Complications
Hypoglycaemia, in which blood sugar falls dangerously low – also known as a hypo – is a risk for everyone with diabetes. Not correcting a hypo can cause someone to lose consciousness, meaning they need an injection of glucagon to prompt the liver to release some of its stores of glycogen.
If left unmanaged, constant high levels of glucose in the blood can cause a lot of damage in the body. This is particularly problematic in the blood vessels themselves, which is why people with diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, with the tiny capillaries especially prone to injury. Issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet are common. Nerve damage can also occur, leading to sensations of tingling or burning in the extremities and also sexual dysfunction.
For this reason, early diagnosis and treatment, and monitoring to ensure management strategies are keeping blood glucose levels under control, are really important.
Practice point
- Find out some of the signs of a hypo and how to manage blood sugar.