Short-Term Complications

Diabetes can cause short-term problems when blood sugars get too high or too low.
When you have diabetes, your body is not able to control blood sugars on its own. Instead, you need to work at keeping blood sugar levels in the target range. You can do this by eating a healthy diet, exercising, testing blood sugars, and if needed taking pills or insulin.

High blood sugars (hyperglycemia)can cause problems.
Some people feel different when their blood sugars rise above 180 mg/dl or 200mg/dl however, you may not feel different until your blood sugars are above 250-300 mg/dl.

• You may get thirsty, urinate often, feel tired or have blurry vision.
• If blood sugars stay high, your body can lose too much fluid causing dehydration.
• You may need medical help.
• Sometimes very high blood sugars can lead to a coma.

Too much insulin in the blood can push the blood sugar too low (hypoglycemia).
Some diabetes pills make the body produce more insulin. If you take these pills or inject insulin, you are at risk for low blood sugars. When your blood sugar gets too low (below 70 mg/dl) you may get certain symptoms.

• You may feel shaky, dizzy, or confused.
• Your heart may beat very fast and you may break out into a sweat.
• If this is not treated, you could pass out and need medical help.

Good blood sugar control can help you avoid the short-term problems from high or low blood sugars. This can help you feel better. You may also enjoy life more. Read on to learn more about these short-term problems.

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