Hypoglycaemia and Hyperglycaemia Crisis
People with diabetes on insulin therapy or taking certain oral diabetes medications may experience hypoglycaemia. This occurs when there is mismatch of food intake, exercise and medications. It is important to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and treat it promptly to raise blood glucose to safe levels. Without proper treatment, blood glucose level can continue to fall and lead to more serious complications such as falls and loss of consciousness.
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include:
- Sweating
- Hunger
- Dizziness
- Feeling shaky
- Inability to concentrate or confusion
- Fast heartbeat
- Irritability
These symptoms need to be treated urgently with sugar intake which will resolve the symptoms rapidly.
Hyperglycaemic crisis is a serious condition caused by extremely high blood glucose levels, leading to severe dehydration. It is often triggered by acute illness, infection, or medication non-compliance and requires emergency/urgent treatment. People with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes can present with a hyperglycaemic crisis.
Symptoms of a hyperglycaemic crisis include:
- Persistent high blood glucose level (>33mmol/L for type 2 diabetes, and >14mmol/L of type 1 diabetes)
- Excessive thirst and dry mouth
- Increased urination
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
- Drowsiness or confusion
- Hallucinations
- Convulsions or Seizures
- Coma
Chronic Diabetes Complications
Uncontrolled diabetes, in the long term, can lead to damage of various organs such as the eyes, heart, kidneys and nervous system. Uncontrolled diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and lower limb amputation. Early detection, close monitoring and effective management of diabetes are key strategies in preventing and delaying the development of chronic diabetes complications.
