. At this range, the kidney is unable to reabsorb all of the glucose in your blood and you begin to spill glucose in your urine. Your bo Continue reading >>
What Are The Indicators To Check Up The Blood Sugar Of Type 1 Diabetics? How Often Should A Diabetic Check Their Blood Glucose Level Within A Day?
Blood glucose monitoring can help keep diabetes under control. The following symptoms may be the first signs of type 1 diabetes. They may also occur when blood sugar is high. Excessive thirst and hunger Fatigue, feeling tired all the time Blurry eyesight Feeling numbness or tingling in your feet Losing weight even without trying Frequent urination Methods of Monitoring Glucose Blood glucose monitoring using a glucometer gives a direct measure of the glucose concentration at the time of the test. After washing your hands, insert a test strip into your meter. Use your lancing device on the side of your fingertip to get a drop of blood. Touch and hold the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood, and wait for the result. Your blood glucose level will appear on the meter's display. All meters are slightly different, so always refer to your user's manual for specific instructions. Keep a record of your blood sugar for yourself and your health care team. These numbers will help if you have problems managing your diabetes. You and your doctor should set a target goal for your blood sugar level at different times during the day. You can also ask a doctor to test your blood sugar. Your results with glucose meter may not be as accurate as a lab-drawn test would be. Urine glucose testing is not as accurate as blood glucose checks and should only be used when blood testing is impossible. Urine checks for ketones, however, is important when your diabetes is out of control. How Often Should You Check Your Blood Sugar Level? If you have type 1 diabetes, check your blood sugar at least 4 times a day. Usually, you will test your blood sugar before meals and at bedtime. You may also check your blood sugar: After you eat out, especially if you have eaten foods you do not normally eat I Continue reading >>
- Tiny sensor placed under the skin to replace finger prick tests for diabetes: Smartphone app will alert patients if their blood sugar level drops or is too high
- World's first diabetes app will be able to check glucose levels without drawing a drop of blood and will be able to reveal what a can of coke REALLY does to sugar levels
- Type 2 diabetes breakthrough: Scientists create first pill that not only STOPS the condition in its tracks but also helps patients lose weight - and it could be available on the NHS within 3 years
What Is The Reason That Diabetics Do Not Use An Implant Or Permanent Needle To Detect And Measure Their Blood Glucose Levels, Given That They Have To Do It Frequently?
They don't use a permanent needle or implant because the risk of infection would be high for a needle permanently inserted into the skin, and an implantable device has not yet been approved by the FDA. There is, however, a device called a continuous glucose monitor or CGM that will do roughly the same thing, but you have to change the site (the place where the needle/electrode goes) every few days. Many use them, but they can be very expensive for those without good insurance, somewhat inaccurate because they measure the glucose of the tissue fluid rather than the blood, and, for a lot of people, not worth it, as they would still have to prick their fingers at least twice a day to calibrate most devices. And, like with insulin pumps and any other medical devices that are constantly stuck to your body, the TSA will stop you every time. :) I also use the DexCom G4 also, and it's saved my ass an incalculable number of times, but I am also very conscious of its flaws: -Because it measures interstitial fluid rather than blood, it is always at least five minutes "late." One time I had given myself insulin, and the CGM gave me a reading of 224 (high), but I decided to test using a meter anyway since I was feeling funny. It was actually 35 (pretty much pass-out low). Dangerous, dangerous, dangerous to rely only on the CGM without testing at least twice a day. -It takes up a large part of your belly, which gives you limited space for injections. -Airport security always thinks it's a bomb, and I've gotten priceless reactions from people on the beach. -There no such thing as a "permanent implant" where all elements can remain without switching for a newer part at some point. I personally think there are more pros than cons, but theses are all reasons why people don't automaticall Continue reading >>
Lows & Highs: Blood Sugar Levels
Keeping blood glucose (sugar) levels in a healthy range can be challenging. Knowing and understanding the symptoms of high and low blood sugar is very important for people living with diabetes, as well as their friends and family members. What is low blood glucose (sugar)? When the amount of blood glucose (sugar in your blood) has dropped below your target range (less than four mmol/L), it is called low blood glucose (sugar) or hypoglycemia. What are the signs of a low blood glucose (sugar) level? You may feel: Shaky, light-headed, nauseated Nervous, irritable, anxious Confused, unable to concentrate Hungry Your heart rate is faster Sweaty, headachy Weak, drowsy A numbness or tingling in your tongue or lips Very low blood glucose can make you: Confused and disoriented Lose consciousness Have a seizure Make sure you always wear your MedicAlert® identification, and talk to your doctor or diabetes educator about prevention and emergency treatment for severe low blood glucose (sugar). What causes a low blood glucose (sugar) level (hypoglycemia)? Low blood glucose (sugar) may be caused by: More physical activity than usual Not eating on time Eating less than you should have Taking too much medication The effects of drinking alcohol How do I treat low blood glucose (sugar)? If you are experiencing the signs of a low blood glucose (sugar) level, check your blood glucose (sugar) immediately. If you don’t have your meter with you, treat the symptoms anyway. It is better to be safe. Step one: Low blood glucose (sugar) can happen quickly, so it is important to treat it right away. If your blood glucose (sugar) drops very low, you may need help from another person. Eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate (15 grams): 15 grams of glucose in the form of glucose tablets (preferred c Continue reading >>
