Complications Most of the complications related to diabetes are caused by high blood sugar levels. People with diabetes can minimize both short- and long-term complications – and achieve more simple wins - by staying in control of their blood sugar.
Short-term Complications
When blood sugar goes out of control over shorter periods of time, a person with diabetes 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.
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).
- Talk to your doctor about how activity can help lower high blood sugar.
Long-term Complications
Over time, high blood sugars cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves in large organs of your body and in your legs and feet. The damage can cause the following complications:
- Decreased circulation
- Blindness
- Foot problems and amputations
- Nerve problems
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
Throughout SimpleWins.com, you’ll discover Bayer diabetes product information as well as useful diabetes news, resources and tools to help you manage your diabetes and achieve your simple wins every day.