The Rise and Fall: Blood Sugar Matters
Many things can affect blood sugar. Gaining an understanding of what factors may cause a change in blood sugar can help in being proactive. It may even prevent hypoglycemic events.
What impacts blood sugar levels?
Blood sugar levels rise and fall based on what someone eats. Whether or not someone is sick also affects levels. From the weather to the amount of stress a person is facing, it all affects blood sugar. Any form of medication that someone takes for their diabetes, whether oral, insulin, or GLP-1’s (Glucagon Like Peptides) may cause the blood sugar to drop. Therefore, it is gravely important to understand what medications someone is taking for their diabetes and what potential that medication has for causing low blood sugar.
Does it raise or lower?
Take a look at this chart below. It lists different factors that can cause high or low blood sugar. We grouped categories by food, activity, environmental, medication, and biological. However, this list is not comprehensive.
What do I need to know about low blood sugar?
It is gravely important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar as it is a medical emergency. Low blood sugar can occur rapidly and can be severe. When low blood sugar occurs the amount of sugar (energy) in the body drops and there is not enough sugar (energy) to keep the body “running”. Low blood sugar needs to be immediately addressed and treated. If not, low blood sugars can cause severe consequences that lead to death.
How do I prevent a hypoglycemic event?
First, understand what low blood sugar signs and symptoms look like. Next, remember how to treat so that treatment can be applied quickly. Speed is essential and life saving. Please refer to the handout below on low blood sugar for some quick tips. Remember, ALWAYS seek emergent care in any of these 3 scenarios:
- Level of consciousness declines
- Any injury occurs
- Any question as to the person’s health
Download the Low Blood Glucose flyer.
What do I need to know about high blood sugar?
High blood sugars typically take time to occur. This is not rapid like low blood sugar. However, high blood sugar can still cause damage to the body systems and also needs to be addressed.
How do I prevent a hyperglycmic event?
Awareness is still key. Understand what high blood sugar signs and symptoms look like. Then take action to follow doctor recommendations for management. Please see the handout below on high blood sugar for quick tips.. Always seek emergent care if either of these occur:
- any level of consciousness declines
- there is not a clear plan of treatment and/or action
Download the High Blood Glucose flyer.
*This information is for educational purposes only and in no way intended to replace medical orders or treatment. Always seek medical attention for any questions/concerns.
You may also like NovoCare Education and Resources https://diabeteseducation.novocare.com.
