During Diabetes Awareness Week 9-15th July
By Liz Coolee: Accredited Exercise Physiologist- Northside Allied Health Wagga
What is Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is when you blood glucose drops below 4mmol/l
Main causes:
-To much insulin
-Delaying or missing a meal
-Not eating enough carbohydrate foods
-Unplanned physical activity
-Drinking too much alcohol
Common Symptoms:
- Weakness, trembling or shaking
- Sweating
- Headache
- Tearfulness/crying
- Irritability
- Hunger
- Blurred vision
If any you feel any of these symptoms, check your blood glucose level
Treatments plan:
It is important to treat quickly!!!!
Step 1:
Absorb 15 grams of carbohydrate
-6-7 jelly beans
-1/2 can of regular soft drink
-3 teaspoons of sugar
-1/2 glass of fruit juice
After 10-15 mins, re-check blood glucose
Step 2:
Once blood glucose is above 4mmol/l
If your next meal is more than 20mins away consumption of more carbohydrate food is required:
-1 slice of bread
-1 glass of milk
-1 piece of fruit
-1 tub of low fat yogurt
If you experienced a severe hypo, notify your doctors as soon as possible to discuss the cause of the hypo and review your diabetes management plan.
What is Hyperglycemia
When you have high blood glucose levels above 12-14mmol/l
Symptoms:
- Feeling tired
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Feeling excessively thirsty
Reason for hyperglycemia?
-Too much carbohydrate food
-Not enough insulin or diabetes tablets
– Stress
-Sickness
-Infection
Treatment plans:
Prevention is the key!!!!!
There are many aspects of your diabetes care you can control:
- Taking your insulin (or glucose-lowering medication) as prescribed
- Avoiding consuming too many calories (i.e., sugary beverages)
- Consuming the right types and grams of carbohydrates
- Controlling stress
- Staying active (exercising)
If your blood glucose levels continue to remain high contract your doctor.
The doctors may suggest:
- Medication Adjustment: adjust your insulin (or glucose-lowering medication) dose
- Meal Plan Help: A healthy diet and proper meal planning can help you avoid hyperglycemia. This includes eating often, watching intake of sugar and carbohydrates, limiting use of alcohol, and eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
- Exercise: Maintaining a healthy level of activity can help you keep your blood glucose level in a normal range.
Regular occurrence of hyperglycemia should be avoided as it results in an increased risk of eye damage, heart attack, kidney damage, nerve damage and stroke.
Northside Allied Health run a type 2 diabetes exercise group from Morayfield and Wagga practices. For more information on the health care rebatable program visit the Group Programs page