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Dangerous Blood Sugar Levels In DIABETES

For people with diabetes, there is a risk associated with significant variations in blood sugar levels. If not appropriately managed, both hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can result in a number of issues.

Though they can vary, common symptoms include sweating, trembling, disorientation, agitation, weakness, hunger, and in extreme situations, seizures or loss of consciousness. It's crucial to remember that not everyone has symptoms that are obvious, especially if they frequently have hypoglycemia, which might impair their body's reaction.These conditions have the potential to cause serious consequences and major complications if left untreated.

Hypoglycemia: When Are Blood Sugar Levels Dangerous?

When the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood falls below normal ranges, you have hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar. This generally refers to blood sugar levels less than 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The threshold for hypoglycemic symptoms, however, varies from person to person.

Hypoglycemia can cause a variety of symptoms, from minor to severe, such as:

 

nUnsteadiness or quivering

nDehydration

nFeeling lightheaded or dizzy

nA feeling of hunger  

nMood Fluctuations

nConfusion or trouble focusing

nBlurred vision

nWeakness or tiredness

nHeadaches

nIncreased heart rate

nNervousness or anxiety

nTingling or numbness in the lips, tongue, or cheeks

Hypoglycemia can cause coma, seizures, or loss of consciousness in extreme situations.

Less than 54 mg/dL of blood sugar is usually regarded as serious and needs to be treated immediately to avoid worsening the situation. Individual tolerance levels, however, can differ, and some persons may become symptomatic at high blood sugar levels.

Hyperglycemia: When Are Blood Sugar Levels Dangerous?

When there is an excess of glucose, or sugar, in the blood, it is known as hyperglycemia. It's a prevalent disease linked to diabetes, especially if blood sugar levels are continuously high. The risk associated with hyperglycemia is the possibility of both immediate and long-term consequences.

Short-term complications:

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS): This is a serious condition that develops when blood sugar levels get dangerously high. It can lead to coma, seizures, confusion, and dehydration. It usually affects those with type 2 diabetes and, if left untreated, can be severe.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA):Type 1 diabetes is more likely to cause this, however type 2 diabetes can also cause it. It occurs when the body begins using fat as energy rather than glucose, which causes a buildup of ketones in the blood. Vomiting, nausea, fruity-smelling breath, and confusion are some of the symptoms. DKA can be deadly if neglected, thus it needs to be treated very away.

Long-term complications:

Nerve damage (neuropathy): Over time, high blood sugar levels can harm all of the body's nerves, causing numbness, tingling, discomfort, and issues with urine, digestion, and sexual function.

Kidney damage (nephropathy): Hyperglycemia can damage the kidneys over time, resulting in kidney failure and the need for dialysis or a transplant.

Eye damage (retinopathy):Prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, causing vision issues and even blindness.

Heart disease: Hyperglycemia increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.


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