Can Low Blood Sugar Cause Hives

Yellowish Scaly Patches On And Around Your Eyelids

These develop when you have high fat levels in your blood. It can also be a sign that your diabetes is poorly controlled.The medical name for this condition is xanthelasma.

Take action

• Tell your doctor about the yellowish scaly patches around your eyes.
• Talk with your doctor about how to better control your diabetes. Controlling diabetes can clear the scaly patches.

But Theres A Difference Between A Food Allergy And A Food Intolerance

Everyone has certain foods that just dont sit right with them, or that cause not-so-desirable symptoms like indigestion, bloating, or cramping. But that doesnt necessarily mean you have a true allergy to that food or ingredient. And while some people use the terms interchangeably, a food allergy and a food intolerance are actually two different things. Heres the difference:

Food allergy: This is a reaction that occurs when your immune system overreacts to a food protein, thinking that its a harmful substance, Food Allergy Research & Education explains.

Symptoms of a food allergy can range from mild to life-threatening, FARE says, and can include:

Food intolerance: Having an intolerance to a food or ingredient means that you have trouble digesting whatever that food is. In general, a food intolerance causes digestive issues, and the symptoms are not as severe as those of a food allergy, the Mayo Clinic says.

There are a variety of reasons that you could be intolerant to a particular food. Sometimes, its a result of your body not producing an enzyme necessary to break that food down . Other times, it has to do with an underlying health condition, like irritable bowel syndrome , or even stress or anxiety, the Mayo Clinic says.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology , symptoms of a food intolerance include:

Hypoglycemia In Children: Pediatric Ketotic Hypoglycemia

Some children experience pediatric ketotic hypoglycemia, a condition involving low blood sugar levels and high levels of ketones. If people do not have enough glucose to use as energy, the body begins to break down fat in the body instead. The body produces chemicals called ketones as a by-product of breaking down fat.

According to a 2019 study , pediatric ketotic hypoglycemia usually occurs due to poor intake of food, a gastrointestinal illness and vomiting, or a period of prolonged fasting. Severe metabolic and hormonal conditions may also cause pediatric ketotic hypoglycemia.

Pediatric ketotic hypoglycemia may affect children from 6 months old and often resolves after the age of 6 years.

Also Check: Hyperglycemic Diet

When Should I See A Dermatologist About Acanthosis Nigricans

Any time you notice changes in your skin, see your healthcare provider or a dermatologist. Small markings or changes may seem insignificant, but they may indicate a problem. Acanthosis nigricans can be a sign of prediabetes or diabetes. Talk to your provider so you can get the proper care.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Acanthosis nigricans is a treatable skin condition that causes dark patches on your body. It is often a sign of prediabetes or diabetes. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you have an underlying condition causing AN. A healthcare provider can help you get treatment to reduce the marks and help you feel and look your best.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/11/2021.

References

What Is An Insulin Allergy

Adverse reactions to insulin can occur as soon as 30 seconds after an insulin injection or later, after several minutes or even after hours have passed . Its possible that someone with Type 1 could be allergic to one type of insulin, but not another. Just over 2% of people with diabetes exhibit some signs of an allergy to insulin, most commonly a local reaction .

Also Check: High Sugar Symptoms Treatment

Who Gets Type 1 Diabetes

Although type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, about two-thirds of new cases are diagnosed in individuals under the age of 19. Researchers have noted two peak times for development of type 1 diabetes the first is in early childhood and the second occurs at puberty. Type 1 diabetes affects males and females equally, and is more common in Caucasians than in other ethnic groups. A family history of type 1 diabetes also increases one’s risk for developing type 1 diabetes.

Diamond Painting Kits Simple Stylish Point Drill Pen

shop the looks: daily protect leave – in spray cosplay wig lace front wigs

Ginger has compounds that have antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular use may help treat inflammation and relieve itching and swelling at the same time.

How to apply: Take three-quarters cup of vinegar and add 1 tbsp. of fresh ginger with one-quarter cup of brown sugar to it. Let it boil for a few minutes. Now, take this solution and add some warm water to it. Apply it directly to your affected area with the help of a cotton ball. Repeat several times a day to relieve discomfort.

7. Opt for Aloe Vera

Can sugar cause hives? Yes, it can. Can you do something about it? Yes, you can use aloe vera for relief because it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular use helps reduce inflammation, redness, and itching.

