What's the connection between sugar and headaches? Read this article to learn more about us in detail.
A common sign of high or low blood sugar levels is headache. In this article, we will discuss the relationship between headache and sugar:
Headache and sugar
Rare headache attacks are not dangerous or cause for concern, but their recurrence on a regular basis in a diabetic patient may be an indication of issues with blood sugar levels.
The ups and downs in blood sugar levels over time can result in some severe side effects, like kidney failure and heart disease.
Therefore, identifying headaches brought on by poor blood sugar management can be the first step in avoiding more severe health issues.
However, it should be noted that not all diabetic patients will experience headaches; only those who are unwilling to keep their blood sugar levels within normal ranges will experience headaches, and diabetes-related headaches are frequently experienced, moderately severe headaches.
Headache and high sugar
Headaches caused by high blood sugar typically take several days to develop, and symptoms don't show up until levels are higher than 200 mg/dL.
Headache is an early sign of high blood sugar, and the pain can become more severe as the condition worsens. Indicators of high blood sugar include, among others:
- feeling sick
- Blurry vision.
- Extreme thirst and dehydration.
- increased urination
- extreme hunger
- Sores that do not heal.
Treatment of headache caused by high sugar
You can benefit from knowing how to treat a headache now that you are aware of the connection between sugar and headaches.
Some people may be able to control their headaches from high blood sugar by changing their lifestyles to include things like eating a healthy diet and exercising.
When your blood sugar is under control, you're more likely to experience fewer headaches. To manage their blood sugar, some people may need to take diabetes medications. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be necessary. ) useful.
Headache and low sugar
Blood sugar levels below 70 mg/dL are considered hypoglycemia, and unlike hyperglycemia, its symptoms, which include headaches, manifest suddenly.
The association between headache and sugar is explained by the fact that in such circumstances, headache is typically accompanied by additional hypoglycemia symptoms, such as the ones listed below:
- feeling dizzy
- excessive sweating
- sudden hunger
- Irritability and irritability.
- Feeling sick.
- extreme tiredness
- Anxiety and confusion.
Treat headaches caused by low sugar
When a diabetic's blood sugar levels are low, the American Diabetes Association advises taking 15-20 grammes of simple carbohydrates or glucose tablets and then testing again in 15 minutes for headaches.
Headaches might get better once your blood sugar levels are stable, and you can take painkillers if the pain doesn't go away.
Due to the risk of low blood sugar, which can cause serious complications like seizures and coma and necessitate adjusting medication dosages or types, it is crucial to regulate blood sugar levels.
Tips to reduce the incidence of diabetes-related headaches
Here are some suggestions to help you experience fewer headaches:
- Control your blood sugar levels
You can control high and low blood sugar by adhering to the above because it is closely related to how well you take the prescribed medications, how strictly you follow your diet, and how dedicated you are to exercising.
- Make sure to exercise regularly
You don't have to engage in vigorous exercise; instead, taking a 15-minute walk after lunch or dinner is one of the best and most suitable options. Walking also lessens headaches.
- Lose the extra weight
The effects of insulin are resisted by an obese body, which makes it challenging to keep your blood sugar levels stable and causes frequent headaches.
Therefore, it is advantageous for you to lose some excess weight.
Other things may cause headaches
Here are a few things that could be the source of your headaches:
- fever.
- infection.
- physical injuries.
- Hypertension.
- brain attack.
- Anxiety and stress.
- hormonal fluctuations
- eye problems
- Structural abnormalities within the brain.
When should you consult a doctor?
It is best to consult a specialist doctor to assess the situation and determine the best course of action if the headache is very severe or if you are unable to restore blood sugar levels despite following the advice.
Given that diabetes affects the kidneys and that individuals with kidney damage should avoid taking some painkillers, including ibuprofen, the doctor may order tests to determine the relationship between headache and blood sugar as well as to assess kidney function.