Do you have diabetes? Or does a family member or friend suffer from this condition? Then you probably know how important it is to control 'Blood Sugar', that is, the sugar level in the blood. But sometimes, no matter how hard we try, it can get out of control. So, what really happens when that happens? Is this something that can be taken lightly? Let's talk about this very important topic today.
What does this loss of blood sugar control mean?
Simply put, this means that your blood glucose levels are either too high or too low, which is dangerous.
Think about it, the cells in our body need energy to function. The main fuel for this energy is glucose, which is sugar. We get this glucose from the foods we eat, especially foods that contain carbohydrates (starches). When we eat, our body produces a hormone called insulin . This insulin acts like a key that opens the door for glucose to enter the cells.
A person with diabetes has a problem with this process. In a person with Type 1 Diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin. In a person with Type 2 Diabetes, the body produces insulin, but the cells do not respond to it properly. For both reasons, sugar builds up in the blood and levels rise.
Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels over a long period of time can lead to very serious health problems. This is something that should be considered by both people with and without diabetes.
What blood sugar levels can be dangerous?
Your doctor will tell you exactly what a healthy blood sugar level is for you, but in general, let's be aware of the levels that can be dangerous for someone with diabetes.
| Condition | Blood Sugar Level (mg/dL) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Greater than 180 mg/dL (2 hours after eating) | This is a level to be concerned about. The higher the level, the greater the danger. |
| Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) | Less than 70 mg/dL | This is also a level that needs to be taken into account. |
| High danger level (high) | Above 600 mg/dL | This is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires emergency medical treatment. |
| High danger level (low) | Less than 40 mg/dL | This can also be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. |
How does it feel when blood sugar is high (Hyperglycemia)?
You may not notice much difference when your blood sugar is high. It may take days or weeks for symptoms to appear. The main symptoms are:
- Feeling more thirsty than usual
- Blurred vision
- Frequent need to urinate
- Feeling hungrier than usual
- Feeling extremely tired
- Frequent occurrence of skin infections
- Wounds take time to heal.
How does low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) feel?
If you take insulin or other sugar-lowering medications, you are at risk of low blood sugar. The main reasons for this are things like exercising, not eating on time, and drinking alcohol. This condition can occur even in people without diabetes. Symptoms include:
- Feeling like your body is shaking
- Paleness , sweating
- Anxiety , despair
- Feeling very hungry
- Excessive fatigue
- Feeling dizzy , spinning, or spinning
- Heart palpitations
At times like this, drinking something with a little sugar (a fruit drink, a sweet drink) or taking a glucose tablet can provide relief.
Complications that occur if blood sugar is not controlled for a long time
This is not really a game. Having high blood sugar levels for a long time can affect you from head to toe.
- Heart Disease/Attack: Damage to blood vessels increases the risk of heart attack.
- Stroke: Damage to the blood vessels leading to the brain can cause paralysis.
- Kidney Damage: Over time, the kidneys can fail.
- Nerve Damage: This can cause numbness, pain, and loss of sensation in the limbs.
- Eye Damage: Vision may become impaired and even blindness may occur.
- Skin Problems: Skin infections and non-healing wounds may occur.
When should you see a doctor immediately?
High and low blood sugar levels are medical emergencies. If not treated quickly, they can lead to loss of consciousness (diabetic coma). If you know someone with diabetes who is unconscious, take them to a hospital's emergency room (ETU) immediately.
Be especially aware of the following two emergencies.
| Emergency Condition | Description and characteristics |
|---|---|
| Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) | When there is not enough insulin, cells cannot use sugar. The body then burns fat for energy. This produces chemicals called ketones . These build up in the blood, making the blood acidic and can be life-threatening. Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, vomiting, extreme fatigue, fruity breath odor, dry skin, extreme thirst. |
| Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome (HHS) | Here, the blood sugar level rises above 600 mg/dL . This is very dangerous. Symptoms: Excessive thirst (may later disappear), fever, drowsiness, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, vision loss, hallucinations. |
| What do you do at times like this? | |
If your blood sugar level is above 240 mg/dL, use a urine ketone test strip. If the level is medium or high, call your doctor immediately. If you have symptoms of DKA or HHS, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) without hesitation. | |
How can these dangerous situations be avoided?
This is not something you can do alone. It is something you, your family, and your doctor need to do together.
- Work closely with your doctor: Ask them exactly what your blood sugar goals are, what to do if they are too low, and what to do if you get sick. Follow their instructions exactly.
- Check your blood sugar levels regularly: Check your blood sugar levels several times a day as your doctor tells you. With the new technology available today, there are even devices that continuously measure blood sugar levels (Continuous Glucose Monitors).
- Use your medication exactly as prescribed: Take insulin or other medications at the right time, in the right dosage. Skipping or taking too much medication is the cause of many emergencies.
- Learn about your body: Understand how things like the food you eat, exercise you do, and stress affect your blood sugar levels. Then you can adjust accordingly.
- Be mindful of your diet: Know which foods spike blood sugar and which foods control it (e.g., foods high in fiber). Eating on time is also very important.
Take-Home Message
- Both uncontrolled high (hyperglycemia) and low (hypoglycemia) blood sugar levels are very dangerous.
- Uncontrolled blood sugar levels over time can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, nerve damage, and blindness.
- Always be aware of the warning signs of high and low blood sugar (such as thirst, shaking, blurred vision).
- In emergency situations such as DKA and HHS, it is essential to go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
- Manage your diabetes well. Follow your doctor's instructions, test your blood sugar regularly, take your medications as prescribed, and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
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