Diet and Disease Signs and Symptoms By: Dan Remley, Ph.D., Regional Nutrition Specialist, February 2001 Adapted from Novo Nordisk educational material

Family Nutrition Education Programs Nutrition and Lifeskills for Missouri Families

Hypoglycemia (Low blood sugar) 

• Shaking 
• Fast Heartbeat 
• Sweating 
• Impaired Vision 
• Anxious v Dizziness 
• Hunger 
• Weakness, Fatigue 
• Headache 
• Irritable

What should you do if blood sugar is low? Test your blood sugar. Treat low blood sugar with 15 gm Carbohydrates such as ½ cup juice, hard candy, glucose tablets, or glucose gel. If symptoms persist after 15 minutes or if reading is still low, treat again. Follow up with regular meal or a snack after symptoms go away. If symptoms don't stop call your doctor.

Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)

• Blurred Vision 
• Drowsiness 
• Frequent Urination 
• Dry Skin 
• Extreme Thirst 
• Hunger 
• Nausea

What can you do? Test your blood sugar. If symptoms don't stop call your doctor. Test for ketones if blood sugar is over 250, and call your doctor.

Related Topics

• Diabetes Facts
• Help for Type I Diabetes
• Help for type II Diabetes
• The Basics of Diabetes
• Diabetes PowerPoint Presentation
• Diabetes Post-Test

Other Diet and Disease Educational Support Materials:
Cancer  Diabetes  Heart Disease  Hypertension 
Osteoporosis  Phytochemicals