Sugar imbalance
A sugar imbalance can occur when your blood sugar levels are too high or
too low.
Types of sugar imbalance
1.Hyperglycemia Definition: Hypoglycemia happens when the level of sugar (glucose) in your
blood drops below the range that’s healthy for you. It’s also called low blood
sugar or low blood glucose. Hypoglycemia is common in people with diabetes,
especially Type 1
diabetes.[https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/symptom
s-causes/syc-20373685]
Symptoms ●​ Urinating large amounts- When blood sugar levels are too high, the
kidneys work overtime to filter and absorb the excess glucose. However,
they can't reabsorb all the glucose, so it ends up being excreted in the
urine
●​ Excessive thirst-Excessive thirst, known as polydipsia, is another
common symptom of hyperglycemia. When your blood sugar levels are
too high, your kidneys work extra hard to filter out the excess glucose.
This process draws a lot of water
●​ Feeling tired-This happens because when blood sugar levels are high,
the body’s cells cannot effectively absorb and use glucose, which is the
primary source of energy. As a result, the body lacks the necessary fuel
to perform its functions efficiently, leading to feelings of tiredness and
lethargy.
●​ Frequent hunger -When blood sugar levels are high, glucose cannot
effectively enter the body’s cells to be used as energy, despite there
being plenty of glucose in the blood. As a result, the body signals that it
needs more energy, which triggers a feeling of hunger.
●​ Dry mouth-Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common
symptom of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). When blood sugar levels
are high, the body tries to eliminate the excess glucose by increasing
urine production. This process leads to dehydration, which can cause
the mouth to feel dry.
●​ Recurrent infections (e.g., urinary infections, skin infections)- When
blood sugar levels remain high over time, it can weaken the immune
system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections
●​ Wounds (cuts, scrapes) that heal slowly-Hyperglycemia can damage
blood vessels, causing them to narrow and harden. This reduces blood
flow to the wound site, limiting the delivery of essential nutrients and
oxygen needed for tissue repair.
●​ Nausea and vomiting-High blood sugar levels can lead to excessive
urination, causing dehydration. Dehydration can trigger nausea and
vomiting.
●​ [https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/hyperglycemia-symptoms-cau
ses-treatments]
Causes
For people with diabetes, hyperglycemia can be triggered by:
●​ Eating too many carbohydrates
●​ Not exercising enough
●​ Not taking enough insulin medication (for type 1 diabetes) or other
medications that regulate blood glucose levels
●​ Certain conditions that affect the pancreas, which produces insulin
●​ Medical conditions that can cause insulin resistance, such as Cushing’s
syndrome and acromegaly
●​ Pregnancy
●​ Stress
[https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/hyperglycemia-symptoms-causes-tr
eatments]
Treatment : The treatment depends on the cause of hyperglycemia, and may
include the following:
●​ Insulin. For people with type 1 diabetes, insulin is the main treatment
for hyperglycemia. In some cases, it may also be used to treat people
with type 2 diabetes.
●​ Glucose-lowering medications. Various drugs such as metformin may
be used to lower blood glucose levels.
●​ Glucose monitoring. People with diabetes should monitor their blood
glucose levels as instructed by their doctor.
●​ Lifestyle changes. People with diabetes can reduce the risk of
developing hyperglycemia or treat existing hyperglycemia by getting
regular exercise, following a nutritious diet, and maintaining a healthy
weight.https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/hyperglycemia-sympt
oms-causes-treatments]
2. Hypoglycemia -
Definition: Hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar or low blood
glucose, the body normally maintain sugar level between 70 and 110 but
when average blood-sugar level is below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L)
://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypoglycemia]
Symptoms:
Hypoglycemic symptoms are divided into two main categories.[3] The first
category is symptoms caused by low glucose in the brain, called
neuroglycopenic symptoms.[3] The second category of symptoms is caused
by the body's reaction to low glucose in the blood, called adrenergic
symptoms.
●​ Taking too much insulin or diabetes medication-Eating too much insulin
can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) because insulin is a
hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to
enter cells. When you take too much insulin, it causes your body to
absorb too much glucose from the blood. This leads to a rapid drop in
blood sugar levels, resulting in hypoglycemia.
●​ Not eating enough-Not eating enough can cause hypoglycemia (low
blood sugar) because your body needs a regular supply of glucose from
food to maintain normal blood sugar levels. When you don't eat enough,
especially carbohydrates, your blood sugar levels can drop too low
Increasing exercise or physical activity
Causes
●​ without eating more or adjusting your medications
●​ Drinking alcohol- The liver is responsible for releasing glucose into the
bloodstream to maintain blood sugar levels. When you drink alcohol, the
liver prioritizes breaking down the alcohol over releasing glucose. This
can cause blood sugar levels to drop, especially if you haven't eaten
enough.
●​ Metabolic conditions: Inherited metabolic disorders that affect how the
body stores and uses glucose
●​ Medications: Taking too much insulin or other diabetes medications, or
taking someone else's medication
Treatment
●​ Eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. These are
sugary foods or drinks without protein or fat that are easily converted to
sugar in the body. Try glucose tablets or gel, fruit juice, regular (not diet)
soda, honey, or sugary candy.
●​ Tumor treatment. A tumor in your pancreas is typically treated by
surgical removal of the tumor. In some cases, medication to control
hypoglycemia or partial removal of the pancreas is necessary.
[https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/diagnosi
s-treatment/drc-20373689]
Consume Fast-Acting Carbohydrates: Eat or drink 15-20 grams
of fast-acting carbohydrates. This can include:
●​ Glucose tablets or gel
●​ Fruit juice (about 4 ounces)
●​ Regular (non-diet) soda (about 4 ounces)
●​ Honey or sugar (1 tablespoon)
●​ Hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops
Recheck Blood Sugar Levels: After 15 minutes, check your blood
sugar again. If it's still below 70 mg/dL, repeat the process.
Severe Hypoglycemia
If hypoglycemia is severe (blood sugar below 55 mg/dL) or if the person
is unconscious, injectable glucagon is the best treatment. A glucagon kit
is available by prescription, and family and friends should know how to
use it in case of emergency.