Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by elevated blood sugar, or glucose, levels. This results in a variety of symptoms and problems, some of which are potentially life-threatening. A headache is a common sign of either high or low blood glucose. While headaches are not hazardous in and of themselves, they can indicate that your blood sugar is out of range. Diabetes may be to blame if you suffer from frequent headaches. Determine whether diabetes is causing your headache so that you can take appropriate action.
Recognize Headaches
Children and adults alike suffer from headaches. Indeed, headaches are the most often reported source of discomfort. Additionally, they are a primary source of lost work and school days. Headaches are a common occurrence in the American population, although they have a variety of reasons.
Primary or secondary headaches are classified. Primary headaches develop when pain signals are sent to the brain by brain cells or neurons, blood vessels, or muscles around the head. Migraines and tension headaches are both frequent occurrences. Does diabetes give you headaches?
Secondary headaches, on the other hand, are not triggered directly by the above-mentioned pain signals. These forms of headaches are thought to be caused by underlying medical diseases or disorders. Diabetes is one factor that contributes to secondary headaches.
Other possible causes include the following:
- febrile illness or infection
- injury
- hypertension, or elevated blood pressure
- stroke
- fear or dread
- fluctuating hormone levels, such as those experienced during the menstrual period
- abnormalities of the eyes
- irregularities in the brain’s structure
Just as the causes of secondary headaches vary, so does the pain associated with them. Diabetes-related headaches are often moderate to severe in severity and are reported to occur frequently. These headaches may indicate that your blood glucose level is either high or abnormally low. Getting your blood sugar under control is a good place to start. A second step may be to use over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Headaches and Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is a term that refers to elevated blood glucose levels. Many people have no symptoms even when their blood sugar levels are elevated. A headache caused by elevated blood glucose typically develops over several days. As a result, symptoms are frequently delayed.
Headaches are a precursor to hyperglycemia. As your illness worsens, the pain may become more acute. Additionally, if you have a history of hyperglycemia, a headache may be an indication that your blood sugar needs to be checked.
Additional early indications of hyperglycemia include the following:
Exhaustion Blurred Vision
Excessive thirst and dehydration Increased urination Excessive hunger Non-healing sores. In certain individuals, hyperglycemia can be treated with lifestyle modifications such as a good diet and exercise. Certain individuals must also take drugs to control their blood sugar. When your blood sugar is under control, you will likely experience fewer headaches.
Headaches and Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, is defined as blood sugar levels less than 70 mg/dL. Unlike hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia often manifests itself suddenly. This includes headaches, which may appear to occur spontaneously as your blood sugar drops.
In such instances, headaches are frequently accompanied by other hypoglycemic symptoms, such as:
- dizziness
- shakiness
- excessive perspiration
- unexpected hunger
- irritability
- nausea
- extreme exhaustion
- weakness
- concern or perplexity
Before you can treat a headache caused by hypoglycemia, you must ascertain if it is caused by low blood glucose. If a blood glucose test indicates that you have low blood sugar, the American Diabetes Association recommends eating 15 to 20 grams of simple carbs or glucose tablets and then monitoring your blood sugar again for 15 minutes. Once your blood sugar levels return to normal, your headache pain may subside. If the discomfort persists, you may need to use over-the-counter pain medication. Contact your doctor immediately if your headache is severe or if you are unable to restore normal blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia, if left untreated, can result in life-threatening consequences such as seizures and coma. You can check out a doctor for diabetes near me before going to any doctor.
Is a Severe Headache the Result of Diabetes Or Of Something Else?
Diabetes is by no means the sole cause of headaches. If you have diabetes, your odds of experiencing headaches are likely to be larger than those who do not. This is especially true if you have uncontrolled diabetes. By monitoring your blood glucose levels, you’ll likely experience fewer headaches and other diabetic symptoms. If your headaches persist despite proper diabetes treatment, you should consult a physician immediately.
Mcgowan and family health and Wellness Centre provides primary care for diabetes. Now weight loss is easy while having diabetes if you follow our advice. For assistance, you can call us anytime at (708) 480 9730.
