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A word from Blood Sugar Basics physician advisor
Dr. Farhad Zangeneh

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Think you're in the know about high and low blood sugar? Find out by taking our interactive Blood Sugar Basics quiz!

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Question 1 of 6 Sweating, nervousness or a pounding heartbeat can signal high blood sugar.

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Question 1 of 6 Sweating, nervousness or a pounding heartbeat can signal high blood sugar.

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These are all symptoms of low blood sugar, which can happen when you are taking certain medications. When a person’s blood sugar level falls too low, they may also feel shaky, confused, hungry, dizzy or tired. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, test your blood sugar right away. Next Question

Question 2 of 6 It is important to treat low blood sugar quickly by consuming a carbohydrate that contains sugar (like juice, hard candy or glucose tablets) because it can get worse, and you may even lose consciousness.

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Consuming 15 grams of a carbohydrate that contains sugar, such as juice or hard candy (for example, five Life Savers^® candies*), will help raise your blood sugar back to normal levels (above 70 mg/dL). Low blood sugar symptoms may be mild at first but can worsen quickly if not treated, which can cause you to lose consciousness and require emergency treatment. To learn more about managing low blood sugar, click here.

* Life Savers^® is a registered trademark of Wrigley. Next Question

Question 3 of 6 Long-term consequences of high blood sugar may include poor circulation and kidney damage that could lead to kidney failure and amputation.

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Long-term consequences of untreated high blood sugar may include kidney damage and amputation, as well as increased risk for heart disease and stroke. Click here to learn more about managing high blood sugar if you have experienced any symptoms or are having trouble managing your blood sugar click here. Next Question

Question 4 of 6 Dry mouth, thirst, fatigue, weight loss and frequent urination can signal low blood sugar.

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These are symptoms of high blood sugar which can happen when you eat too much, are less active than usual, become sick, experience increased stress or need a change to your diabetes medication. Other symptoms may include headache, blurred vision or frequent infection. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, test your blood sugar right away. Next Question

Question 5 of 6 In addition to insulin, some oral diabetes medications can cause low blood sugar, but there are diabetes treatment options that are associated with less low blood sugar.

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Some diabetes medications can actually drop blood sugar levels below normal. There are different treatment options that are associated with less risk of low blood sugar. If you have experienced low blood sugar, talk with your diabetes healthcare team (primary care provider, endocrinologist and diabetes educator) about ways to avoid future episodes, including regular blood sugar monitoring and potential adjustments to your medications, meal plan or physical activity level. Next Question

Question 6 of 6 A1C is a measure of your average blood sugar levels over one week.

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A1C is a blood test that shows the average amount of sugar in your blood over the past 2 to 3 months and how well controlled your blood sugar levels are over time. The test is done at your diabetes healthcare team’s (primary care provider, endocrinologist and diabetes educator) office at least two times per year to make sure you’re reaching your blood sugar goal. An A1C target for many people with diabetes is 7 percent or less. Higher or lower A1C targets are appropriate for some people with diabetes, so talk with your diabetes healthcare team about what your A1C level should be and how to best meet your blood sugar goals. Finished. Get Results.

How did you score?

If you scored between 0 – 2 You have an opportunity to learn more and become familiar with what causes changes in blood sugar levels and the symptoms of high and low blood sugar. This website is a great resource to help you learn more about the basics of high and low blood sugar, and how to manage your blood sugar levels to meet your goals.

If you scored between 3 – 4 You have a basic understanding of the differences between high blood sugar and low blood sugar, but have an opportunity to learn more about what causes changes in blood sugar levels or the symptoms of high and low blood sugar. This website is a great resource to help you learn more about high and low blood sugar, and how to manage your blood sugar levels to meet your goals.

If you scored between 5 – 6 You have a great understanding of the differences between high blood sugar and low blood sugar, recognizing the symptoms and understanding what can be done to prevent these events. If you are interested in learning more about managing blood sugar levels or sharing this information with a loved one, this website is a great resource to explore and learn more.