How to Know if Your Blood Sugar is Low or High?

Patients often ask, 'Sir, how can I tell if my blood sugar is low or high?'

Based on 25 years of experience, I say the body's signals come before the reports!

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia <70 mg/dL): - Sudden hunger, cold sweat - Shaking, weakness, blackout - Irritability, confusion, forgetting to speak

Causes include missing meals, taking pills/insulin too early, or excessive exercise.

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia >180 mg/dL): - Dry mouth, frequent urination - Fatigue, blurred vision, weight loss despite hunger

Caused by incorrect diet, missed medication, or stress.

What to do at home: 1. Measure fasting and post-meal sugar 2–3 times a week. 2. Keep a symptoms diary noting "Low" or "High". 3. If sudden sweating, shaking, or dry mouth occurs, check sugar immediately. 4. After changing medicines or diet, monitor the pattern.

Scientific Targets (ADA): - Fasting: 80–130 mg/dL - Post-meal: <180 mg/dL - Below 70 mg/dL = Hypo (Danger)

"Reports come later; the body signals first. Recognize these signs to avoid complications!"

Share this post with your family and friends because sugar is not just numbers; it signals your lifestyle!

Dr Ravindra L. Kulkarni, MD, DNB, FSCAI (Cardiology) Just For Hearts