When you have type 1 diabetes, your immune system attacks cells in
the pancreas that produce insulin, the hormone that helps convert
glucose into energy for the body’s cells1, 2. To understand
how type 1 diabetes affects the body, we need to understand how
insulin and blood sugar levels affect the body’s ability to function properly.
Cameron Hubbard
Cameron is living with type 2 diabetes
USA
What is insulin?
Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas when you
eat2. It helps convert glucose, or sugar, from food into
your body’s cells where it can be used as energy2. In
simple terms, when your insulin level goes up, your blood sugar level
goes down2. Without insulin, your body cannot make use of
and absorb glucose and it stays in your blood2.
The importance of managing blood sugar
Having balanced blood sugar levels is important for your body to
function properly. Too much or too little sugar in your blood can have
some very serious consequences and and reduce risks of complications
like3, 4:
Heart attack
Stroke
Reduced eyesight,
blindness
Kidney disease
Nerve problems
Blocked circulation in the feet
Foot infection
High or low levels of blood sugar can be very dangerous3, 4.
Read more about low and high blood sugar, how to spot the symptoms
and how to manage it, below.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycaemia or a “hypo”, occurs when
the level of sugar in your blood drops too low4.
People with diabetes who are on insulin need to be aware of the
signs of a hypo as they can be very dangerous. A severe hypoglycemic
event is classified as a diabetic emergency that may lead to coma and
requires assistance from another person to treat5.
Symptoms of low blood sugar
Confusion
Shakiness or feeling sick
Sweating,
chills and clamminess
Intense hunger
Clumsiness
Blurred vision
Slurred speech.
Nervousness or irritability
Coma
You may experience one or more of these when your blood sugar levels
are too low4. A family member or friend may even mention
that you are acting a little strangely or look unwell.
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"All of a sudden my hands are shaking and my body's shaking."
If you have hypo symptoms or if your blood sugar level is less than
3.5 mmol/l (a hypo), you should treat it by quickly consuming
something sugary, otherwise, you may lose consciousness4.
To treat a hypo, it’s recommended that you consume 15 to 20
grams of a carbohydrate that is absorbed quickly by the body. This
includes glucose tablets, sugary drinks (e.g. soda and
juice)6.
You should test your blood sugar after
10 minutes and if it’s not improved or you still have hypo symptoms,
have another sugary snack and repeat this process every 10-15
minutes until you see an improvement4.
You may
also need to consume some slow-release carbohydrates as a snack such
as toast, biscuits, fruit, a cereal bar or cow’s milk, or a main
meal including slow-release carbohydrates, if it’s the right
time4, 6.
Over time, you’ll become more familiar with what low blood sugar
feels like and what to do about it. Learn more about hypos here.
Another opportunity to learn more about hypos is through joining the
Hypo Program on www.hypoprogram.com.
If you are unsure about how to manage a hypo, please seek advice
from your doctor.
High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia)
High blood sugar, also called hyperglycaemia or a ‘hyper’, happens
when glucose cannot enter the body cells and builds up in your
blood3. A hyper can be dangerous, damaging your blood
vessels and reducing the supply of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood
going to your body’s organs and nerves3. Over time, this
can result in irreversible tissue damage and serious health complications7.
Symptoms of high blood sugar
Tiredness and lethargy
Passing more urine than
usual
Being very thirsty
Blurred vision
Headaches
You may experience one or more of these symptoms when your blood
sugar levels are high3, or a family member or friend might
mention that you do not quite seem your usual self. Understand the
signs a hyper, as well as some ideas to prevent it, here.
How to manage high blood sugar (hyper)
If you experience frequent high blood sugar levels, you may be
advised to3:
Check your blood sugar more often than usual, specifically
before and after your meals
Change your diet and try to
avoid foods that cause your blood sugar to rise, such as cakes and
sugary drinks
Drink lots of sugar-free liquids
Try
and exercise more often to lower your blood sugar level, it can be
something gentle and regular, like walking
Look for
patterns in your blood sugar results to understand what might be
causing it
Adjust the dose of you medication – you care
team will give you specific advice on this
If you have difficulties controlling your blood sugar levels and
they are regularly too high, it’s important to speak to your doctor or
nurse. They can offer tips and advice or they may need to adjust your medication.
Diabetes mealtime challenges and hyperglycaemia (hypers)
This article provides information to help you understand the signs of
experiencing a hyper, as well as some ideas for how you can try to
prevent your blood sugar levels from getting above your optimal range.
Ideas for how to manage your blood sugar during the COVID-19 crisis, to
help you stay within your optimal blood sugar range and reduce the risk
of getting low blood sugar level, which is also called hypoglycaemia or
a “hypo”.