How to apply: Take fresh aloe vera gel and apply it directly to the affected skin. Let it sit there for 15 minutes and then wash the area with lukewarm water. Repeat several times a day to get good results.

8. Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antihistamine properties and is therefore quite effective against inflammation and itching.

How to apply: Simply take two cups of apple cider vinegar and add to your bathtub. Soak in it for about 15 minutes. Do it once a day to relieve itching and inflammation.

Read Also: Pedialyte Good For Diabetics

How Are Age Spots Diagnosed

A dermatologist can usually identify an age spot by looking at its color, size, and shape. Your doctor will examine your skin and feel for any raised areas. If the spot is raised rather than flat, it may be another type of benign growth called seborrheic keratosis.

Your doctor may decide to test a sample of the age spot by taking a skin biopsy. A skin biopsy takes a few minutes and can be done right in your doctors office. Using a local anesthetic, your doctor will remove a small piece of the age spot and send it away to a lab for testing.

What Does A Diabetes Rash Look Like

Diabetes rashes look different depending on the type and cause.

Some diabetes rashes only affect people with diabetes. They usually go away when blood sugar is under control. These rashes include:

• Blisters : Painless blisters may form on the backs of hands and feet and on the legs and forearms. This rare condition most often affects people who have diabetic neuropathy.
• Diabetes dermopathy: Light-brown, round-shaped scaly patches, like age spots, appear on the shins. These harmless spots dont need treatment.
• Digital sclerosis: Some people with Type 1 diabetes develop hardened, thick, waxy skin on the backs of their hands. The finger joints stiffen, making movement difficult. A related rash is scleredema adultorum of Bushke which is tightness, thickening, and hardening of the back, neck, shoulders and face. There are various treatments that dermatologists can provide for this.
• Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum : This lower leg rash is more common in women. NLD causes raised, red, shiny patches with a yellow center. Blood vessels may be more noticeable. The rash may be itchy and painful. You should see a dermatologist for treatment options.
• Diabetes Foot Syndrome: These are ulcers that develop from trauma to the skin. The ulcers can take a long time to heal and there is an increased risk for infection.

Other conditions can affect anyone, but are particularly common among people with diabetes. These rash-causing conditions can also be a warning sign of pre-diabetes:

Also Check: Is Grapefruit Bad For Diabetes

What To Do In The Event Of A Possible Insulin Allergy

Let your doctor and your diabetes team know right away. Youll likely need to see an allergist and get a skin prick test or undergo intradermal testing to determine the exact cause of the reaction.

The course of treatment depends on the severity and the ultimate cause of the reaction. Several studies report that taking insulin inconsistently can aggravate allergy symptoms or cause them to reappear.

If you feel that the type of insulin youre taking isnt right for you or that you could better manage your Type 1 with another treatment approach, dont be afraid to speak up and tell your diabetes team. Do your own research, know your body and be an informed consumer of your insulin.

Be sure to rule out the possibilities of an allergic reaction to the following:

• Type or brand of insulin
• Infusion set cannula in pumps
• Metal of needle
• Preservative in the insulins

Possible treatments your doctor may recommend:

• Trying a different type of insulin
• The use of antihistamines
• Desensitization
• The temporary use of a steroid
• Adding cortisone to the insulin injection
• Switching to multiple daily injections from a pump
• Trying different adhesives

Measure Your Blood Sugar

I recommend that you try using a glucometer to test the stability of your blood sugar. This is an easy and inexpensive method to measure your blood sugar to support your treatment plan and see your progress. Based on your results, you can adjust your diet and lifestyle to support healthy blood sugar levels. If you are uncertain how to do this, a functional medicine doctor, like myself, can help you with a personalized nutrition plan to support your health.

You May Like: Glucagon Deficiency Symptoms

Acanthosis Nigricans Turns Skin Dark And Velvety

Acanthosis nigricans causes skin problems in body folds and turns the skin creases dark, thick, and velvety. This diabetes skin problem usually develops in people who are very overweight. Theres no cure, but losing weight may improve the skins appearance. If you have the skin problem and havent been diagnosed with diabetes, talk to your doctor. Acanthosis nigricans usually appears before diabetes strikes.

