it's not beavers but it's still pretty cute.
Hello fellow webspinners! Yesterday we talked about proper treatment if you have diabetes. But sometimes, even if you're taking the best possible care of yourself, complications may arise. Here are some of them, and how to deal with them when they come up.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): If you think you have hypoglycemia (symptoms include shakiness, dizziness, hunger, sweating, headache, confusion, jerky movements, mood swings, tingling around the mouth, pale skin color, or seizure), check your glucose levels with your meter and treat it with some form of
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): If you think you have hypoglycemia (symptoms include shakiness, dizziness, hunger, sweating, headache, confusion, jerky movements, mood swings, tingling around the mouth, pale skin color, or seizure), check your glucose levels with your meter and treat it with some form of
sugar or carbohydrate - glucose tablets or a small snack item like raisins, crackers, fruit juice, or honey. You should always carry items like these with you to treat hypoglycemia. If you are having symptoms, do not ignore them! Make sure to treat hypoglycemia, or the symptoms could get worse and you could pass out.* After you've treated your hypoglycemia, wait 15-20 minutes, then check your glucose levels again. If your levels are still low, rinse and repeat (er, have another sugar/carb rich snack).
*If you pass out the treatment changes, so make sure your family and friends - your diabetes team - knows this. If you pass out, do not have foods or fluids, and do not inject insulin. Instead, inject glucagon and seek immediate medical assistance.
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar): This happens when the body has too little insulin, or isn't using the insulin properly. It can be caused by not giving yourself enough insulin (type 1), your body not using its insulin properly (type 2), eating more or exercising less than planned, stress, or illness like the flu. If you think you have hyperglycemia (symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, high sugar levels in urine, or high glucose levels), check your glucose levels with your meter and treat it by exercising a bit to lower them. However, if your glucose levels are very high (above 240 mg/dl), check your urine for ketones (see below) and do not exercise, as this may make your glucose levels go even higher. As a preventative measure, if you are often hyperglycemic, try decreasing your portions at mealtime. If these measures don't work, consult with your dietician and doctor to see if you should change the timing or amount of medication you are using.
Keep an eye out for other risks: When you see your physician always make sure that they check your urine for ketones, a sign that your body is using fat rather than glucose for energy. See this page for more information on how to perform this test yourself. Ketones appear in your urine if your body is not using glucose for fuel, and instead starts breaking down fats in your body. Your body cannot tolerate a large quantity of ketones, and the buildup can lead to the ketoacidosis - a life-threatening diabetic coma. Consult your physician if you are suffering from frequent hyperglycemia, as this puts you at high risk for ketoacidosis.!
Want to learn more? Stay tuned for yummy recipes in Healthy Munching with Willow tomorrow, and more exciting developments next week!
*If you pass out the treatment changes, so make sure your family and friends - your diabetes team - knows this. If you pass out, do not have foods or fluids, and do not inject insulin. Instead, inject glucagon and seek immediate medical assistance.
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar): This happens when the body has too little insulin, or isn't using the insulin properly. It can be caused by not giving yourself enough insulin (type 1), your body not using its insulin properly (type 2), eating more or exercising less than planned, stress, or illness like the flu. If you think you have hyperglycemia (symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, high sugar levels in urine, or high glucose levels), check your glucose levels with your meter and treat it by exercising a bit to lower them. However, if your glucose levels are very high (above 240 mg/dl), check your urine for ketones (see below) and do not exercise, as this may make your glucose levels go even higher. As a preventative measure, if you are often hyperglycemic, try decreasing your portions at mealtime. If these measures don't work, consult with your dietician and doctor to see if you should change the timing or amount of medication you are using.
Keep an eye out for other risks: When you see your physician always make sure that they check your urine for ketones, a sign that your body is using fat rather than glucose for energy. See this page for more information on how to perform this test yourself. Ketones appear in your urine if your body is not using glucose for fuel, and instead starts breaking down fats in your body. Your body cannot tolerate a large quantity of ketones, and the buildup can lead to the ketoacidosis - a life-threatening diabetic coma. Consult your physician if you are suffering from frequent hyperglycemia, as this puts you at high risk for ketoacidosis.!
Want to learn more? Stay tuned for yummy recipes in Healthy Munching with Willow tomorrow, and more exciting developments next week!
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