What are the risks of high blood sugar?
Blood sugar, also known as glucose, is the body’s main source of energy. It comes from the foods we eat and is absorbed into the bloodstream. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose get into the cells where it can be used for energy.
When blood sugar levels are too high, it is called hyperglycemia. This can happen if you have diabetes, or if you eat a lot of sugary foods or drinks. High blood sugar can also be caused by certain medications, or by illness.
The risks of high blood sugar can be serious. If left untreated, it can lead to a number of health problems, including:
- Heart disease: High blood sugar can damage the lining of the arteries, which can lead to heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
- Kidney disease: High blood sugar can damage the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure.
- Eye problems: High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, which can lead to blindness.
- Nerve damage: High blood sugar can damage the nerves, which can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis: This is a serious complication of diabetes that can be life-threatening. It occurs when the body doesn’t have enough insulin to use glucose for energy, so it starts to break down fat for fuel. This produces ketones, which are acidic substances that can build up in the blood.
If you have diabetes, it is important to keep your blood sugar levels under control. This can be done by following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medication as prescribed by your doctor.
What are the risks of low blood sugar?
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low. This can happen if you take too much insulin, if you skip a meal, or if you exercise too much without eating enough food.
The symptoms of low blood sugar can vary from person to person, but they may include:
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Hunger
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Seizures
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to treat low blood sugar immediately. You can do this by eating or drinking something sugary, such as a piece of fruit, a glass of juice, or a hard candy. If you are unable to treat a low blood sugar level on your own, you should seek medical attention.
Untreated low blood sugar can be serious. It can lead to a coma or even death. If you have diabetes, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar and to know how to treat it.
Which is more harmful, low blood sugar or high blood sugar?
This is a difficult question to answer, as both high and low blood sugar levels can be harmful. However, some experts believe that low blood sugar is more dangerous than high blood sugar. This is because low blood sugar can cause seizures and even death, while high blood sugar typically does not.
Of course, the risk of either high or low blood sugar depends on the individual’s circumstances. For example, someone with type 1 diabetes is more likely to experience low blood sugar than someone with type 2 diabetes.
Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself from the risks of high and low blood sugar is to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. This plan should include regular blood sugar monitoring, as well as lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
You May Conclude:
High and low blood sugar are both serious conditions that can have a significant impact on your health. If you have diabetes, it is important to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that will help you keep your blood sugar levels under control. This will help to reduce your risk of developing serious health complications.