Blood glucose, or blood sugar level, is a crucial parameter for overall health. Keeping blood sugar under control is essential to prevent a number of health complications. But what are the consequences of too high or too low levels? And what treatment and lifestyle modifications can help keep blood sugar under control?
Blood glucose is the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood and is essential for the body to function optimally. Glucose provides energy for the body’s cells and regulates many vital processes, however, excessively high or low blood glucose levels can have negative health consequences.
Low blood glucose
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycaemia, can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, excessive sweating, weakness and sometimes loss of consciousness. In extreme cases, hypoglycaemia can lead to convulsions and coma.
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycaemia, can cause a number of medical complications if not treated promptly, and may include:
- Confusion and cognitive difficulties. Low blood glucose levels can affect cognitive functions, causing confusion, concentration difficulties and memory problems.
- Weakness and tiredness. The lack of energy provided by low glucose concentrations can cause feelings of weakness and tiredness, impairing the ability to perform daily activities.
- Irritability and mood changes. Hypoglycaemia can affect the balance of hormones in the body, causing irritability, anxiety, nervousness and mood swings.
- Palpitations and excessive sweating. Low glucose levels can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, causing heart palpitations and excessive sweating.
- Tremors and hunger pangs. Hypoglycaemia can cause tremors, cold sweats, intense hunger and dizziness.
- Loss of consciousness. In severe and untreated cases, hypoglycaemia can lead to loss of consciousness, convulsions and coma, putting the patient’s life at risk.
But what can be done to bring blood sugar levels back to normal?
When symptoms of hypoglycaemia occur, it is essential to act promptly to bring blood glucose back to normal values
- Consume fast carbohydrates. Consuming a source of fast carbohydrates, such as fruit juice, sports drinks or fruit candies, can help raise blood glucose levels quickly.
- Eat regular meals. Dividing food intake into regular meals and snacks can help keep blood glucose levels stable throughout the day.
- Closely monitor glucose levels. For people with diabetes or other conditions that increase the risk of hypoglycaemia, it is important to monitor blood glucose levels regularly and take preventive measures.
- Avoid excessive insulin or hypoglycaemic drugs. If you use drugs that can lower blood glucose, it is essential to carefully follow your doctor’s instructions and adjust doses according to individual needs.
- Reduce intense physical activity. Intense physical activity can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia, especially if it is not adequately compensated by carbohydrate intake. Reducing exercise intensity or increasing carbohydrate intake before physical activity may help prevent hypoglycaemia.
- Consult a doctor. In case of severe or recurrent hypoglycaemia, it is important to consult a physician to assess the underlying cause and develop a personalised management plan.
Managing low blood glucose requires a rapid and targeted response to prevent serious complications. Following your doctor’s instructions, adopting a healthy lifestyle and carefully monitoring blood glucose levels are crucial steps to maintaining overall health and well-being
High blood glucose
High blood sugar, or hyperglycaemia, is a sign of problems with blood glucose regulation and is associated with conditions such as diabetes. High blood glucose can cause symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision and sudden weight loss. In the long term, hyperglycaemia can lead to serious complications such as blood vessel damage, heart disease, nerve damage and kidney problems.
- Damage to blood vessels. High levels of blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart disease.
- Damage to nerves. Hyperglycemia can damage nerves in the body, causing diabetic neuropathy. This condition can lead to pain, numbness, weakness, and other sensitivity problems in the hands, feet, and other parts of the body.
- Damage to the eyes. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts.
- Damage to the kidneys. Hyperglycemia can damage the kidneys over time, causing diabetic nephropathy. This condition can lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation.
- Cardiovascular complications. Hyperglycemia is a significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, including strokes, heart attacks, and coronary artery diseases.
- Neurological complications. Hyperglycemia can affect the functioning of the central nervous system, leading to memory problems, concentration issues, coordination problems, and cognitive dysfunction..
But what can be done to bring high blood sugar levels back to normal?
When symptoms of hyperglycemia manifest or elevated blood sugar levels are detected, it’s important to act promptly to reduce blood sugar to normal levels. Here are some important steps to follow.
- Increase physical activity. Regular exercise can help reduce blood sugar levels by increasing glucose absorption in muscle cells. Activities such as walking, running, swimming, or practicing yoga can be beneficial.
- Monitor your diet. Limiting the intake of high-sugar and refined carbohydrate foods can help maintain stable blood glucose levels. Opting for foods high in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help control sugar absorption in the blood.
- Monitor blood sugar levels. For individuals with diabetes or other conditions that increase the risk of hyperglycemia, it’s important to regularly monitor blood glucose levels and take preventive measures to keep them under control.
- Adjust medications. If taking medications to control blood sugar, it’s important to carefully follow the doctor’s instructions and adjust doses according to individual needs. In some cases, it may be necessary to modify drug therapy or add new medications to effectively control blood sugar.
- Consult a doctor. In case of persistent hyperglycemia or severe symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor to evaluate the underlying cause and develop a personalized treatment plan. The doctor may recommend additional tests to assess overall health status and identify any complications related to hyperglycemia.
Managing high blood glucose requires a prompt and targeted response to prevent serious complications. Following your doctor’s instructions, adopting a healthy lifestyle and carefully monitoring blood glucose levels are crucial steps to maintaining overall health and well-being
Care
To diagnose high or low blood glucose, it is necessary to undergo a blood test called a blood glucose test. This test measures the glucose level in the blood at a given time, but tests such as haemoglobin A1c can also be performed to assess blood glucose control over time.
The treatment of blood sugar, of course, depends on the underlying cause. For hypoglycaemia, it may be necessary to increase carbohydrate intake or adjust the dose of medication, if appropriate. For hyperglycaemia, it may be necessary to modify the diet, increase exercise and, in some cases, take drugs to control blood glucose. In more severe cases, insulin or other drugs may be necessary.
Prevention
Prevention, in any medical field, is essential to try to avoid disease, which is why adopting a healthy lifestyle is so important to keep blood sugar under control. This includes a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, avoiding foods high in added sugars and saturated fats. Regular exercise is essential to improve insulin sensitivity and help keep blood sugar under control. Finally, avoiding smoking and moderating alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of developing blood glucose problems.
Managing blood glucose is crucial for overall health and well-being. Closely monitoring blood glucose levels, adopting a healthy lifestyle and seeking appropriate treatment are crucial steps to prevent complications and keep the body in balance. If you have any suspicious symptoms or concerns about blood glucose, it is important to consult a physician or endocrinologist for a thorough evaluation and a personalised treatment plan.
*The information contained in this article is not for diagnostic purposes, and under no circumstances does it replace medical advice. We would like to remind you that you should always consult your general practitioner or specialist in the event of complaints and/or illnesses.
Ig – @fairness_mag
