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The Question
03/05/10 06:07 AM

"I have had type 1 for 35 years. 6 months ago, I began feeling the same way for a high blood sugar as I do for a low blood sugar. Is this normal?"
Asked By: beacon8712  
Category: Blood Glucose Monitoring

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Expert Answers (1)

03/29/10 11:35 AM

Hello Beacon8712: Thank you for asking dLife and great job with monitoring.
Highs vs. Lows, there is some duplication of symptoms describes; Hyperglycemia: frequently described as headache, blurry vision, hunger, upset stomach; hypoglycemia described: hunger, clammy, confused, shaky, upset stomach, tired, blurry vision, and a pounding heart, some duplication of adjectives!

While each person is individual, and your symptoms are truly unique to you, (considering history, vascular conditions, circulation, medications), the literature supports the fact: "you may NOT be able to tell that your glucose is too high or too low by these signs alone." The only sure way to know is to check your blood glucose. These readings help triage actions!

Just as insulin functions and impact are sometimes unpredictable: in youth the 'honeymoon phase', education on cues your body gives if it's

  • 'hypoglycemia unawareness', (those who have lost symptom sensations)
  • would include: check the heart rate, trembling or sweating, mental changes, slow thinking, (lack of ability to concentrate and poor coordination), mood changes, (aggression or irritability), food irregularities-(skipped meals), insulin-changes in any area, exercise-(working out harder or longer, the advent of Spring kept you out in the yard longer than usual).
  • Recruit your support team for help with identifying cues for hypoglycemia risks or hyperglycemia risks. If its hyperglycemia, the cues are much harder to detect, look for increased thirst, urination or changes in vision.

    These cues of education help, however, prompts a need to use the glucose meter. Testing is the proof in the practice.
    If jet pilots can be trained to recognize oxygen deprivation, you can become better aware of the body cues for Hypo or Hyper. Some technology is available to help; the CGM-glucowatch might also assist.
    Be your best, regards Sue

    • Answered By: Susan Throop
    Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA
    Sources Show

    Community Answers (0)

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