HbA1c: also known as “glycated” haemoglobin. This is a measure of the level of glucose circulating in your blood over the past 2-4 months. Haemoglobin is the protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the cells. Haemoglobin and glucose “join” (glycate) together. The HbA1c test represents the amount of glucose that “sticks” to the red blood cells, and because red blood cells last up to 120 days, the test gives you an average of the level of glucose in your blood over this time (2-4 months).
The value given is represented at a % i.e. the % of red blood cells that are stuck together. The higher the %, the higher the amount of circulating glucose. HbA1c levels should ideally be <7% to prevent diabetes related complications.
Hyperglycaemia: “hyper” means high; gly = glucose; aemia = blood: therefore hyperglycaemia means HIGH BLOOD GLUCOSE levels. Normally symptoms of hyperglycaemia will only appear if the blood glucose (sugar) level is greater than 11.0mmol/l.
The causes of hyperglycaemia are:
- Not using enough insulin or oral diabetes medication
- Not injecting insulin properly or missing an insulin injection
- Not following your diabetes eating plan
- Being inactive
- Having an illness or infection
- Using certain medications, such as steroids
- Being injured or having surgery
- Experiencing emotional stress, such as family conflict or workplace challenges
The symptoms of hyperglycaemia are:
- Frequent urination (needing to go to the toilet more often than normal)
- Increased thirst
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue (unusual tiredness)
- Headache
If hyperglycaemia is left untreated it can be serious and can result in Diabetic Keto-acidosis (DKA) or Hyperosmolar State. Read on hyperglycaemia.
Hypoglycaemia: “hypo” means low; gly = glucose; aemia = blood: therefore hypoglycaemia means LOW BLOOD GLUCOSE levels. Symptoms will normally appear when blood glucose (sugar) levels are less than 4.0mmol/l. The brain needs glucose (sugar) to function, so if your blood glucose level drops too much then this will affect your ability to function normally. If left untreated it can lead to a coma. Click here for information on how to treat hypoglycaemia. [This will be a section in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes]
The causes of hypoglycaemia are:
- Taking too much medication especially too much insulin
- Not eating / missing a meal
- Unplanned exercise
- Alcohol
- Vomiting
The early warning signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia are:
- Feeling shaky
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Pounding heart; racing pulse
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Feeling hungry
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Pale skin
- Anxiety
Hypertension: HIGH blood pressure: i.e. the pressure of the blood flowing through your blood vessels is HIGH. This can lead to heart attacks, strokes and kidney damage. Read more information on hypertension.