Does High Blood Sugar Cause Dizziness?

In people with diabetes, dizziness is one of the symptoms that can happen due to high blood glucose levels.

The level of dizziness can vary, from mild lightheadedness to feeling like the ground beneath you is tilting. Some describe the experience as if their head is spinning, even though they’re standing still.

This can leave you feeling unsteady or cause you to fall or pass out.

Although dizziness can also result from sudden drops in blood pressure and heart or circulatory conditions, this article will focus on dizziness resulting from high glucose levels and what you can do to address this health concern.

According to 2018 research, dizziness can be a symptom of undiagnosed diabetes or a symptom for those who already live with the condition, no matter the type of diabetes you have.

If you’re living with diabetes already, it can be a sign of either high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). It can be difficult to know how to respond to dizziness, depending on whether your blood sugar is high or low.

For people who have not been diagnosed with diabetes but may be experiencing dizziness, this can be a symptom of undiagnosed diabetes. In this case, you may want to reach out to a healthcare professional for an evaluation and diagnosis.

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can lead to a number of symptoms, including dizziness, according to the American Diabetes Association. That range of may include:

• feeling very tired
• extreme thirst
• blurry vision
• needing to urinate (pee) more often
• sweet smelling or “fruity” breath
• increased hunger
• headache
• stomach aches
• vomiting
• unexplained weight loss

Dizziness can be caused by excessive urination when your glucose levels are too high. Urination is one of the ways the body rids itself of extra glucose in the bloodstream. Ultimately, this can cause dehydration and lead to dizziness.

People who do not have diabetes, or those who may be undiagnosed but experiencing high blood sugar symptoms, can also experience this dehydration effect. Being dehydrated from excessive urination can lead to dizziness.

How to treat hyperglycemia

For people with diabetes, it’s advisable to try the following if you’re experiencing higher blood sugars that may or may not be causing dizziness:

• Drink water or hydrating liquids to help flush out excess glucose.
• Physically move around after checking glucose levels.
• For insulin users, consider taking a dose of regular or fast-acting insulin to help lower glucose levels.

Extremely high glucose levels (above 240 milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL) can indicate diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA), which can cause diabetic coma and requires immediate medical attention. In the instance of DKA, physical exercise can actually drive glucose levels higher.

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Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugars (70 mg/dL and lower) can also cause dizziness.

When the brain experiences low glucose levels, it doesn’t receive enough fuel to function as it should. This can lead to mental confusion as well as feeling dizzy.

This effect can be experienced by people with type 1, type 2 diabetes, or LADA (latent autoimmune diagnosis in adults). It’s also possible for people without diabetes to experience hypoglycemia, which includes dizziness as a symptom.

How to treat hypoglycemia

For people with diabetes, it’s advisable to try the following when experiencing low blood sugars that may or may not be causing dizziness:

• Treat the hypoglycemia by bringing glucose levels up: A standard response is to use the rule of 15. Eat or drink 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (such as ½ cup of regular juice, or 3-4 glucose tabs). Then wait 15 minutes to check your glucose levels again. Repeat as needed until glucose levels are above 70 mg/dL.

When glucose levels are extremely low (less than 55 mg/dL) or don’t respond to the 15-15 treatment, a dose of glucagon may be needed. If glucose levels don’t respond to glucagon or no glucagon kit is available, you may need medical attention.

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Generally, an occasional dizzy spell that goes away quickly on its own is not a source of concern.

But if bouts of dizziness become a regular experience or don’t go away easily, you may need to consult with your doctor or healthcare team.

Persistent dizziness can indicate a serious health concern, including cardiovascular disease and circulatory conditions.

Dizziness can also cause you to fall, leading to injury or accidents. Injuries caused by dizziness can lead to additional negative health effects, according to 2014 research. Researchers note that this is especially a concern for anyone with weakened bones or a health condition that causes their body to take a longer time to heal.

Something as simple as standing up too quickly and experiencing a slight drop in blood pressure can cause dizziness. This type of dizziness corrects itself quickly and is generally not a concern.

