Short-term Complications
When your blood sugar goes out of control over shorter periods of time, you may experience the following complications:
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
The warning signs of hypoglycemia include feeling shaky, sweaty, weak, dizzy, irritable, extremely hungry and having a headache.
If you become hypoglycemic, do the following things:
- If possible, test your blood sugar to verify.
- Take some type of sugar, like 3 glucose tablets (You can buy these at the drug store.), a 1/2 cup of fruit juice or 5 to 6 pieces of hard candy.
- If you are not feeling better in 15 minutes, have more sugar.
Back to top
Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar
The warning signs of hyperglycemia include blurry vision, headache, increased thirst, increased urination, irritability, tiredness and unexplained weight loss over a period of time.
If you become hyperglycemic, do the following things:
- Drink lots of water and sugar-free fluids. (Limit fluids with sugar, including fruit juices.)
- Follow your recommended meal plan. (If you do not have a plan, meet with your dietitian.)
- Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. If your blood sugar remains high, see your doctor or diabetes educator.
- Test your blood sugar more often (every 3 to 4 hours).
- If your blood sugar level is below 285 mg/dL and you feel well, increase your physical activity (for example, go for a walk). Always ask your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
Back to top
Did you know... Simple changes in your routine – such as avoiding hot showers and using oil-in-water skin cream – can help you avoid skin problems that lead to complications. |
Skin Problems
Bacterial infections, like styes and carbuncles, are common skin problems. Yeast-like fungus can cause itchy rashes in the folds of your skin. Dry skin is also common in diabetes, but the exact cause is unclear. High blood sugars can cause dehydration and dryness of the skin. Poor circulation may also play a role.
You can prevent problems by taking good care of your skin daily. If you think you have a bacterial or fungal infection, call your doctor.
Learn more about preventing skin problems.
Back to top
Foot Problems
People who have diabetes are more likely to have problems with poor circulation or loss of sensation, which lead to a variety of foot problems, like dry skin, cracked heels, heavy callus formation and changes in the shape of the foot.
Poor circulation of the blood means less oxygen reaches the cells in the feet. If this happens, you may experience changes in nail growth, painful foot ulcers and slower healing. Some people with diabetes also may have nerve damage in their feet, causing lack of feeling. Nerve damage usually is a result of poor blood sugar management over an extended period of time. Damaged nerves can cause you to have little or no sensitivity in your feet to temperature, pressure or pain. If your feet get too hot, maybe because of hot bath water, they can suffer a burn and you will not feel it. You may not feel injuries, such as when you step on a sharp object or when blisters form if your shoes are too tight. This loss of sensation makes the skin of the feet vulnerable. Damage can occur without you being aware of it.
The good news is that if you know how to take care of your feet, you may be able to lessen or even prevent these problems.
Learn more about preventing foot problems.
Back to top
Periodontal Disease
When sugar levels are high in the blood, they also are high in saliva. Bacteria feed on the saliva sugar and grow in the mouth causing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease or infections in the mouth hurt your gums and bone, which hold teeth in place.
You can prevent periodontal disease by practicing good oral hygiene and making regular visits to your dentist.
Learn more about preventing periodontal disease.
Back to top
