Blood sugar refers to the glucose that is present in the blood of an individual. It is transported from the intestines to body cells, through the bloodstream. Blood sugar serves as one of the most important sources of energy for the body. The concentration of blood sugar, also known as glucose level, in the body is regulated with the help of insulin. Blood sugar level falling in the range of 70-120 is considered healthy. If the level persists to be anywhere above or below it, then it means that the person is suffering from either high or low blood sugar level.
If, for any reasons, the level of insulin in the body increases, it leads to a drop in the sugar levels, in other words, the condition gives rise to low blood sugar, which is medically termed as hypoglycemia. On the other hand, if there is a decrease in the insulin levels, it may lead to high blood sugar levels, which is medically termed as hyperglycemia. In either case, it is necessary to act quickly and seeks doctor’s advice, because both the conditions might trigger a number of health problems, if left untreated for a long time. In the following lines, we will tell you the causes and symptoms of high as well as low blood sugar.
Signs & Symptoms of High & Low Blood Sugar
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
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Frequent urination
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Lethargy
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Nausea
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Extreme hunger
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Too much thirst
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Blurred vision
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Dry mouth
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Persistent infections
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Impotence
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Slow healing of wounds
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Inexplicable weight loss
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Dry itchy skin
Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar
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Cold sweat
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Confusion
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Constant craving for food
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Distorted eyesight
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Exhaustion
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Fast heartbeat
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Fretfulness
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Giddiness
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Headaches
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Lack of concentration
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Numbness in lips
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Periods of unconsciousness
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Quivering
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Seizures
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Sweating
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Tetchiness
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Tingling sensation in body parts
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Weakness
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Wooziness
Causes of High & Low Blood Sugar
Causes of High Blood Sugar
Causes of Low Blood Sugar
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Too little food
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Over medication
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More activity than usual
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Long gap between meals and snacks
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Excessive Consumption of Alcohol
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Excessive insulin in the blood
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Disease in Adrenal Glands
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Weakened Pituitary Glands
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Malnutrition
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Fasting
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Severe malfunctioning of lever
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Lack of Carbohydrate in the diet
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Weight Loss
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Renal Failure
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Inadequate Adrenal Secretion
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Problem caused by stomach surgery
Checking Your Blood Sugar
The following blood glucose laboratory tests can help your keep a check on your blood sugar levels.
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Fasting blood sugar (ie, glucose) test (FBS)
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Urine glucose test
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Two-hr postprandial blood sugar test (2-h PPBS)
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Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
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Intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT)
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Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C)
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Self-monitoring of glucose level via patient testing