Aside from hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, dizziness can also be caused by dehydration and overheating.

Persistent dizziness can be a sign of a more serious health concern, for people with and without diabetes. Those other health concerns may include:

• disruptions to blood circulations caused by heart disease or circulatory problems
• peripheral neuropathy
• inner ear problems caused by congestion, infection, or fluid buildup
• migraine
• neurological conditions, like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
• anxiety disorders, like panic attacks or agoraphobia
• anemia
• side effects of medication, especially drugs that lower blood pressure

Dizziness also raises the risk of falls, according to 2020 research. This can lead to broken bones or other injuries. And feeling dizzy while driving or operating heavy machinery increases the risk of having an accident.

Dizziness with diabetes can be a sign of high or low blood sugar, but it can also signal something more serious.

Knowing what to look for can help uncover when dizziness is caused by diabetes and how to treat it, versus when it might be a more serious health concern that you should seek medical attention to help address.

Type 2 diabetes and dizziness: Causes and treatment

People with diabetes may experience dizziness, either as a symptom of the condition or as a result of dehydration or certain medications. A doctor can help determine the cause and how to manage or treat it.

Diabetes can cause low or high blood sugar, which can make people feel dizzy or lightheaded. High blood sugar can also lead to dehydration, as the body removes excess glucose from the blood through the urine, taking extra water with it.

Certain medications, including those that lower blood sugar, can also cause dizziness.

In this article, we look at the possible causes of dizziness in type 2 diabetes, other symptoms to be aware of, treatment options, and when to see a doctor.

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can occur in a person with diabetes. Low blood sugar levels, or low glucose levels, are those that fall below the healthy range.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), low blood sugar levels are usually below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), although this may be different for each individual.

Research suggests that 11–44% of people with diabetes experience dizziness as a symptom of low blood sugar.

Other signs of low blood sugar can include:

• shakiness
• feeling nervous or anxious
• sweating, chills, or clamminess
• irritability
• confusion
• increased heartbeat
• feeling lightheaded
• hunger
• nausea

Learn more about the symptoms of low blood sugar here.

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can also cause dizziness. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body may not be able to use insulin effectively enough to control blood sugar, leading to hyperglycemia.

According to research from the United Kingdom, in people using insulin to treat diabetes, about 27% and 22% reported feeling lightheaded or dizzy, respectively, as a result of high blood sugar.

Other symptoms of high blood sugar include:

• high levels of sugar in the urine
• frequent urination
• feeling more thirsty than usual

Learn more about the symptoms of high blood sugar here.

People with diabetes have a higher risk of dehydration due to high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar causes the kidneys to remove excess glucose from the blood through urine.

As the kidneys filter glucose out of the blood, they also remove water. This increased urination means that people with high blood sugar can become dehydrated more easily.

Dehydration can cause dizziness. Other symptoms of dehydration include:

• dry eyes
• dry mouth
• headaches
• thirst
• dark yellow urine
• tiredness

Learn more about the symptoms of dehydration here.

Certain drugs can cause dizziness, including diabetes medications that lower blood sugar.

Other medications that may cause dizziness include:

• diuretics
• SGLT2 inhibitors
• certain antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and gentamicin
• antifungals, such as amphotericin B and fluconazole
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• statins
• neuropathic pain relief medication, such as amitriptyline, duloxetine, and pregabalin

A person can discuss medication changes with a doctor. They should not stop taking medications or change their dosages unless the doctor instructs them to do so.

Learn about other possible causes of dizziness here.

It is important that people seek treatment for dizziness resulting from type 2 diabetes. Severe dizziness may affect everyday tasks and quality of life, and it can lead to falls.

Without treatment, some causes of dizziness may progress to serious complications. In severe cases, uncontrolled blood sugar levels may lead to a loss of consciousness or ketoacidosis, which requires emergency medical care.

Severe dehydration can also lead to life threatening complications without treatment.

By following a treatment plan, people can learn how to control the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and prevent dehydration and dizziness.