In What Ways Could A Diabetic Maintain A Healthy Blood Glucose Level While Running A Marathon?
Great question! I've thought about this before. I've done a ten-mile hike, but not a marathon. It's all about keeping your BG from dipping too low and keeping it balanced. As people burn glucose at different rates, I'd do practice short runs beforehand to estimate your glucose needs for the run. Then make sure you have that glucose available. So here are my tips: -Find out your glucose needs beforehand with practice runs -Make sure your BG is not trending too far downward/you don't have too much short-term insulin working beforehand, and eat some protein to even you out. -Keep enough sugar on you (juice pouch?). -I'd get a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) so you don't have to test during the run. Check every few minutes, especially if you're quick! :) Re-juice when you drop to 120 at least, since they're five minutes slow and you'll have likely dropped even more. -It's better to start out below 300 mg/dl (see why here: Diabetes: Balancing your insulin, medication and exercise) and replenish sugar as needed during the run. -For hours afterward (at least 4?), keep checking until your BG stops dropping. The BG effects of a marathon can last for hours, So don't let it crash you when you're sleeping. Another reason for a CGM. Good luck! Continue reading >>
Hyperglycaemia (high Blood Sugar)
Hyperglycaemia is the medical term for a high blood sugar (glucose) level. It's a common problem for people with diabetes. It can affect people with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, as well as pregnant women with gestational diabetes. It can occasionally affect people who don't have diabetes, but usually only people who are seriously ill, such as those who have recently had a stroke or heart attack, or have a severe infection. Hyperglycaemia shouldn't be confused with hypoglycaemia, which is when a person's blood sugar level drops too low. This information focuses on hyperglycaemia in people with diabetes. Is hyperglycaemia serious? The aim of diabetes treatment is to keep blood sugar levels as near to normal as possible. But if you have diabetes, no matter how careful you are, you're likely to experience hyperglycaemia at some point. It's important to be able to recognise and treat hyperglycaemia, as it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Occasional mild episodes aren't usually a cause for concern and can be treated quite easily or may return to normal on their own. However, hyperglycaemia can be potentially dangerous if blood sugar levels become very high or stay high for long periods. Very high blood sugar levels can cause life-threatening complications, such as: diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) – a condition caused by the body needing to break down fat as a source of energy, which can lead to a diabetic coma; this tends to affect people with type 1 diabetes hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS) – severe dehydration caused by the body trying to get rid of excess sugar; this tends to affect people with type 2 diabetes Regularly having high blood sugar levels for long periods of time (over months or years) can result in permanent damage to parts Continue reading >>
Blood Glucose Monitoring
One of the main aims of diabetes treatment is to keep blood glucose levels within a specified target range. The key is balancing your food with your activity, lifestyle and diabetes medicines. Blood glucose monitoring can help you understand the link between blood glucose, food, exercise and insulin. Over time your readings will provide you and your health professionals with the information required to determine the best management strategy for your diabetes. Maintaining good blood glucose control is your best defence to reduce the chances of developing complications from diabetes. Self-blood glucose monitoring allows you to check your blood glucose levels as often as you need to or as recommended by your doctor or Credentialled Diabetes Educator. To test blood glucose levels, you need: A blood glucose meter A lancet device with lancets Test strips. Blood glucose meters are usually sold as kits giving you all the equipment you need to start. There are many different types, offering different features and at different prices to meet individual needs. Most of these are available from Diabetes Australia in your state or territory, pharmacies and some diabetes centres. Your doctor or Credentialled Diabetes Educator can help you choose the meter that’s best for you, and your Credentialled Diabetes Educator or pharmacist can show you how to use your meter to get accurate results. To test your blood glucose levels, you prick your finger with the lancet and add a small drop of blood onto a testing strip. This strip is then inserted into the meter, which reads the strip and displays a number – your blood glucose level. When and how often you should test your blood glucose levels varies depending on each individual, the type of diabetes and the tablets and/or insulin being us Continue reading >>
Is There A 'safe' Blood Sugar Level?
