Keeping your blood glucose well controlled has many benefits, including:

Avoiding hypos

Hypos occur when your blood glucose falls too low. It is difficult to avoid hypoglycaemia completely when your diabetes is treated with insulin and, if your everyday blood glucose is fairly low, hypos may seem more of a risk.

The symptoms of a hypo vary between people, but normally include sweating, hunger, anxiety, shakes, paleness and a rapid heart beat. If not treated this can progress to aggressive or irrational behaviour and weakness. A severe hypo can include blurred vision, clumsiness, drowsiness or confusion and can be mistaken for drunkenness. A severe hypo will end in unconsciousness/coma and is a medical emergency.

Many people, however, find that it is the big swings in blood glucose, from very high to very low, which may lead to severe hypoglycaemia. When their blood glucose is well controlled they may feel mildly hypo slightly more often, but severe hypos are rarer.

Feeling better today

If you keep your blood glucose well controlled you may find that you feel fitter and have more energy. If your blood glucose has been high for some time this may take a few months to happen as your body may need to adjust to your new blood glucose levels, although some people feel much better almost immediately.

Reducing your risk of hyperglycaemia

There is a risk of a diabetic coma if your blood glucose levels are very high (hyperglycaemia). The next two pages talk about ketones, which are associated with hyperglycaemia.

Reducing your risk of future health problems

You have probably heard that, over time, diabetes can bring with it some extra health problems. Prolonged high blood glucose can damage the body, affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and circulation. It is best that you are aware of these potential problems. Medical research, however, has shown that you can significantly reduce your chance of developing them by careful control of your blood glucose.