Follow These Helpful Tips If You Take Allergy Medications

• Before starting any new treatment, always talk to your provider or asthma specialist about treatment options while managing your diabetes.
• Stay prepared for any diabetic health risk by monitoring your blood sugar frequently. If you are having unusually high or low blood sugar readings, contact your healthcare provider.
• High blood sugar – Hyperglycemia

Read Also: High Glucose Side Effects

What Are The Treatments For Age Spots

Though age spots do not require treatment, some people choose to treat them for cosmetic purposes. Many of these treatments are effective at fading the spots or making them disappear. Options include:

• Topical creams: Skin-lightening creams and tretinoin can be applied to the age spot daily and are available with and without a prescription. Used together, they gradually lighten the age spot over a few months. Make sure that you are not using a product that contains mercury.
• Skin resurfacing: A dermatologist uses a laser or a chemical solution to remove the upper layers of the skin. About a week after treatment, the skin peels off, revealing skin that has a more even tone and fewer wrinkles.
• Cryosurgery: Using liquid nitrogen, a dermatologist freezes the age spot. This treatment causes the skin to peel away, and the age spot fades.
• Dermabrasion: A dermatologist uses an instrument to sand off and smooth away the age spot. New skin grows in about a week.

Hives Urticaria Skin Rash

Hives are red, itchy, raised welts on the skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes each one characteristically lasts no longer than six to 12 hours. Although hives are very common, their cause is often elusive. Hives can change size rapidly and move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours.

Recommended Reading: How To Drop Sugar Level

Thoughts On How I Healed My Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria

Shin Spots Or Diabetic Dermopathy

This condition involves circular, reddish, or light-brown patches that usually appear on the shins or other bony parts of the body. Patches are also usually indented and scaly.

Around 33 percent of people with type 1 diabetes and 39 percent of those with type 2 diabetes develop diabetic dermopathy.

The condition is caused by nerve and blood vessel damage, in particular small blood vessel changes.

As the condition impacts areas of the body with less protective muscle and fat, lesions may reflect an increased response to injury.

Lesions are harmless, and the person does not usually need treatment.

Sometimes, insignificant wounds can become open sores called diabetic ulcers. These can occur anywhere on the skin but are most common on the feet.

Diabetes can affect blood circulation and the nervous system. If a person has a wound on their foot due, for example, to ill-fitting shoes, the lack of sensation in the foot can mean that they do not notice the injury. In addition, low blood supply can make it harder for wounds to heal.

Without treatment, an ulcer can develop. If this becomes infected, there is a risk of tissue death, and the person may ultimately need an amputation.

It is essential for people with diabetes to:

• manage their blood sugar levels
• check their feet and other parts of the body regularly for wounds or lesions that may need attention

According to an article in

Recommended Reading: Are Bananas Bad For Blood Sugar

Open Sores And Wounds

Having high blood sugar for a long time can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage. You may have developed these if youve had uncontrolled diabetes for a long time.

Poor circulation and nerve damage can make it hard for your body to heal wounds. This is especially true on the feet. These open wounds are called diabetic ulcers.

Diabetes and feet

• Get immediate medical care for an open sore or wound.
• Work with your doctor to better control your diabetes.

Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels Treatment

For people with diabetes, complications that can damage organs can be prevented or reduced by regulating their blood sugar level. This is done by pricking the finger and putting a drop of blood on a test strip. The strip is then placed in a monitor that reads the glucose level. Close monitoring of glucose levels allows you to regulate your blood sugar by either medication if the sugar is high, or taking in sugar if the level is low. If you are able to keep blood sugar levels in or near the normal range, you will decrease the likelihood of developing complications and have more energy and fewer problems related to diabetes.

You May Like: Which Cells Produce Hormones To Regulate Blood Sugar

How Can I Prevent Diabetes

The best thing you can do to prevent skin problems is to keep blood sugar levels within the range recommended by your healthcare provider. Proper skin care can lower your chances of getting a skin rash, infection or wound thats difficult to heal.

Take these steps to prevent skin problems:

• Check your skin daily for signs of rashes, redness, infections or sores.
• Use warm water and moisturizing soap in the shower.
• Pat skin dry with a towel , making sure to dry in between fingers, toes and skin folds.
• Apply fragrance-free moisturizers after showering while skin is still damp and soft. Look for creams and ointments with ceramide to help skin retain moisture.
• Apply creams containing 10% to 25% urea to cracked, dry heels at bedtime.
• Prevent dehydration and keep skin hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Treat cuts and wounds immediately with soap and water. Use antibiotic ointments only if your healthcare provider gives the OK. Bandage the wound daily. Call your provider if you notice signs of redness, pain, drainage or infection.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy