Blood sugar is the body’s primary energy source. Insulin plays a key role in regulating the blood glucose level and keeps it within a normal range. Uncontrolled blood sugar also known as Dysglycemia is when insulin doesn’t work as it should and (blood sugar) glucose stays in the blood. This creates high blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia. Blood sugar can also go too low. This is a condition known as hypoglycemia.
Hyperglycemia in Diabetes:
Resistance to the action of insulin or deficiency of insulin can lead
to hyperglycemia.
Common complications of high blood sugar
l Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy affects the eye, especially the blood vessels
around the retina, leading to vision loss or blindness.
l Diabetic Nephropathy
Diabetic Nephropathy affects the kidneys, causing them to lose
function, leading to kidney failure over time, requiring dialysis
or transplant.
l Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic Neuropathy affects the nerves, causing numbness in the
feet, legs, hands, or arms. It can further damage nerves, affecting
the digestive, reproductive, urinary systems and heart.
l Diabetic Foot-Ulcers
Diabetic Foot Ulcers are open sores that develop on different parts
the feet due to nerve damage, poor blood circulation, and infec
tion. They can be very difficult to heal and, when left untreated,
can lead to gangrene or amputation.
l Heart attack and stroke
High blood sugar for a period can damage the blood vessels. This
may lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Hypoglycemia in diabetes:
This is often related to medications for diabetes treatment or when
the intake of sugar is insufficient or delayed
Common complications of low blood sugar
Symptoms
lLow blood sugar causes hunger, shakiness, sweating, dizziness,
headache, confusion, irritability, or fainting
lBrain damage
lLow blood sugar can deprive the brain of oxygen and sugar,
damaging brain cells and causing cognitive impairment or
neurological disorders
lComa
lLow blood sugar causes loss of consciousness that can further
result in brain damage, organ failure, or death.
Cardiac arrest
l Low blood sugar can affect the heart rhythm and blood
pressure, causing cardiac arrhythmias, heart attack,
or cardiac arrest.
l Ways to control high blood sugar
l Adhere to the outlined treatment plan
l Monitor the blood sugar levels regularly
l Exercise regularly and stay physically active
l Drink plenty of water and have a balanced diet
l Manage stress and practice relaxation techniques
Ways to control low blood sugar
l Limit or avoid alcohol intake
l Avoid skipping meals or fasting
l Carry a source of fast-acting sugar tablet
l Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace
l Supervise the blood sugar levels at intervals
Blood sugar is a vital component of the body’s metabolism and health. However, it causes irreversible damage to various organs and systems when it becomes too high or too low. Therefore, it is essential to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and follow the treatment plan prescribed by healthcare experts to prevent or manage dysglycemia. While it may prove to be difficult, patients can seek guidance from peer groups, support programs and associations that provide education and support for people living with diabetes or prediabetes.
(The author, Dr Mohammed Riyaz, is from Esani Diabetic Centre in Tolichowki, Hyderabad.)
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Surge in influenza cases
Seasonal influenza ( the flu) is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Seasonal epidemics (the rise of cases) occur mainly during the winter and rainy seasons. Influenza spreads easily between people when they cough or sneeze, with rapid transmission in crowded areas including schools and nursing homes.
Dr. Usha Gaddam, MBBS,DNB (Family Medicine), Apollo Clinic highlighted that of being witnessed over 25 cases per week. “The symptoms usually begin around 2 days after being infected by someone who has the virus. The symptoms include a cold, cough, sudden onset of fever, headache, malaise, muscle and joint pains and sore throat. Cough could also be severe and last up to 2 weeks or more,” shares Dr. Usha.
People at greater risk of severe disease or complications when infected are pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, older people and people with chronic medical conditions and immunosuppressive conditions (cardiac, pulmonary, renal, diabetes and HIV).
Most people will recover from the flu on their own. However, people with severe symptoms or other medical conditions should seek medical care. In severe cases influenza can lead to pneumonia and sepsis. Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza. The flu vaccine is a yearly vaccine. Immunity from vaccination goes away over time so yearly vaccination is recommended.
Annual vaccinations are recommended for
lPregnant women
lChildren 6 months to 5 years
lPeople over 65 years age
lPeople with chronic medical conditions
lHealth workers
Other ways to prevent influenza
lWash and dry hands properly
lCover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
lDispose tissue correctly
lStay home when feeling unwell
lAvoid close contact with sick people
lAvoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
