The Basics
Managing your diabetes daily
Keeping track of glucose (blood sugar) and insulin daily is key to managing your diabetes. Click HERE to download a copy of the log sheet.
What is low blood sugar? How does low blood sugar make me feel?
Low blood sugar levels are called hypoglycemia. This happens when your sugar level is below 70 mg/dL. This can make you feel weak, sweaty or dizzy.
Causes of low blood sugar: not enough food, too much insulin or diabetes medications or extra activity
How it starts: very quickly, may lead to passing out
How it feels: shaking, fast heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, feeling anxious or irritable, hunger, vision changes, weakness, fatigue, headache
What to do: drink half a glass of juice or a regular soft drink or 1 glass of milk; or eat some soft candies
What is high blood sugar? How does high blood sugar make me feel?
High blood sugar levels are called hyperglycemia. This happens when your sugar level is above 180 mg/dL. Hyperglycemia can make you use the bathroom often, feel very thirsty or sick.
What causes it: too much food, too little insulin or diabetes medications, or stress.
How it starts: May start slowly.
May lead to a medical emergency if not treated.
How it feels: feeling very thirsty, need to use the bathroom often, dry skin, nauseous, blurry vision, sleepy, wounds that do not heal.
What to do: check your blood glucose, drink water, and call your doctor.
What should I do if I take the wrong insulin or the wrong dose?
Do not panic! Call your doctor or 911 right away, and check your glucose more often. If you did not take enough insulin, your sugar levels may be high. You may need more insulin. If you took too much insulin, you may need to eat more and check your sugar more often.