Diabetes does not usually cause headaches. However, although headaches are rarely self-limiting, they can indicate problems with blood sugar control in a person with diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), approximately 30.3 million people in the United States have diabetes.
People with diabetes cannot control their blood glucose by using the hormone insulin.
Over time, periods of high or low blood sugar can lead to serious and life-threatening problems, such as heart disease and kidney failure.
Recognizing headaches due to poor blood sugar control can be the first step in preventing more serious health problems.
In this article, we look at the link between diabetes and migraine and suggest ways to alleviate the effects of diabetes.
Diabetes and headaches
Diabetes can cause headaches in some people.
Not everyone with diabetes will have a headache.
People with a recent diabetes diagnosis may experience headaches more often because they are still trying to control blood sugar levels and find an active type.
For some people with diabetes, headaches often occur as a result of changes in blood sugar levels.
Headaches can indicate that blood sugar levels are very high, which doctors call hyperglycemia. Alternatively, blood sugar levels may be very low, which doctors call hypoglycemia.
The higher blood sugar levels, the more likely a person with diabetes will have a headache.
Headaches that a person may link to these fluctuations can be the result of hormonal changes, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones can narrow the blood vessels in the brain and cause discomfort.
Hypoglycemia and headaches
Doctors consider blood sugar levels below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg / dl) as a sign of hypoglycemia. This is a very serious condition, since glucose is the main source of fuel for many cells in the body, including those in the brain.
The symptoms of hypoglycemia are usually sudden and can be more pronounced than the symptoms of hyperglycemia.
In addition to headache, some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
anxiety
blurred vision
Cold
confusion
dizziness
famine
resentment
whiteness
nausea
a running heart
epilepsy
shivering
sweating
fatigue
fainting
weakness
Hypoglycemia can occur in people with diabetes if they take too much insulin or do not eat enough carbohydrates.
It is important to treat diabetes carefully and treat the symptoms of hypoglycemia immediately. This can help to protect the head and the more serious joints.
Learn more about hypoglycemia here.
Hyperglycemia and headaches
Low or high blood sugar can lead to headaches.
The effects of Hyperglycemia are due to the excess glucose circulating in the blood. In type 1 diabetes, a lack of insulin production causes spikes in blood sugar. With type 2 diabetes, the body cannot use insulin properly.
Other risks include:
unhealthy foods, too much sugar and fat
a sedentary lifestyle
stress, which releases the hormone cortisol which raises blood sugar levels
Symptoms of hyperglycemia often appear. However, headaches can be the first sign of hyperglycemia.
Other symptoms include:
blurred vision
confusion
thirst
excessive thirst
fatigue
famine
increased urination
slow-healing wounds
Hyperglycemia is a serious condition that needs immediate attention, as high levels of glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves. Without treatment, high blood glucose can make the body resist the effects of insulin, a hormone that allows cells to absorb sugar.
Without the addition of glucose to cells, the body burns fat instead. This process can lead to the production of ketones, waste products that occur when the body burns fat to gain energy.
The formation of ketones can cause a condition called diabetes ketoacidosis, which can lead to fainting and death.
A person can treat hyperglycemia with changes in diet and medication. Keeping blood sugar levels under control will reduce the risk of headaches caused by diabetes.
Click here to read all you need to know about hyperglycemia.
Release
OTC pain pills can help provide relief from headaches.
Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can help relieve temporary headaches.
One should talk to a doctor first to check for any current effects of diabetes on their kidneys, as people with kidney damage should avoid taking certain painkillers, including ibuprofen.
To prevent headaches caused by diabetes, it is important to control blood glucose levels and use proper diabetes management. This could include lifestyle changes or dietary changes and adjusting doses or types of medications.
A person with diabetes should always consult a physician before making any changes in his diet, exercise habits, or medication.
Treatment of headaches from hypoglycemia
The first step in treating headaches caused by hypoglycemia is to ensure that the pain occurs due to low blood glucose. Blood glucose testing can confirm this problem.
Blood glucose testing is especially important for people with diabetes who wake up with a headache in the morning, as it can be a sign of night hypoglycemia.
The ADA recommends that people with low blood sugar consume 15 grams of simple carbohydrates or glucose before testing levels after 15 minutes.
When blood sugar returns to its target, the headache should be reduced.
Treatment of headaches from hyperglycemia
Exercise can help relieve headaches from high blood glucose levels.
If a person with type 1 diabetes is concerned about ketone levels, it is important to check their urine for ketones first, especially if blood sugar levels are up to 240 mg / dl.
People who have ketones in their urine should not exercise and should contact their doctor immediately.
A person can also help prevent headaches of hyperglycemia by maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy and balanced diet, and taking proper medication.
When to see a doctor
Headaches can indicate periods of high or low blood glucose that can lead to life-threatening complications without treatment. People with diabetes who regularly suffer from headaches should, therefore, consult their doctor.
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if the following occurs:
A headache affects and affects daily life.
Blood sugar levels do not return to the required level.
Some severe or persistent symptoms develop along with the headache.
Head types
According to the International Classification of Headache Disorders published by the International Headache Society, there are more than 150 types of headaches.
In general, headaches can be classified as primary or secondary:
Major headaches: This is not related to any other health condition. Examples of major headaches include migraines and tension headache.
Secondary Headaches: Low health conditions or health issues cause these headaches. It includes the type of headache that people with diabetes can get.
Other causes of secondary headaches include:
fever
high blood pressure
hormonal fluctuations
infection
emotional disturbances
drug overdose
depression
stroke
trauma
a tumor
Primary or secondary headaches can vary in size and duration. Some people may feel dizzy more often while others may have headaches several days each week.
Other symptoms may appear, depending on the type of headache a person is experiencing. For example, migraines may lead to nausea and increased sensitivity to sound or light.
A severe headache often causes moderate and severe pain. A headache is one that greatly affects a person's ability to resume normal activity in daily life.
Vision
Not everyone with diabetes will have a headache, and diabetes is not the only cause of it.
People with diabetes who manage their diabetes well and maintain high blood sugar levels are less likely to develop headaches. Avoiding hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia is the best way to reduce headaches and other symptoms of diabetes, as well as more serious complications.
If the headache persists or persists despite maintaining high blood sugar levels, a person should seek additional advice from his or her doctor.