For people with diabetes, despite careful blood glucose control, there can be associated health problems, known as diabetic complications.
Sethu K. Reddy, MD, chief of the adult diabetes unit at the Joslin Diabetes Center, says it’s important not to ignore some of the early signs.
Sweating, nervousness or vertigo
If you suddenly feel shaky and your heart is racing, your blood sugar may have dropped below 70 mg/dL.
Low blood sugar may cause hunger, headache, irritability, and fatigue.
Saitu said, “If blood sugar drops further, personality changes or loss of consciousness may occur.”
Patients should prepare grab-and-go refills containing about 15 to 20 grams of simple carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets or gels, 2 tablespoons of raisins or 117 milliliters of juice or soda, to raise blood sugar levels quickly.
Thirst and frequent urination
These are all symptoms of high blood sugar. Dry mouth, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and slow healing of wounds may also occur.
These symptoms may also be warning signs of a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious illness usually associated with high blood sugar. When there is a lack of enough insulin, the body burns fat to replace sugar and produces ketone bodies, which accumulate in the blood.
High levels of ketone bodies may cause fatigue or confusion, difficulty breathing, vomiting or abdominal pain, and dry or flushed skin. Use a urine test at home or a blood glucose meter (if available) to measure ketone levels. If ketone levels are high, seek prompt medical attention.
Numbness, tingling, or pain
Nerve damage or neuropathy can result even if hyperglycemia does not trigger the associated symptoms. Patients may first notice numbness or tingling in the area of their hands and feet. If the foot loses the ability to sense cold, heat, or pain, the body may develop a wound or infection without knowing it.
Constipation, heartburn, or nausea
These may be warning signs of gastroparesis (when the stomach slows down emptying because of nerve damage).
Saitu said, “Constipation can be the earliest sign of abnormalities in the nervous system and gastrointestinal system.”
Gastroparesis can lead to gastroesophageal reflux, which can trigger a burning sensation when certain foods or stomach acid reflux into the esophagus.
Blurred vision
When blood glucose levels fluctuate, as they do in type 1 diabetes, fluid buildup can make vision blurry. Controlling blood glucose levels can relieve these symptoms.
It is worth noting, however, that severe eye damage can also come from other conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy (without early symptoms).
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is the protein level in my urine?
- What should I do if my blood sugar level is too high or too low?
- How often should I have a physical exam or eye exam?
- What symptoms indicate an emergency?