Right from the beginning, from the time you received your diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, the words you heard were high blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, over a sustained period of time these high levels have many detrimental health consequences. But as well as hyperglycemia, as a diabetic there are times when you will get to deal with low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia.

There are several factors that can create hypoglycemia. Learning as much as you can about both high and low blood sugar levels will allow you react appropriately to either situation.

Hypoglycemia: The medical term for low blood sugar is hypoglycemia and can be caused by:

• excessive insulin
• not eating a snack or meal, and
• even exercising more than you normally do

If you have diabetes you will experience low blood sugar at some time.

Symptom recognition of hypoglycemia can prevent serious health situations. Know the signs:

• sweating
• a pounding heart
• shaking/trembling
• hunger
• anxiousness
• tingling
• confusion or difficulty in thinking
• drowsiness or weakness
• stroppy behavior
• speech difficulty
• nausea
• headache
• tiredness

If you have any of the above symptoms check your glucose level immediately and take the appropriate action if your level is below the acceptable range provided by your physician. Have a snack handy, you can quickly bring your sugar level back-up with a high-carbohydrate snack, such as

• half a cup of fruit juice or a regular soft drink
• eat a few pieces of hard candy (approximately 6 pieces)
• take two 15 gram glucose tablets (available at the pharmacy)

Moderate or severe hypoglycemia requires stronger measures. If the diabetic (hopefully not you), is having trouble staying conscious, an injection of glucagon would be required.

Hyperglycemia: Hyperglycemia is the medical term used to describe higher than normal blood sugar levels. The causes include the amount (and type) of food you eat, illness, infection, insufficient medication and being inactive or under emotional pressure.

Low blood sugar levels are easily identified... high blood sugar levels are not as easy to detect. Increased urination and thirst can be a couple of signs though, together with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Because hyperglycemia is not as easy to identify, it is important to check your blood sugars as directed by your health care practitioner.

Untreated hyperglycemia can lead to more serious problems including ketoacidosis. This is a severe complication and some people die of this illness. Ketoacidosis refers to the fact that your blood becomes very acidic as fat is broken down by your body for energy. Ketoacidosis occurs:

• most often in type 1 diabetics
• is rare if your have type 2 diabetes
• can happen in type 2 diabetes if your have another illness such as an infection or trauma that puts you under great stress

If you continue to experience high blood sugar levels, do not hesitate to contact your doctor to check if your eating plan and medication need adjustment.

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