Hypo and Hyperglycemia Diabetic Emergencies Hypo and Hyperglycemia

What Affects Your Blood Sugar? What is hypoglycemia & hyperglycemia?

Learning Points Know signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) Know what to do when sugars are too high or too low

Your Blood Sugar: Hyperglycemia or High Blood Sugar Symptoms Extreme thirst Frequent urination Dry skin Hunger Blurred vision Drowsiness - may progress to coma

Your Blood Sugar: Hyperglycemia or High Blood Sugar Causes Too much food Too little insulin or diabetes medicine Illness Stress Onset Gradual If extremely high or you have type 1 diabetes it may progress to diabetic coma

Your Blood Sugar: Hyperglycemia or High Blood Sugar What can you do when you have symptoms? Test blood glucose more often** Don’t wait, call your doctor if your blood sugar is over 240mg/dL for several tests or for 2 days **If your meter reads HI or your reading is higher than your usual – wash your hands and retest.

Hyperglycemia Type 1 –If blood glucose over 240 mg/dl check for ketones (urine). (Possible Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) If ketonuria - call your health care provider or seek emergency care – call 911 Type 2 Blood glucose can go very high (.600) without ketones in the urine: Altered mental status/confusion to Hyperosmolar, Hyperglycemic Syndrome (HHS) – Seek Emergency Care (911)

Your Blood Sugar: Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Shaking Fast heartbeat Sweating Dizziness Anxiety Hunger Impaired vision Weakness/fatigue Headache Irritability

Your Blood Sugar: Hypoglycemia or Low Blood Sugar Causes Too little food Too much insulin or diabetes medicine Extra activity or exercise Onset Sudden May progress to unconsciousness, confusion, or insulin shock

Your Blood Sugar: Treatment of Hypoglycemia 4 Steps to treating your blood sugar: Quick sugar, 10 to 15 grams carbohydrate Recheck blood glucose in 15 to 20 minutes and repeat treatment if necessary If your glucose is normal, eat a protein meal or snack If you have symptoms, but BG is over 70, have snack *Treat all sugars under 70 mg/dl (with or without symptoms) *If you have symptoms, but no meter, treat and try to be prepared and have meter with you the next time.

Hypoglycemia or Low Sugar: Step 1- 10 to 15 Grams of Carbs Pick One of these 5 to 8 Life Savers® 1/4 to 1/3 cup raisins 4 oz. orange juice 8 oz. milk Choose one. Raises glucose 30 to 45 mg/dl Do not keep eating until symptoms disappear 2 to 3 Glucose Tablets ½ can of regular soda 3 to 5 peppermint candies

Hypoglycemia or Low Sugar: Step 2- Recheck Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia or Low Sugar: Step 3- Eat a protein snack Pick One ½ meat sandwich peanut butter sandwich or crackers crackers & cheese

Hypoglycemia or Low Sugar: Foods to avoid for lows Potato Chips Doughnuts Chocolate Pizza Cookies Nuts Ice Cream Cake

This is a medical emergency Severe Hypoglycemia Elderly people, those that take oral medicines such as sulfonylureas that stimulate the Beta cells to release more insulin or those people who are on insulin are more likely to develop severe hypoglycemia , If symptoms of low blood sugar go unnoticed, your brain deprived of glucose, you can become confused, incoherent and may lose consciousness. This is a medical emergency

Severe Hypoglycemia Have an emergency plan in place Wear identification such as a medical alert braclet stating you have diabetes and the med you take. Carry your meter with you and test If you don’t have a mete with you, treat the symptoms Carry glucose tablets with you Tell a friend, instruct your family about the signs of hypoglycemia and what to do.-First - call 911. If you are prone to hypoglycemia you will need to teach someone how to inject Glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas. Glucagon raises blood sugar. Available by prescription and must be injected.