What Are the Signs of High and Low Blood Sugar

Hyperglycemia can cause people thirsty, causes frequent urination and feeling tired and some can experience blurry vision also meanwhile Low blood sugar can result in shaking, sweating, light-headedness, hunger, feeling confused and having a rapid heartbeat. Knowing the warning signs can help someone realize what their body is trying to tell them and when they should seek medical attention.

What actually is blood sugar? 

Blood sugar or blood glucose is the primary source of energy for the body’s cells. This blood sugar comes from the food we eat and drink. This blood glucose then gets converted into energy and by the circulatory system it gets travelled to the whole body so that you can perform and do activities. 

Our body continuously works to keep these blood sugar levels in range. When it rises too high it is known to be hyperglycemia and when the level comes suddenly down it is known as hypoglycemia. Both of them can cause symptoms which are easily detected and are noticeable 

Detecting these symptoms in early stages are really helpful and can help in controlling blood sugar level. If not addressed properly they can lead to serious health problems and high and low blood sugar levels. 

Understanding High and low blood sugar levels? 

Your blood sugar naturally fluctuates the whole day but factors like your lifestyle, physical activity, diet, stress and  medications affect your blood sugar levels. These fluctuations are normal till a certain degree but they become highly concernable when left ignored or untreated.  

When there is too much sugar in the bloodstream it can lead to hyperglycemia. It can be because your body is not producing enough insulin or not using the produced insulin properly. When do you consider higher than normal? Normally when the levels of fasting glucose increases to 130mg/dl and post meals (postprandial) sugar is 180mg/dl. 

Symptoms of High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)

1. Thirst and frequent urination

Frequent urination and extreme thirst are two of the most common early signs of high blood sugar. It is caused by the kidneys’ attempts to get rid of excess sugar in the blood through the urine.

2. Feeling tired or fatigued

Fatigue and tiredness are frequent symptoms that occur due to the inability of the cells to take in sufficient glucose to produce the energy needed by the body.

3. Weight loss

Weight loss is an unanticipated result of extreme hyperglycemia.

4. Blurred vision

High blood sugar levels can lead to fluid retention that puts pressure on the eye, thus, causing temporary blurred vision.

5. Impaired healing and recurrent infections

High blood sugar levels are detrimental to the circulatory system and consequently, the immune system. In this case, the person may experience minor injuries that heal slower than usual or frequent infections.

Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

1. Shakiness and sweating

Shakiness and sweating are classic symptoms brought forth by the fight-or-flight response that is triggered by low blood sugar.

2. Hunger

Hunger is a common symptom of hypoglycemia as it notifies the person that their blood glucose levels are low and, therefore, they need to eat.

3. Dizziness and light-headedness

Dizziness and light-headedness are symptoms that are caused by the decrease in blood glucose needed to fuel the brain.

4. Confusion or brain fog

A lack of adequate blood sugar can supply less energy to the brain, causing it to malfunction, leading to confusion and brain fog.

5. Fast heartbeat

Pounding or fast heartbeat occurs because of the epinephrine surge brought forth by low blood sugar.

Early detection of the symptoms of low and high blood sugar levels is essential because it helps one to know when to seek treatment. It is vital always to consult a healthcare provider if any of the symptoms persists.

The Two stages of symptoms in Hypoglycemia 

1- THE ADERNALIE RUSH: when the sugar levels drop down the brain signals the adrenaline to produce stress hormones and forces the liver to produce glucose from the stored fat. This can cause rapid and pounding heartbeat, anxiety and shakiness. 

2- THE STARVING BRAIN: If the sugar falls down the brain is out of fuel it shows the symptoms like shakiness, tiredness and fatigue even more worsen can be brain fog, confusion and blurred vision. 

How to treat: hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia 

The 15 min rule of hypoglycemia – If your blood sugar drop below 70mg/dl you should use the 15 mins of the rule which means

Consume fast acting grains in the 15 mins- eat something that contains 15grms of sugar that can instantly boost the energy levels by entering in the bloodstreams. For example, drink any fruit juice, 1 tbsp honey or any fruit. 