Anyone experiencing regular dizziness should contact a doctor. They may wish to consider keeping track of when they feel dizzy to help a doctor identify any patterns.

The doctor may carry out a physical examination and assess any other symptoms. They may check blood sugar levels and review the person’s medications to determine the cause of the dizziness.

Treating or managing the underlying causes of dizziness in type 2 diabetes may help resolve dizziness.

Monitoring blood sugar

Monitoring blood sugar can help people maintain levels within a healthy range. People can use a device called a blood glucose monitor, which measures blood glucose levels in a pinprick of blood from the fingertip.

Learn about glucose blood tests and healthy glucose levels here.

Low blood sugar: The 15:15 rule

Doctors may recommend that people with low blood sugar follow the 15:15 rule. The ADA explains that a person can take 15 grams (g) of carbohydrates and then check their blood sugar levels 15 minutes afterward. If blood sugar is still low, they should take another 15 g.

People can repeat this until their levels are within a normal range. Examples of carbohydrates that can raise low blood sugar efficiently include:

• glucose tablets or glucose gel, which a person should take according to the instructions on the label
• a half cup of juice or non-diet soda
• 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
• hard candies, such as jelly beans or gumdrops

It is important to avoid using complex carbohydrates to treat low blood sugar in an emergency, as these can slow down the time it takes for the body to absorb glucose. The same applies to carbohydrates with fat, such as chocolate.

Once blood sugar levels have returned to a healthy level, a person can eat a healthy snack to prevent their levels from dropping again.

Carbohydrate levels may vary for each individual, and children will need less than 15 g to treat low blood sugar. People can discuss a specific treatment strategy for low blood sugar with a doctor.

Low blood sugar: Glucagon

In severe cases of low blood sugar, when the 15:15 approach is insufficient, people may need glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone that the pancreas produces to release stored glucose. A person can speak with their doctor to check whether they require prescription glucagon.

Learn more about how insulin and glucagon regulate blood sugar levels here.

High blood sugar: Diet and exercise advice

People with high blood sugar may be able to lower their levels through exercise and eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet with smaller portions.

If a person’s blood sugar level is higher than 240 mg/dl, it may not be safe for them to exercise because ketones may be present in the urine. Ketones are waste products that the body creates when it uses fats as fuel instead of glucose.

Exercising with ketones in the urine may cause blood sugar levels to increase even further. A buildup of ketones can also lead to a life threatening condition called ketoacidosis.

A doctor can offer advice on a safe treatment plan for lowering blood sugar.

Learn some healthy meal plans for people with diabetes here.

High blood sugar: Hydration

Managing high blood sugar may also help treat dehydration. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help the body stay well-hydrated. For more severe cases of dehydration, people may need to replenish their electrolytes.

It is best to avoid sugary drinks or fruit juices, as these could increase blood sugar levels.

Learn about the 20 most hydrating foods here.

Medications

If medications are causing dizziness, a doctor may be able to alter the dosage or suggest an alternative. It is important that people do not stop taking any medication without speaking with a doctor.

Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

• excessive thirst
• excessive and frequent urination
• excessive hunger
• unexplained weight loss
• fatigue
• blurry vision
• nausea
• slow healing of wounds or cut

Learn more about the possible symptoms and complications of diabetes here.

Type 2 diabetes can cause low or high blood sugar and dehydration, all of which can cause people to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Certain medications, including those for diabetes, may also cause dizziness.

Anyone with type 2 diabetes who experiences frequent or severe dizziness should discuss this symptom with a doctor. Dizziness could be a sign of uncontrolled blood sugar or dehydration, both of which can cause severe complications without treatment.

Depending on the underlying cause, a doctor may suggest changing to an alternative medication or taking steps to manage blood sugar or avoid dehydration.

Read this article in Spanish.

Dizziness in diabetes mellitus

Posted by
Author:
Alexey Borisov

Type 2 diabetes is often called the disease of the 20th-21st century or the disease of civilization. Indeed, this type of diabetes is a lesion of insulin receptors, which are often simply “overloaded” with work. Indeed, for the most part, the population leads a sedentary lifestyle, and we practically do not deny ourselves food (compared to the period before the development of civilization). In any case, sugar and pastries are frequent guests of our tables. As a result, many have diabetes by the age of 50-55.