What is the "safe" blood sugar level? I have heard several opinions from other diabetics, and I am very confused. I was told that it was 154 about a year ago, and my doctor didn't recommend daily monitoring. At one time on a morning fasting, my level was 74. — Theresa, Alabama Yes, there is a safe blood sugar level. It is the optimum range that safely provides the body with adequate amounts of energy. For the average person, it is 70 to 105 mg/dl in a fasting state. (Diabetes is diagnosed when the fasting blood glucose level is at or above 126 mg/dl.) Glucose values vary depending on the time of day, your activity level, and your diet. Your sugar level of 154 mg/dl, which is high, may not have been determined while you were fasting. If it had been, a physician would have repeated the test. Your doctor did, and your level was determined to be normal at 74 mg/dl. In this case, daily monitoring is probably not necessary. If your levels are elevated in the future, you will be diagnosed with diabetes. Treatment can include lifestyle modification, diet, and exercise. If these strategies are not adequate to control your blood glucose level, your physician may prescribe oral medicines or insulin. Having a laboratory examination during your yearly physical and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are adequate for now. Why is it important to keep your glucose level within a normal range? An excess of glucose in the bloodstream causes various chemical changes that lead to damage to our blood vessels, nerves, and cells. Each cell in the body has a function that requires energy, and this energy comes primarily from glucose. The energy allows you to perform various tasks, including talking and walking. It allows your heart to beat and your brain to produce chemicals and signals that hel Continue reading >>
Blood Sugar Guidelines
Absolute numbers vary between pets, and with meter calibrations. The numbers below are as shown on a typical home glucometer while hometesting blood glucose, not necessarily the more accurate numbers a vet would see (though many vets use meters similar to those used in hometesting). For general guidelines only, the levels to watch are approximately: mmol/L mg/dL(US) <2.2 <40 Readings below this level are usually considered hypoglycemic when giving insulin, even if you see no symptoms of it. Treat immediately[1] 2.7-7.5 50-130 Non-diabetic range[2] (usually unsafe to aim for when on insulin, unless your control is very good). These numbers, when not giving insulin, are very good news. 3.2-4.4 57-79 This is an average non-diabetic cat's level[3][4], but leaves little margin of safety for a diabetic on insulin. Don't aim for this range, but don't panic if you see it, either. If the number is not falling, it's healthy. 5 90 A commonly cited minimum safe value for the lowest target blood sugar of the day when insulin-controlled. 7.8 140 According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)[5], threshold above which organ and pancreatic dysfunction may begin in hospitalized humans[6] and the maximum target for post-meal blood glucose in humans.[7] 5.5-10 100-180 Commonly used target range for diabetics, for as much of the time as possible. <10-15 <180-270 "Renal threshold" (varies between individuals, see below), when excess glucose from the kidneys spills into the urine and roughly when the pet begins to show diabetic symptoms. See Hyperglycemia for long-term effects of high blood glucose. 14 250 Approximate maximum safe value for the highest blood sugar of the day, in dogs, who are more sensitive to high blood sugar. Dogs can go blind at this level. Cats Continue reading >>
At What Blood Glucose Level One Is Considered Suffering From Diabetes?
