If you are diabetic, it is very necessary to control your blood sugar. Perennially high blood sugar levels can lead to various other complications such as kidney, heart and eye problems, amongst others. A study over a period of 30 years by the Oxford University has shown that intensive control of blood sugar reduces the risk of the complications of diabetes. The ideal glucose levels vary from person to person. You should ask your physician what your target level should be.
Steps To Control Your Blood Sugar
Step1
The first step would be to be aware of your actual blood sugar level and your target levels. You can know your sugar level through two tests:
• A1C:
The A1C test allows you to know what your blood glucose levels are for the past three months. This will help you analyze how successful you have been in controlling the sugar levels. The recommended AC1 reading is 6.5% or less. However, your physician should ideally set the A1C target for you. If your reading is above the target, then your treatment is not working. You may need to change the medicines or the treatment plan.
• Self-testing:
Self-testing can be done using a glucose meter. It tells you about your blood glucose levels at the time of taking the test. It is usually done before meals and at bedtime. The test is done to understand the effect of medicines, diet and exercise on the blood sugar levels. You should keep a record of these readings and discuss them with your physician. The ideal blood sugar goal for diabetic patients would be 80-120 mg/dl before meals and 100-140 mg/dl at bedtime. However, the target set for you by your physician may differ.
Step 2
The next step would be to actually take action to keep the sugar levels in control. To achieve this end, you should-
• Consult a dietician to prepare a diet plan that’s suitable for you. Thereafter, you should follow the plan strictly.
• Start exercising regularly after consulting your physician.
• Get regular checkups done of your eyes, feet, kidneys and teeth.
Step 3
Learn how to recognize and deal with critical situations such as very high and low blood glucose levels.
Very Low Blood Sugar Levels
• Hypoglycemia
The symptoms of this condition include headache, hunger, dizziness, sweating, nervousness, shakiness, difficulty in speaking and weakness. If you have these symptoms, check your sugar level. If it is low, then have something that has sugar content like juice, candies or plain sugar. Test your blood sugar again after 15 minutes. If it is still low, again have something sweet. Repeat this till the sugar level touches the target value. If the symptoms occur often within one week, consult your physician.
Very High Blood Sugar Levels
• Hyperosmolar
Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome or HHNS-
The symptoms of HHNS are extreme thirst, high fever, dry mouth, sleepiness or confusion, loss of vision, hallucinations, warm, dry skin that does not sweat and weakness on one side of the body. Test your blood sugar if these symptoms appear. If it is on the higher side, call the doctor immediately.
• Ketoacidosis
The symptoms of ketoacidosis include rapid breathing, dry skin and mouth, flushed face, fruity breath odor, nausea or vomiting and abdominal pain. If these symptoms appear, check the glucose levels and urine ketones. If both of these show high levels or if you have vomited more than twice in four hours and the urine test shows high ketones, call the doctor immediately.