A diabetes attack can happen to people with diabetes due to chronic conditions and side affects that occur when blood sugar is not controlled properly.
Diabetes mellitus is a condition caused by inadequate insulin production or the inability for the body to absorb insulin properly. The two most common diagnoses of diabetes mellitus are type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is caused because the pancreas organ is unable to produce enough insulin to metabolize blood sugar adequately. This type of diabetes is also called juvenile diabetes or insulin dependant diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is caused by the body’s inability to absorb insulin properly. This type of diabetes is also known as insulin resistant diabetes, non-insulin dependant diabetes or adult onset diabetes.
When diabetes is not controlled properly it can lead to a diabetes attack. There are several different types of complications that can occur when blood sugar is not controlled properly. A diabetes attack can even be fatal if left untreated.
Diabetes Heart Attack
A heart attack can occur due to complications from diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to muscle tissue. The heart is a major muscle in the body. According to the National Diabetes Clearing House (NDCH), “If you have diabetes, you are at least twice as likely as someone who does not have diabetes to have heart disease or a stroke. People with diabetes also tend to develop heart disease or have strokes at an earlier age than other people. If you are middle-aged and have type 2 diabetes, some studies suggest that your chance of having a heart attack is as high as someone without diabetes who has already had one heart attack.”
The NDCH goes on to explain that diabetes is considered an automatic risk factor for heat attack, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. People with diabetes need to pay close attention to cholesterol levels, increased body mass index, and high blood pressure. Diabetics who smoke are at even higher risk of diabetes heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes Attack Symptoms
Diabetes attack symptoms can come on quickly. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, contact your physician or seek medical help immediately.
- Unexplained confusion, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, or anxiousness.
- Extreme and unexplained hunger, thirst, or nausea.
- A noticeable change in any of the senses including blurred vision, double vision, decreased eye site, headaches, decreased hearing, ringing in the ears, or changes in taste. Additional symptoms can include numbness, tingling or pain in the hands or feet.
- Extremely high or extremely low blood sugar levels. Your physician will instruct you on what to do if your levels are not within normal limits. Follow your pre-set guidelines regarding extreme blood sugar levels.
- Diabetic seizures or convulsions.
- Chest pain or numbness, tingling, or pain in the arms.
Diabetes Hypo Attack
A diabetic hypoglycemia attack is caused when blood sugar plummets quickly. This can cause diabetic shock, coma and even death if untreated. It is necessary for blood sugar to be increased quickly and efficiently without throwing blood sugar back the other way into hyperglycemia.
Hypo attacks are typically treated with glucose syrup or a glucose tablet. Other options to treat a hypo attack are juice, a piece of candy, or a glass of soda. If you are having symptoms of a hypo attack, check your blood sugar immediately and follow the guidelines set by your physician to combat the attack.
There are several different types of diabetes attacks. Diabetic complications are much more common in people who are unable to control their diabetes well. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and are having a hard time controlling it, contact your physician to discuss alternative treatment plans, additional education, or a referral to a specialist. The best way to prevent a diabetic attack is to control diabetes well.
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