Short-term complications of type 2 diabetes
Some complications come and go after a while without causing any serious damage, they include:
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia [1] is a very common short-term effect of type 2 diabetes. It is a condition that causes a sudden change in blood sugar levels throughout the day. If your blood sugar drops too low it can be dangerous. Symptoms of low blood sugar include:
- Nausea
- Anxiety [2]
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Numbness in the hands or feet
In severe cases, it can cause fainting or seizures. If you are recovering from type 2 diabetes, it is best to carefully monitor your sugar level to prevent hypoglycemia. If you are experiencing the symptoms of hypoglycemia or if your blood sugar is below 70 mg/dl, attempt to follow the “15-15 Rule” [3] of the American Diabetes Association.
This includes that you should eat 15 grams of carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes, and check again. Try again if it is still too low. Once your blood sugar returns to normal, have a normal nutritious meal or snack. This will help stop recurrence.