Hello. It actually requires more than one blood glucose level for an accurate diagnosis (normally 3 independent readings) and co-morbidities need to be evaluated as well (ie. are you taking other meds that can elevate your blood glucose like diuretics). Normally, fasting blood glucose (FBG) is 70-100. Then there is insulin resistant at 100-130. Technically all forms of pre-diabetes can be thought of as insulin resistant. Hemoglobin A1C is used as a 3 month 'back check' of blood glucose levels. 5.5-6 is considered normal and elevations higher than 7 are indicative of higher BG during the previous 3 months. Firstly, lifestyle and diet changes are recommended. Increasing activity levels directly correspond to reduced BG levels as the bodies need for energy supplied by glucose increases with increased activity. A reduction in simple sugars and increase in complex carbohydrates, such as whole wheat, whole grains, supplies the body with longer levels of stable glucose that reduces the urge to binge. Metformin is a first line diabetes agent because it increases tissue absorption of glucose by insulin, thereby removing it from the blood. Continue reading >>
What Is The Normal Range For Blood Sugar Levels, And What Blood Sugar Level Constitutes A True Emergency?
Question:What is the normal range for blood sugar levels, and what blood sugar level constitutes a true emergency? Answer:Now, in a normal individual we measure blood sugar under different circumstances. What we call fasting blood sugar or blood glucose levels is usually done six to eight hours after the last meal. So it's most commonly done before breakfast in the morning; and the normal range there is 70 to 100 milligrams per deciliter. Now when you eat a meal, blood sugar generally rises and in a normal individual it usually does not get above a 135 to 140 milligrams per deciliter. So there is a fairly narrow range of blood sugar throughout the entire day. Now in our diabetic patients we see both low blood sugar levels that we call hypoglycemia, or elevated blood sugars, hyperglycemia. Now, if the blood sugar drops below about 60 or 65 milligrams per deciliter, people will generally get symptoms, which are some shakiness, feeling of hunger, maybe a little racing of the heart and they will usually be trenchant or if they eat something, it goes away right away. But if blood sugar drops below 50 and can get down as low as 40 or 30 or even 20, then there is a progressive loss of mental function and eventually unconsciousness and seizures. And of course that is very dangerous and a medical emergency. On the other side, if blood sugar gets up above 180 to 200, then it exceeds the capacity of the kidneys to reabsorb the glucose and we begin to spill glucose into the urine. And if it gets way up high, up in the 400s or even 500s, it can be associated with some alteration in mental function. And in this situation, if it persists for a long time, we can actually see mental changes as well. So either too low or very exceedingly high can cause changes in mental function. Next: W Continue reading >>
Blood Sugar Levels And Diabetes
Blood glucose levels, often called blood sugar levels, are an important part of checking that diabetes is well managed. Over time, high sugar levels associated with diabetes damage the body and can lead to other health problems. If blood glucose levels are too high, this is called hyperglycaemia. If they are too low, it is called hypoglycaemia. Both extremes are best avoided and a person with diabetes will use treatments such as tablets, diet, exercise or insulin to try to keep the readings within target levels. Guideline targets vary depending on age and the type of diabetes, but a doctor may suggest specific targets for individual patients. Blood glucose readings can be done at home with a special meter and test strips. Some allow results to be downloaded to a computer to help show trends in glucose control. Before meals: 4–8mmol/l Two hours after meals: less than 10mmol/l Adults with type 1 diabetes Before meals: 4–7mmol/l Two hours after meals: less than 9mmol/l Before meals: 4–7mmol/l Two hours after meals: less than 8.5mmol/l Sugar and your body Why are high blood sugar levels bad for you? It turns out your body doesn't have much of a sweet tooth. Glucose is precious fuel for all the cells in your body - when it's present at normal levels - but persistently high sugar levels behave like a slow-acting poison. High sugar levels slowly erode the ability of cells in the pancreas to make insulin. The pancreas overcompensates, though, and insulin levels remain overly high. Gradually, the pancreas is permanently damaged. All the excess sugar is modified in the blood. It becomes a form that sticks to and coats bloodstream proteins, which are normally "sugar-free." Thanks to this sugary film, the proteins don't function well, can be deposited in blood vessels, and ca Continue reading >>
