The two main acute complications that diabetics can suffer are:
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Ketoacidosis (sugar rise).
Both can be detected with a self-monitoring of blood glucose pills (see the appropriate blood glucose levels and how to perform a correct self-measurement in the article What is diabetes?)
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
It occurs when glucose or blood sugar falls below normal values, then hypoglycemic symptoms appear. The important thing is that people learn to recognize these symptoms to act immediately.
With a lack of sugar the body cannot function well, especially the brain cells that feed on glucose. The symptoms of hypoglycemia vary between people, as does the amount of sugar in the blood at which those symptoms appear. Most of the time people become aware of their low blood sugar, but sometimes hypoglycaemia can occur without the person having symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a low blood sugar?
Hypoglycemia or high blood sugar
Attention! The most frequent symptoms of hypoglycemia are: Feeling of general weakness, with trembling of the legs and hands. Excessive hunger, dizziness, double vision, cold sweat, headache, confusion, aggressiveness. If not corrected quickly, there may be loss of consciousness.
IMPORTANT! In the event that a diabetic person suffers a loss of consciousness and therefore of not being able to eat (loss of oral route) it is essential to administer glucagon.
Ketoacidosis (sugar rise)
It is due to an excessive elevation of blood sugar, generally above 250 mg / dl. It is a less urgent situation than hypoglycemia since it appears progressively.
What are the symptoms of a sugar spike?
Ketoacidosis or low blood sugarAttention! Its signs and symptoms that you may notice are: Slow and progressive onset, hot and dry skin, a lot of thirst (very dry mouth), fruit-smelling breath, lack of appetite, stomach pain, nausea and possible vomiting, blurred vision, weakness, increasing drowsiness and general malaise, shortness of breath, large amount of sugar and acetone in the blood, large amount of urine, large amount of sugar and acetone in the urine. If it persists, dehydration and coma can result.
It is advisable to be proactive, as ketoacidosis can be prevented with the following guidelines:
Administer insulin injection at the indicated dose and schedule.
Always take medications at the indicated dose and schedule.
Avoid consuming sugar or foods that contain it.
Going to the doctor and drinking plenty of fluids when there is a feverish condition.
Preventing infections on the skin, feet and gums, applying adequate hygiene standards.
Going to the doctor when you feel very thirsty and urinate excessively.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Ketoacidosis (sugar rise).
Both can be detected with a self-monitoring of blood glucose pills (see the appropriate blood glucose levels and how to perform a correct self-measurement in the article What is diabetes?)
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
It occurs when glucose or blood sugar falls below normal values, then hypoglycemic symptoms appear. The important thing is that people learn to recognize these symptoms to act immediately.
With a lack of sugar the body cannot function well, especially the brain cells that feed on glucose. The symptoms of hypoglycemia vary between people, as does the amount of sugar in the blood at which those symptoms appear. Most of the time people become aware of their low blood sugar, but sometimes hypoglycaemia can occur without the person having symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a low blood sugar?
Hypoglycemia or high blood sugar
Attention! The most frequent symptoms of hypoglycemia are: Feeling of general weakness, with trembling of the legs and hands. Excessive hunger, dizziness, double vision, cold sweat, headache, confusion, aggressiveness. If not corrected quickly, there may be loss of consciousness.
IMPORTANT! In the event that a diabetic person suffers a loss of consciousness and therefore of not being able to eat (loss of oral route) it is essential to administer glucagon.
Ketoacidosis (sugar rise)
It is due to an excessive elevation of blood sugar, generally above 250 mg / dl. It is a less urgent situation than hypoglycemia since it appears progressively.
What are the symptoms of a sugar spike?
Ketoacidosis or low blood sugarAttention! Its signs and symptoms that you may notice are: Slow and progressive onset, hot and dry skin, a lot of thirst (very dry mouth), fruit-smelling breath, lack of appetite, stomach pain, nausea and possible vomiting, blurred vision, weakness, increasing drowsiness and general malaise, shortness of breath, large amount of sugar and acetone in the blood, large amount of urine, large amount of sugar and acetone in the urine. If it persists, dehydration and coma can result.
It is advisable to be proactive, as ketoacidosis can be prevented with the following guidelines:
Administer insulin injection at the indicated dose and schedule.
Always take medications at the indicated dose and schedule.
Avoid consuming sugar or foods that contain it.
Going to the doctor and drinking plenty of fluids when there is a feverish condition.
Preventing infections on the skin, feet and gums, applying adequate hygiene standards.
Going to the doctor when you feel very thirsty and urinate excessively.