Understanding the basics of blood sugar

(NAPS) – A new online educational resource, www.BloodSugar Basics.com, has just launched to help people living with diabetes, their families and loved ones learn about the importance of understanding and managing low and high blood sugar.

The Web site, developed by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) and supported by Merck, breaks down information on blood sugar into easy-to-understand interactive features, downloadable resources and helpful tips on how to control blood sugar levels.

People with diabetes and their family members can get started by taking the interactive blood sugar knowledge quiz to test their blood sugar IQ.

The website offers information about the causes, symptoms and risks of low and high blood sugar, as well as easy to download and print resources like a low and high blood sugar checklists to help people understand, recognize and get through episodes of low or high blood sugar.

“While most people with type 2 diabetes recognize the importance of avoiding high blood sugar, they may not know the risks of extremely low blood sugar,” says Farhad Zangeneh, M.D., medical director and endocrinology consultant at the Endocrine, Diabetes and Osteoporosis Clinic and member, AACE board of directors.

Low blood sugar can make people feel dizzy, sweaty or tired and even cause loss of consciousness, while high blood sugar can cause frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue or blurred vision. People with diabetes should discuss ways to best manage blood sugar with their doctor.