Contents :

1. A bit about diabetes
2. Diabetes and dizziness
3. Video by author
4. What to do?

A little bit about diabetes

Structurally, part of our body’s cells are arranged in such a way that they require insulin and receptors for it in order to feed on sugar. This is adipose tissue, and muscles, and bones, and the liver, and other internal organs. In diabetes, the “lock” breaks down – the insulin receptor (it is the “lubrication” of the lock that antidiabetic drugs do). As a result, the concentration of sugar in the blood rises. At the same time, there are other types of tissue. Which absorb sugar by diffusion, that is, how much sugar is in the blood, so much enters the cell. This is the nervous tissue, first of all, as well as the inner wall of blood vessels, the retina of the eye or the so-called insulin-independent tissues.

Excess sugar damage to insulin-independent tissues causes most of the symptoms of diabetes.

Diabetes and dizziness

I will not list all the symptoms of diabetes in detail, because the site is dedicated to a different problem. I will only tell you about dizziness and impaired coordination of movements in diabetes mellitus.

As mentioned above, excess sugar damages the most three types of tissues: nervous tissue (directly), vessel wall, retina. Indirect damage to the vessel wall disrupts the nutrition of various tissues, including the brain and small nerves of the limbs. What do we get?

We get damage to many organ systems. This is directly the brain with vestibular structures. This is where we get the dizziness in the first place. Secondly, the sensitivity of the skin of the feet is disturbed, the so-called diabetic polyneuropathy develops. As a result, a person does not feel the “ground under his feet.” These disturbances in proprioceptive (deep) sensation cause disturbances in gait and throwing to the sides when walking. Well, the third, slightly less important, moment. Visual disturbances. A person with diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina) is simply more difficult to navigate in space, he does not notice some objects of the surrounding space, tritely stammering about them, which, of course, also does not contribute to stability.

Also, sharp drops in blood sugar levels (and they often occur in diabetics) against the background of physical activity, by themselves can cause dizziness, primarily of a non-systemic nature, nausea, and weakness.

Author’s video

What to do?

Everyone naturally has a question – what to do to avoid dizziness in diabetes? The answer is ambiguous. Ideally, to prevent the development of diabetes in principle. This is especially true for people with a hereditary predisposition: a strict diet and regular physical activity are the key to health.

If the disease already exists, very strict control of blood glucose levels is necessary. It is also necessary to control concomitant diseases (diseases of the cardiovascular system, damage to the liver, kidneys, etc.), which themselves can lead to dizziness.

Among the methods of treating existing problems, several groups of drugs should be noted. From the symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy, the most reliable and high positive effect is achieved with the use of thioctic acid preparations (Berlition, Thioctacid preparations), preparations of B vitamins, fibrates (for example, Traykor). With the existing vascular and dysmetabolic processes of the brain, manifested by dizziness, it is reasonable to use vertigolitics (betahistines, the original drug Betaserc), vascular drugs such as vinpocetine (the original drug Cavinton), cinnarizine (the original drug Stugeron), etc.

It is also important and necessary to correct vision both with the help of glasses and with the use of all kinds of eye drops, vitamin complexes that support the condition of the retina.

Well, no one has canceled the methods of vestibular rehabilitation and lifestyle correction (weight loss, diet, etc.). Remember, your health depends, first of all, on you, and only you can sometimes affect the state of the body. Stay healthy and don’t let the earth slip from under your feet!

Symptoms of Diabetes ⋆ Prof. Dr. Alper Celik

Diabetes is basically the result of an imbalance between blood sugar and the hormone insulin, which allows that sugar to be used in the cells. As a result of the disease, sugar is not used as it should be in the cells, so blood sugar begins to circulate freely in the blood. Over time, the circulatory network in the body damages wherever the vessels pass, including the vessels themselves. The disease can be fatal in the long run because it destroys blood vessels and organs. Diabetes is an insidious disease and, as a rule, becomes noticeable only after it has settled in the body. When one or more of the following symptoms are noticed, a doctor should be consulted.

