We all get headaches, for all kinds of reasons. Some headaches are minor, just a nagging irritation that makes you feel unwell, without any major repercussions. However, sometimes headaches can be debilitating, depending on their frequency, intensity, and duration. Headaches are so prevalent that they are a leading cause of absenteeism from work and school.
There are two categories of headaches: primary and secondary. Primary headaches, such as migraines and tension headaches, occur when your body sends pain signals to the brain. Common triggers include stress, food, alcohol, hormones, and lack of sleep.
Secondary headaches are the result of medical conditions or underlying health conditions – and yes, diabetes can be causing your headache. Other possible causes of secondary headaches include stress, stroke, high blood pressure, injury, fever, infection, hormones, and eye disorders. The pain level caused by secondary headaches can be anywhere from mild to severe.
What causes a diabetes headache?
If your head is hurting, it could mean that your blood glucose is too high or too low.
High blood sugar and headaches
If you have high blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia, you may get a headache. Hyperglycemia is usually defined blood glucose levels that are above 180 mg/dl. Headaches can be an early warning sign – they may take a few days to develop, and the pain may intensify over time. You may have additional symptoms of hyperglycemia, including excessive thirst and/or hunger, blurred vision, extreme tiredness, the urge to urinate frequently, and sores that won’t heal.
The best cure for your headache is to get your numbers down. Exercise, eat right, get enough sleep – basically, follow the principles of healthy living and diabetes management, and hopefully your headaches will disappear.
Low blood sugar and headaches
Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia, is usually defined as blood glucose levels that are under 70 mg/dL. If your brain is denied of glucose, you can get a headache. Unlike hyperglycemia, the symptoms of hypoglycemia are usually fast and furious. In addition to headaches, you may feel shaky, dizzy, confused, exhausted, and nauseous, among other things.
If you think you may have a hypo, don’t wait! Test your blood glucose immediately with a reliable blood glucose meter like Dario. Are you levels too low? Not sure? Eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate like candy, juice, or sugar dissolved in water to stabilize your blood sugar. Check again after 15 minutes, and if you levels are still too low, do it again. Call the doctor right away if don’t succeed in getting your numbers up and if your headache persists.
How can you treat a headache?
You might not be sure what the origin of your headache is. Here are some tips for treating all different kinds of headaches.
Over-the-counter medication is good for immediate relief. Try one or more of these techniques to help relieve a headache:
- Use a cold pack on your forehead for migraine
- Try a hot compress on your neck for tension headache
- Massage your scalp or head with your fingertips
- Dim the lights
- Drink plenty of water
- Try relaxation techniques
Learning how to relax when you have a headache can help relieve pain and reduce muscle tension. Try deep breathing exercises, yoga, stretches, meditation, or visualization techniques to ease the pain away.
If you suspect certain foods are triggering your headaches, you could try keeping a food diary. Eliminate one item of food over a few weeks and record it in the diary to see if it makes a difference to the frequency and intensity of your headache.
Keep track of how often your headaches occur and add any relevant information. You may notice a pattern or be able to identify what is triggering your headaches. Don’t hesitate to consult your doctor, who may have some ideas about why they are happening and what you can do about it. Hopefully over time you will eliminate or at least reduce the number of headaches you get.
https://www.healthline.com/ health/diabetes/headache
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/ articles/319770#types-of-headache
https://www.diabetesselfmanagement. com/ blog/five-ways-diabetes-causes-headaches/
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