Rest for 15 mins- sit down and rest for 15 mins before doing any strenuous activity and any movement make sure to let the food absorb in the body and you get the energy back. 

The action plan for hyperglycemia 

Hydration: the plan is to stay hydrated all day and when you check your blood glucose levels and if you find them slightly on the higher side drink a  full glass of water. Staying hydrated helps the kidney to flush out glucose through urine. 

Light exercise: doing a 15 min walk or any light exercise can help in lowering your sugar levels because the muscles naturally use up the extra sugar but remember if your sugar goes up to 240mg/dl do not perform any kind of exercise. 

Recheck your food choices: think of what food you had and in which category does it include, you don’t have to cut down on sugar or carbs just choose wisely and remember to include balanced meals which include proper fiber, complex  carbohydrates, adequate protein and healthy fats which provide you stable blood sugar level. 

Foods to include on regular basis 

A simple approach will be choosing meals with proper balanced nutrients that can provide you proper nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Basically, giving your body proper nutrients can control and manage blood sugar levels. 

Dietitian Priyanka’s approach towards 

Dietitian Priyanka Approach

I am a qualified and certified clinical dietitian with 14+ years of experience in the field. My expertise lies in providing the best possible and personalized diet advice and support. I am associated with Delhi Diabetes Research center as a diabetes educator along with having worked in reputed organizations like AIIMS, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals and Max Hospital.

When it comes to sugar control, I believe in understanding your individual requirements and preferences. This will lead to a practical and suitable solution for you that you can easily follow. As a result, many of my clients have been able to overcome the challenge of sugar control without having to resort to harsh and unsustainable diets.

Are you facing problems related to high or low sugar levels and are unable to manage them? We’re here to help.

Book an appointment with me and work towards building effective long-term solutions for your sugar levels.

So, book an appointment with me today and take the first step to a healthy and confident you.

Conclusion: 

Understanding these signs and symptoms can help in recognising the early attention your body needs towards the high and low blood sugar levels. However, managing these symptoms does not mean eliminating carbs and following crash diets and restrictive diets. A balanced diet including proper minerals and vitamins can help in balancing all these symptoms because tiny and sustainable changes in lifestyle can play a better role lifetime. 

At Indyte, we help our clients achieve their goals and you can explore more of our programs and can join us in the journey towards a healthier and happier lifestyle. 

Our approach is to follow a pattern that can fit easily into your lifestyle and can help you achieve healthier lifestyle choices. Take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle and a healthier you.

Faqs (frequently asked question) ANSWERED BY DIETITIAN PRIYANKA 

1. What are the early signs of high blood sugar?

Some of the symptoms that can point to high blood sugar are increased thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, blurry vision, and unintentional weight loss.

2. What are the early signs of low blood sugar?

Shakiness, sweating, feeling hungry, lightheadedness, being confused, weak muscles, and a racing heart are the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar.

3. Can high blood sugar be silent?

Yes, it can. Some cases do not show symptoms or only a few of the ones listed above. This is why one needs to check their blood sugar level regularly.

4. Can blood sugar level change suddenly?

Yes blood sugar level can change suddenly as it depends properly on your lifestyle, diet, physical activity and your stress level. 

5. If i skip meals, will it interfere with my blood sugar levels?

Yes, skipping meals can interfere with your blood sugar levels, if you are taking any medications and insulin it can be risky for you to skip the meals as it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. 

6. Can I eat fruits if I have a high blood sugar level?

Yes, moderation of everything will never harm or influence your blood sugar levels, pair the fruits with healthy fats and pay attention to the portion size of the fruit. 

7. Can a customised diet plan help me manage my blood sugar level?

Yes a customised diet plan can help you manage your blood sugar level by adapting a healthy lifestyle and a proper balanced diet pattern that can actually help in managing and reversing the blood sugar levels. 

8. Why do I feel shaky after my glucose level drops down?

Shakiness is the alarming sign of low blood sugar i.e. hypoglycemia, as the level drops down the body starts releasing adrenaline hormone which can cause shakiness, confusion and pounding heartbeat. 

9. Do you offer any customised diet plan for this?

Yes, we do offer plans for high and low blood sugar levels and you can explore more of diabetes programs to know more about us.