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Problems that diabetes can cause and how to avoid them
Controlling diabetes is all about keeping control of your blood glucose levels. The problems of diabetes are caused when your control slips.
Problem number 1 : hypos
Hypo means low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia).
It is difficult to avoid hypos completely but if your diabetes is well managed you should have no more than 1-2 mild hypos per week.
The symptoms of a hypo can vary between people. A severe hypo will end in unconsciousness/coma and is a medical emergency.
"I have learned what a hypo feels like, and as soon as I feel it starting I make sure I eat a snack to get my glucose levels up"
Sarah 16
Problem number 2: feeling awful
If your blood glucose is out of control then you will probably feel very unhealthy and feel tired all the time.
Well controlled glucose often makes people 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.
Problem number 3: hyperglycaemia
This is the opposite of problem number 1!
Hyperglycaemia means high blood glucose, and it isn't good for you anymore than low blood glucose is.
There is a risk of a diabetic coma if your blood glucose levels are very high.
Future health problems
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. Medical research has shown that you can significantly reduce your chance of developing them by careful control of your blood glucose.
Remember - good control of blood glucose helps you avoid all of the problems of diabetes
