Maintaining a normal blood sugar can help prevent undesirable side effects. It is important to teach our patients with diabetes the signs and symptoms of high and low blood sugar, as well as how to use diet modification to prevent these negative effects and improve quality of life.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) Symptoms:

• Unusually weak or tired feeling
• Hunger
• Dizziness/Shakiness
• Nervous/Upset stomach
• Increased heart rate
• Blurry Vision
• Anxiety
• Palpitations
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Confusion

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia) Symptoms:

• Frequent urination
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Extreme hunger or thirst
• Blurry vision

The following nutrition tips can help prevent extreme high and low blood sugar levels:

1. Eat small, frequent meals (every 2 to 4 hours while awake)
2. Avoid simple sugars and refined carbohydrates (especially on an empty stomach)
   • This includes sugar sweetened soda, juices, honey, jam, jelly, sugar, syrup, candies, cakes, cookies
   • Use artificial sweeteners instead of regular sugar if possible
   • Eat sweets with a meal, do not eat sweets by themselves
3. Include a protein source with every meal and snack
   • Meat, fish, eggs, poultry, dairy products, beans, lentils, soy products, peanut butter
4. Choose high fiber foods when possible
   • Whole grains, beans/legumes, fruits and vegetables
   • Increase fluid intake when increasing fiber intake to prevent dehydration
5. Limit alcohol which can cause low blood sugar

Questions? Please call your Hospice of Huntington Dietitians:
Kellie Glass RD, LD 606.615.2585 or Amy McFann RD, LD 304.690.5063