Occasional headaches are normal, but if you have type 1, type 2, or prediabetes, frequent headaches may be associated with something more important, such as blood sugar levels (sugar) levels.
Managing blood glucose fluctuations can help reduce or prevent these headaches.
In this article, we explore how diabetes can cause headaches and provide tips for managing them effectively.
Can diabetes cause headaches?
Yes, diabetes can cause headaches due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels, dehydration, and high blood pressure. Diabetic headaches can be in different locations, but many people report pain across temples and foreheads during blood sugar fluctuations.
How and why diabetes causes headaches
Diabetic headaches are not so mysterious as blood sugar fluctuations are a key trigger.
Your brain relies on a constant supply of glucose to function properly. If your blood sugar levels are outside the ideal range, your brain and other parts of your body will notice.
Also, just like diabetes, diabetes can cause headaches due to fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
Here’s how blood glucose variability contributes to headaches:
When your blood sugar level is low…
Low blood sugar levels can cause a brutal “sugar headache” like a cracked skull.
If your brain needs a constant supply of glucose to function properly and its “fuel tank” is empty, symptoms like confusion and lack of coordination are clear signs that your brain is struggling.
During episodes of hypoglycemia, diabetic headaches can be felt in various areas of the head, often concentrated in the temple or forehead.
This headache is your brain’s way of showing the need for fast-acting carbohydrates to recover.
For more information: How do you feel hypoglycemia?.
When your blood sugar level is high…
When blood glucose is high, the brain is not receiving the fuel it needs, as insulin is needed to help cells use glucose.
Although symptoms of hyperglycemia may not be as urgent as hypoglycemia, your body is still under stress.
Without sufficient insulin, glucose can infiltrate the bloodstream, leading to the production of dangerous ketones and dehydration.
Dehydration is a well-known cause of “sugar headaches,” and concentrated glucose in the blood can worsen hyperglycemia. Maintaining hydration is just as important as taking medication, but it’s easy to overlook.
See more details: What is high blood sugar like?
If you have high blood pressure…
Hypertension that remains untreated causes serious damage to the heart, arteries, kidneys and eyes, increasing the risk of stroke and blood clots.
It can also lead to difficulties in sleep and sleep apnea, both of which can cause more headaches.
read more: Diabetes and hypertension: What is the relationship?
If your headache is unrelated to your diabetes…
If your headache persists or becomes unmanageable, you may be dealing with migraines that are much more complicated than a normal headache.
Many other health conditions that are unrelated to diabetes can also cause headaches. If you have worsening headaches or suspect that you have a migraine, reach out to your health care team.
How to treat and reduce headache frequency
Instead of relying on over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, there are many ways to manage your headaches.
Painkillers like acetaminophen do not relieve headaches caused by persistent blood glucose or blood pressure problems. The underlying issues need to be addressed for permanent remedy.
Lower these hyperglycemic levels
Hyperglycemia is not random. It is caused by food, activity, drugs, stress and hormonal imbalances.
If you have type 1 diabetes and experience persistent hyperglycemia, it’s time to adjust your insulin dose and how you manage insulin for your diet.
Simply put, hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes means you’re not taking enough insulin. Nutritional changes can help, but make sure that the appropriate insulin dose is your number one priority.
Your insulin needs need to change throughout your life. Do not hesitate to work with your healthcare team to make adjustments.
For people with pre-diabetic or type 2 diabetes, starting medication can sometimes feel daunting, but that’s important.
Diabetes is progressive. This means that insulin decreases over time, reducing the body’s ability to use it.
The onset of diabetes is essential not only to reduce headaches, but also to protect the eyes, kidneys and other organs. Don’t let fear and shame stop you from taking the necessary steps to lower your blood sugar levels.
Gradually changing your diet can make a huge difference. Perfection is not necessary – small, consistent adjustments are more sustainable. Don’t forget to leave the snack room. Balance is important.
Physical activity can help lower late blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance, even just walking for a few minutes after a meal. Over time, this will help you lose weight and improve your blood sugar levels even more.
Hyperglycemia is not random, there are many medications and lifestyle changes that help defeat them. Let those headaches motivate you to take action!
Reduces the frequency of hypoglycemia
When you take insulin or other medications that lower your blood sugar levels, managing hypoglycemia is always part of life.
To effectively treat bass, use fast-acting carbohydrates that do not contain many fats or proteins. These slow glucose absorption and keep blood sugar levels low for longer.
If you are experiencing frequent lows, it is a clear indication that your medication may need to adjust.
For example, many people with type 2 diabetes may be prescribed a set of insulin doses, which are often lowered without being taught to match insulin to carbohydrate intake.
Your insulin needs need to change throughout your life. Loss of weight or change your diet reduces your insulin requirements and requires adjusting your dosage accordingly.
Exercise is another factor that makes management difficult. However, frequent hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia) during exercise is inevitable.
You can prevent these drops by learning how different types of exercise affect your blood sugar levels.
Finally, if you are dealing with frequent lows or unpredictable blood glucose variability, talk to your healthcare team or diabetes coach.
Fine-tuning insulin doses and strategies can make a significant difference in preventing recurrence degradation.
Please lower your blood pressure
Lowering your blood pressure won’t help reduce headaches. It can save lives.
Persistent hypertension can increase the risk of serious complications and, in some cases, suddenly surges, posing an immediate threat.
Below are some recommendations from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) that can help you lower your blood pressure.
- Talk to your medical team about treatment options.
- Research drugs such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.
- Increase whole grains in your diet and use herbs, spices and low-sodium alternatives to reduce your salt intake.
- Avoid packaged foods with 400 milligrams (mg) of sodium per serving.
- Whenever possible, focus on foods that have not been processed at all.
- Set weight loss goals and incorporate daily walking and other physical activities.
- Please restrict alcohol and stop smoking yet.
Ultimately, lowering your blood pressure depends on adopting a healthier lifestyle. It doesn’t have to be perfect. If 80% of the options are healthy and active, improvements will be seen over time.
Drink more water!
That may sound obvious, but maintaining hydration can be more difficult than it looks, especially in diabetes.
Dehydration can cause both headaches and hyperglycemia levels. When you are dehydrated, glucose is concentrated more in the bloodstream, increasing blood sugar levels, and only worsening dehydration-related headaches.
To maintain hydration, aim for approximately 2 liters of water (approximately 8½ cups) per day. Here are some tips to help:
- Track your intake using large reusable containers. You will understand how many servings make up the 2 liters and aim to achieve that goal by the end of the day.
- Start your day with a glass of water before coffee. That quick chug will help you get back on track for the day.
- Set a phone reminder every few hours or in the morning, “Did you have enough water today?” After a few weeks, drinking water becomes a habit.
- If you continue to drink hydration and still have a headache, consult your healthcare team to rule out migraines or other unrelated conditions.
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