Ask An Expert: Low. vs. High Blood Sugar
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
Ask An Expert: Low. vs. High Blood Sugar
Question:
In a type 1 diabetic, are the dangers of too-low blood sugar more than too-high blood sugar?
Answer:
For a type 1 diabetic, both low sugars and high sugars can be life threatening.
A low blood sugar can result in confusion or a coma, and if it is not quickly treated, it can cause lasting brain injury or death.
A high blood sugar can result in life-threatening dehydration, because the kidneys make more urine than is appropriate when the sugar is high. High blood sugar also can be associated with a complication known as ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis occurs when a person with type 1 diabetes has less insulin than is needed to process glucose — in this case, the liver produces fuels that can substitute for glucose, called ketones. Ketones change the acidity of the bloodstream, which can result in low blood pressure, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Ketoacidosis that is not quickly treated with intravenous fluid and insulin can be fatal.
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
| Last updated: | January 24, 2007 |
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Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
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