Introduction:
Diabetes is a chronic condition that is characterized by high blood sugar. High blood sugar may lead to many complications. These complications may be life-threatening, too. Headache is a common condition that often occurs. If the headache occurs among diabetics, it may indicate high or low blood sugar levels.
What Are Headaches?
Headaches are common, and there are many causes. There are two types of headaches. They are,
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Primary headaches.
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Secondary headaches.
In primary headaches, the pain signals originate from the cells, nerves, blood vessels, or muscles around the head. This type of headache is independent and is not caused due to any other underlying conditions. Migraine attacks and tension headaches are examples of this type of headache.
In secondary headaches, underlying conditions are associated with them. Causes of secondary headaches may be,
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When there is a rise in body temperature due to infection.
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In the case of injury.
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Increased blood pressure.
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Stress or anxiety.
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Imbalance of chemicals that occur during the menstrual cycle.
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Structural abnormalities are present in the brain.
Secondary headaches are caused by various reasons, and in the same way, their pain also varies.
What Is Hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia is a condition in which there is an increase in blood sugar. This condition is associated with diabetes. Hyperglycemia occurs when fasting glucose levels are higher than 125 mg/dL or higher than 180 mg/dL two hours after a meal.
The causes of hyperglycemia include,
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Absence of insulin secretion in type 1 diabetes.
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Insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.
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Increased intake of sugar or carbohydrates.
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Decreased physical activity or exercise.
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Increased stress levels.
Symptoms of hyperglycemia:
Headache can appear as the first symptom of hyperglycemia. It may become worse if hyperglycemia is not treated. Other symptoms of hyperglycemia include,
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Vision may become blurred.
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Increased thirst.
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A feeling of hunger.
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Tiredness.
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Experience mental confusion.
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Frequent urination may be seen.
Hyperglycemia may not show symptoms immediately. It should be treated to avoid complications. If this condition is not treated, and if glucose levels remain high for long, it may cause permanent damage to blood vessels and nerves. It may also damage other organs.
What Is a Hyperglycemia Headache?
Headache caused by high blood sugar levels is linked with diabetes. This type of headache occurs more frequently and may be of moderate to severe type. This type of headache indicates either high blood pressure or low blood pressure.
Headaches occurring among diabetics may be due to other reasons as well. The reasons may be stress, weather changes, food sensitivities, allergies, high blood pressure, illness, or hormones. These reasons are not linked to blood glucose levels. The reason for headaches can be determined by controlling blood sugar levels.
Lifestyle changes can treat hyperglycemia. Lifestyle changes include regular exercise and a balanced diet.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends eating.
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Vegetables.
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Fruits.
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Whole grains.
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Lean protein.
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Plant-based proteins. These may include beans, peas, nuts, and meat substitutes.
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Non-fat or low-fat dairy.
Medications can be used to maintain blood sugar levels. Fewer headaches can be observed when blood sugar levels are managed.
Blood sugar means glucose is present in the blood. Glucose is considered to be the body's main source of energy. Glucose comes either from the diet or stored energy. When food is consumed, carbohydrates break down to form glucose. This glucose enters the bloodstream. The glucose present in the bloodstream triggers the pancreas to secrete insulin. This hormone is essential for the absorption of glucose into the cells. The cells use this energy or store it in the muscles as glycogen. The pancreas decreases insulin production When glucose levels become normal in the bloodstream.
Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce sufficient insulin or shows less sensitivity to insulin release. Because of these reasons, there is an increase in blood glucose levels. This condition is known as hyperglycemia. There are different types of diabetes. Mainly
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
How Are Hyperglycemia and Headache Connected?
Whenever there is an imbalance in glucose levels, the body gets disturbed and loses balance. The first sign to warn of this condition may be a headache. Headache associated with hyperglycemia is considered a secondary type. This type of headache, especially in hyperglycemia, may be due to
Hormonal Shifts:
Increased glucose levels in the blood trigger hormone shifts like epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones mainly impact blood vessel constriction in the brain. This, in turn, is responsible for causing headaches.
Dehydration: When insulin cannot clear all the glucose, the body makes a last effort to urinate it. Excess urination further leads to dehydration. Dehydration causes the shrinkage of cells and tissues of the brain. This can put pressure on the nerves, causing headaches.
Individuals with hyperglycemia develop headaches as a first symptom. They do not usually develop symptoms immediately. It may take days or weeks to develop symptoms.
Researchers have suggested that there is a link between migraine and type 2 diabetes. These conditions show the vascular system's involvement and nerve impulses' transmission. The study found that individuals with diabetes are more likely to suffer from migraines than those without diabetes.
A study conducted in 2018, found that other issues related to diabetes, such as neck pain, back pain, and a few mental health issues, may account for the appearance of migraines. A study conducted in 2020 found that there were higher plasma glucose levels during migraine attacks than between migraine attacks. This finding made the researchers suggest a link between migraine and hyperglycemia.
How to Treat Hyperglycemia Headache?
Headaches can be treated by taking over-the-counter medications that relieve pain. Healthcare professionals should treat migraines.
Individuals with diabetes must consult their doctor before making any changes in diet, exercise, or medications. To relieve hyperglycemia headaches,
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Regular exercise must be done.
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Hydration with lots of fluids is a must.
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Medications or insulin as directed by their physician.
Preventive measures to be taken to avoid hyperglycemia headaches include,
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Moderate weight to be maintained.
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Consuming a nutritious and balanced diet.
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Taking medications given by the doctor.
Conclusion:
Headache is common and has many reasons. Diabetes may play a role in headaches. Headache may appear as a first symptom in the case of hyperglycemia. Hence, it is crucial to maintain blood glucose levels. Controlling and maintaining blood glucose levels may help reduce headaches caused by hyperglycemia. Hence, it becomes important to know about headache hyperglycemia, their connection, and their management. Knowing about these helps identify the condition early. Early diagnosis leads to effective treatment. This, in turn, helps achieve a good quality of life.
