Symptoms & Diagnosis
Understanding the Warning Signs and Numbers
7. Symptoms of High and Low Blood Sugar
High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)
- Excessive thirst (Polydipsia) - drinking lots of water.
- Frequent urination (Polyuria) - especially at night.
- Extreme hunger (Polyphagia).
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Slow-healing wounds.
- Blurred vision.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) – EMERGENCY
Usually caused by taking too much medicine, delaying a meal, or excessive exercise.
- Sweating, shivering, palpitation (fast heartbeat).
- Dizziness, confusion, irritability.
- Extreme hunger.
Action: Eat 15g of fast sugar immediately (3 teaspoons of sugar/glucose powder, half cup juice/coke). Do NOT eat chocolate (fat slows absorption).
8. The Diagnostic Toolkit
HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin)
Why it's gold standard: It gives the average blood sugar level over the last 3 NOT require fasting. It tells you the "truth" that can't be cheated by just dieting for one day.
- < 5.7%: Normal
- 5.7% – 6.4%: Prediabetes
- ≥ 6.5%: Diabetes
Fasting & Post-Prandial (PP)
- Fasting: ≥ 126 mg/dL confirms diabetes.
- PP (2 hrs after meal): ≥ 200 mg/dL confirms diabetes.
Lipid Profile & Kidney Function (KFT)
Diabetes affects cholesterol and kidneys silently. These should be tested annually.
9. What Are My Control Targets?
Diabetes care is not "one size fits all." However, for most adults:
| Parameter | Ideal Target |
|---|---|
| Fasting Sugar | 80 – 130 mg/dL |
| Post-Meal Sugar | Less than 180 mg/dL |
| HbA1c | Less than 7.0% |
*Targets may be looser for elderly patients or those with heart conditions to avoid dangerous low blood sugar.