Diabetes continued
Low or High Blood Sugar Levels
Sometimes people's blood sugar levels can drop too low. For people who are not diabetic, there is a loss of energy and concentration. However, for a diabetic, if blood sugar gets too low, they can get confused, drowsy, trembly, or can have behaviour changes such as aggression, irritability or crying. They may be dizzy, have tingles around the mouth or tongue, get pale and weak and have blurred vision. They need to take some sugar or a sweet drink immediately, followed by some carbohydrate food such as a meal or snack of fruit or bread. If not treated quickly, they may may lose consciousness, in which case an ambulance must be called.

Sometimes blood sugar rises too high. This can be because the dose of insulin or tablets is too low, or because too much sugary or high carbohydrate food has been eaten, or if a person becomes very upset or stressed. At these times, a diabetic may be tired, thirsty, pass lots of urine and feel unwell.

Diabetes complications
Diabetics can live their whole lives without complications, keeping their diabetes in good control. However, there are complications that can occur. It is therefore essential that diabetics make sure they keep their blood sugar levels as close as possible to normal, do not smoke, have regular blood pressure checks, eat sensibly and exercise regularly.

The complications that can occur are:
Eyes
Sometimes blood vessels can be damaged, especially the tiny ones in the eyes. Even though someone's eyesight may be very good, there can be damaged blood vessels at the back of the eyeball (retinopathy). Diabetics must have full eye examinations every year. Go here to find out about retinopathy.
Blood vessels
Damaged blood vessels result in slow healing to cuts and scratches. Blood supply to legs and feet can be slowed down, resulting in loss of feeling in the feet or legs. Therefore, cuts in these parts of the body can be overlooked and get infected. In severe situations, this can result in severe infection that requires amputation of the leg or foot.
Heart
Arteries carrying blood to the heart can be narrowed by damaged blood vessels and result in heart problems.
Kidneys
Diabetics can suffer damaged kidneys if there is too much protein in their blood. In severe cases, this could cause one or both kidneys to fail.
Nerves
Nerve damage can be caused by too much sugar in the blood, resulting in loss of feeling, particularly in the feet. Diabetics may get foot injuries and not be aware of them because of this numbness.

Diabetics can enjoy a full and normal life, as long as they maintain good care and control of their diabetes. Diabetics must eat regularly, including carbohydrates. They select foods that dissolve gradually into the bloodstream rather than quick release. That way they are less likely to have their blood sugar levels drop in between meals. Regular exercise in especially important for diabetics because it helps lower blood sugar levels and keep weight under control.

Find out more about diabetes on http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/main.htm

Go here to read about diabetes and diet http://www.diabetes-and-diet.com/

Go here to read about diabetes and exercise http://familydoctor.org/351.xml