Type 2 Diabetes: Living With the Disease-What Happens

Type 2 Diabetes: Living With the Disease - What Happens

Now that you have had type 2 diabetes diabetes for a while, you already know how important it is to keep your blood sugar as close to your target range as you can. Doing so can help you delay or prevent more serious health problems later.

If your diabetes gets worse, your pancreas may make less and less insulin, which can make it harder for you to control your blood sugar. When your pancreas makes too little or no insulin, you will need to give yourself shots of insulin.

It can be hard to find the right balance of insulin and blood sugar levels. So even if you take insulin or other diabetes medicines, there may still be times when your blood sugar is too high or too low. It's important to know the symptoms of both of these and to treat them early. For more information, see the Symptoms section of this topic.

High blood sugar emergencies

A hyperosmolar state is life-threatening and can occur when your blood sugar level is very high (400 to 500 mg/dL or higher) and you get dehydrated. You are more likely to have this problem if your blood sugar stays above 200 mg/dL.

Hyperosmolar state is treated in a hospital. You'll have frequent blood tests for glucose and electrolytes. Insulin will be given to you through a vein (intravenous, or IV) to lower your blood sugar level. You'll get fluids through the IV to get rid of the dehydration. The fluids will make you urinate, removing the excess sugar from your body.

Diabetes complications

Over time, high blood sugar that is not controlled can lead to problems with your:

Eyes (diabetic retinopathy ). You are also at risk for other eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma.
Kidneys (diabetic nephropathy).
Nerves (diabetic neuropathy).
Heart (leading to heart attacks).
Blood vessels (leading to heart attack, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and possibly amputation).
Immune system. This puts you at risk for hard-to-treat infections and wounds that take a long time to heal, especially in your feet.

If you have had high blood sugar levels for years, you may already have one or more of these complications. For more information, see Type 2 Diabetes: Living With Complications.

Living with diabetes

Uncontrolled high blood sugar is the main reason why complications occur. So if you work closely with your doctor to keep your blood sugar within your target range, you may be able to avoid or prevent these problems. You may also feel better and be more in control of your life. For more information, see the Preventing Complications section of this topic.

Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

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