It is very easy for blood glucose levels of Type 1 diabetics to become too high. The reasons are they are not getting enough insulin, they are over-eating or they are under a lot of stress. If there isn’t enough insulin in the blood, the body starves from lack of fuel and begins to break down fat. Because of this, the body gives off toxic chemicals called ketones. These can cause breathing problems, dry, itchy skin, unquenchable thirst, vomiting or coma. If diabetics suffer one or more of these symptoms they should test their blood glucose levels using a glucose meter and also test their urine for ketones. Ketone urine strips are available at most pharmacies. If ketones are found in the urine, it is imperative that the diabetic seek medical attention immediately.
Hypoglycemia
If diabetics get too much insulin or sufonylurea pills, their blood sugar level can plummet. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include confusion, fatigue, hunger, the shakes or profuse sweating. If these symptoms appear, the diabetic should test blood glucose levels immediately. A blood glucose reading of less than 70 in the U.S., or 4.0 in Canada can be raised by drinking a half cup of orange or other fruit juice, eating two tablespoons of raisins, drinking one cup of skimmed milk, drinking one-third of a can of regular soda, swallowing four teaspoons of sugar or eating three hard candies. It is important that blood sugar levels stay even with, or above the readings suggested here. Anything below these readings can cause the body to go into hypoglycemic shock.
Type 2 Diabetes
People with Type 2 diabetes can often gain control of blood glucose levels by losing between fifteen and twenty pounds; other times proper eating habits, lifestyle changes and plenty of exercise doesn’t control the diabetic’s blood glucose levels. When this occurs, diabetics have to take sulfonylureas or biguanide pills. If these are not effective, insulin has to be taken by injection.