What are the symptoms of diabetes and why does it appear?

• Urination frequency: When insulin is not secreted properly or blood cells resist insulin, blood sugar cannot be used by the cells. Since it is not normal for excess sugar to circulate freely in the veins in this way, the kidneys will work faster to clear the blood sugar. Thus, symptoms such as urinary frequency and urinary incontinence are quite common in diabetic patients.
• Excessive thirst : When the insulin hormones are not working, blood sugar utilization activity causes a need for water. The body needs to constantly repair itself, which creates severe fluid loss. It is especially normal to see excessive thirst after urination.
• Sudden weight loss : Diabetes is a disease that can develop depending on being overweight. Weight loss can take place when urine is continuously expelled. However, it is worth noting that this is not healthy weight loss. When blood sugar levels rise uncontrollably, it will also become impossible for the fats stored in the body to melt. In this case, weight loss occurs when the muscles are destroyed. Often in diabetic patients, the fats in the abdomen do not melt and the muscles weaken and, as a result, lose weight.
• Intense hunger : muscle breakdown, urinary frequency and release of ketone bodies lead to hunger. After a sudden loss of weight and energy, the body will want to recover the losses. Sugar meets energy needs, but this cannot happen if it cannot enter the cells. Thus, it makes the metabolism feel a constant need for food. In this case, the feeling of hunger is quite normal to see. Diabetic patients may feel sudden hunger and an uncontrollable desire for dessert. Since the body is constantly losing energy, satiety cannot be felt even if the food is taken intensively.
• Blurred vision : As mentioned, when glucose levels rise, water loss occurs in the body. The lens of the eye is also one of the areas where water loss occurs. Thus, blurred vision is one of the most common symptoms of diabetes. People with this condition may have difficulty focusing on objects. Indeed, visual loss may be temporary or permanent in the later stages of the disease.
• Infection: Infections may occur in various parts of the body after diabetes and existing infections may progress. The biggest reason for this is that the skin cannot regenerate itself. The infection is common among diabetics, so the wounds become difficult to heal. In particular, the treatment of inflammation of the kidneys is more difficult in diabetes.
• Skin problems : Increased infection during diabetes, water consumption in cells and difficulty regenerating the body can cause skin diseases. Itching can occur due to a yeast infection in the skin. It also makes it difficult to close wounds on the skin. Dry skin is also often observed due to diabetes. In this process, even a small wound on the skin can become difficult to heal due to the risk of infection. Skin problems caused by diabetes are especially visible in the legs.
• Menstrual problems : Diabetes can cause menstrual delay in women. Type 2 diabetes in particular can cause menstrual irregularities due to insulin resistance. Menstrual delays or frequency may occur during this process.
• Fatigue and weakness : When insulin hormones are not released in a balanced way, the body makes a serious effort to remove sugar from the blood. In this case, fatigue and weakness are normal. Fatigue is considered one of the main symptoms of diabetes, as the body is constantly moving water through the cells and is in intense activity. These fatigues can lead to fainting from time to time.
• Depression : Depression is a mental disorder, but it also depends on the hormonal balance of the body. A persistent and unprovoked state of depression can be a symptom of diabetes.
• Stress : Stress can become unavoidable when the body’s hormonal balance is disturbed. Breakouts are one of the most obvious symptoms of diabetes. If a tantrum is followed by symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, the risk of diabetes is high.

What to do when symptoms of diabetes are visible?

Finding one or more of the above symptoms may not always be a sign of diabetes. These symptoms can also be seen regularly or as a symptom of other illnesses. However, this is not worth the risk. If these symptoms are seen frequently and intensely, a doctor should be consulted. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat.

What is latent diabetes and what are its symptoms?

Diabetes may not present with obvious symptoms in some cases. The first stage of diabetes is defined by many doctors as latent diabetes. At this stage, the above symptoms are not seen significantly.