What Causes Unstable Blood Sugar?

The article was consulted professionally with Doctor of Department of Examination & Internal Medicine, Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

Unstable blood sugar, too low or too high, can have adverse effects on the health of the patient. In the case of hypoglycemia, the patient can appear comatose, even leading to death. In case of excessively high blood sugar, it can lead to dangerous complications to parts of the body.

Keeping blood sugar stable plays a key role in preventing or slowing the development of diabetes as well as its complications.
According to a study by the American Diabetes Association, a safe blood sugar level for diabetics is:
Before meals: 90 - 130 mg/dL (5.0 - 7.2 mmol/L). 1-2 hours after a meal: less than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L). Before going to bed: 110 – 150 mg/dL (6.0 – 8.3 mmol/L).

2.1. Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia can be explained when blood sugar levels drop below a safe level, not enough to supply the body to function. Hypoglycemia often occurs in people with diabetes due to complications in the treatment of the disease. When hypoglycemia occurs, the organs in the body do not have enough energy, causing the activities to stall.
Although it is still possible to maintain activities through energy obtained from some other sources such as proteins and lipids, this is only temporary. On the other hand, hypoglycemia seriously affects the functioning of cells and red blood cells, two parts that depend entirely on the energy provided by glucose. Therefore, hypoglycemia needs to be detected and treated promptly, if prolonged, it can lead to complications that cause severe brain damage, even death.
2.2. Hyperglycemia Hyperglycemia is a condition when blood sugar levels are too high, and if there is no timely treatment, there is a high possibility of damage to important parts of the body such as the heart. , kidneys, eyes or nerves. In particular, diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar syndrome are evaluated as the two most serious complications caused by hyperglycemia.
Ketosis occurs due to high blood glucose levels, the body does not have enough insulin to function, so it mobilizes energy by breaking down the fat structure, causing the formation of waste products, also known as waste products. are ketones. The excessive accumulation of ketones will cause acute complications of ketoacidosis. Ketosis is common in people with type 1 diabetes, causing the patient's body to become dehydrated, even confused, and not clear in the mind.
Hyperosmotic syndrome, which occurs when sugar levels exceed 600mg/dl (33 mmol/l), is common in people with type 2 diabetes. This syndrome makes it impossible for the body to use it. Sugar, when entering the body, is immediately eliminated through urination. People with hyperosmolar syndrome often urinate often, causing severe dehydration, in addition, they may show symptoms of convulsions, loss of vision, hallucinations.

3.1 Improper diet Diet is one of the core causes of blood sugar instability. Pay attention to monitor and adjust the appropriate dosage when using caffeinated beverages, sports drinks, foods with carbohydrate ingredients, dried fruits; These are all foods that can raise blood sugar levels.
It is necessary to increase the use of plant-based foods containing carbohydrates, which are often found in vegetables, whole grains ... to help reduce pressure on the body because they increase blood sugar slowly, reduce the speed sugar into the blood, in addition to help increase the performance of the pancreas and restore health.
3.2 Pressure, stress Being under pressure and stress for a long time causes the body to produce substances that cause blood sugar to rise. This condition is quite common in people with type 2 diabetes.
3.3 Improper living regimen The improper living, eating, sleeping and resting time for a long time increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Lack of sleep causes the body's biological clock to be disturbed, leading to an increase in the hormone cortisol - a cause of stress and unstable blood sugar.
Regularly skipping breakfast will cause blood sugar to drop, leading to cravings for sweets. Eating a lot of sweets will increase blood sugar levels, and increase the likelihood of diabetes.
3.4 Using medicine to treat the disease Some drugs such as corticosteroids, prednisone can treat skin rashes, arthritis, asthma; depression medication; birth control pills; In addition to the treatment of the disease, it can increase blood sugar in the blood, so it is necessary to pay attention and use the drug only when prescribed by a doctor.
In short, unstable blood sugar can cause health consequences for patients. Therefore, as soon as they notice signs of unstable blood sugar, patients should go to a medical facility for timely examination and treatment. Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consulting services. , comprehensive treatment, professional; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.