[Littlebit63_99]

I tried to "search" to see if this had been discussed before, and came up empty.

Which is worse? or causes more damage? highs or lows?

Any opinions, studies, facts? Part of the reason I'm on the transplant list is because of the swings that we (endo and I) cannot control.

Spikes' low A1C (the thread) had me curious about this issue.

BTW, Spike.......good going.

Does anyone have info on one versus the other???????????

[JasonJayhawk]

My preference -- if I'm going to chose between a high or low, I'd rather go with the high, as it will leave me living long enough to have a chance at having a low in a more controlled situation later in life.

[DeusXM]

Highs make you feel bad but overall aren't a massive problem as long as it doesn't last for too long. Lows are more of an immediate problem and can be fatal rather quickly. Hypers kill in months, hypos kill in minutes.

[corwin]

Highs = Long term possible effect that is very small with decent average bg levels and a1c.
Lows = Possible permanent brain damage, coma and death right when it happens.
Seems like a clear choice to me.

[am1977]

Frankly, I hate highs! Just the thought that these highs can lead to possible complications is very scary to me . Plus, they make me feel like sh!t.

Lows are much easier for me to deal with (for the most part). It's so much easier for me to treat a low than for me to treat a high... hey, and it gives me an excuse to eat I know that lows for some people can be quite debilitating, but I haven't had it be that bad- ok, except for once...my little driving incident.

However, despite that one occasion, I'd take low over high any day.

[JediSkipdogg]

COrwin pretty much hit the summary dead on...

Highs...Short term highs will not cause any problems. They will give you headaches and dehydration but that's about it. Also, a semi-longer than short term high could put you in DKA, but you would need to get to around 400 mg/dl before that happens and be there about 24 hours. Long term highs are what cause problems. One, because your body gets into DKA mode more often and basically starts breaking down your cells and organs in the body. This can cause organ failure. You also risk the chance of amputation.

Lows...Lows are the opposite of highs. Short term lows are extremely bad. They can lead to one blacking out and causing harm to oneself or others, including death depending on what you are doing. Lows also make you "outta this world" just like a drunk. So you may do/say stuff that you don't remember. Now, a long term low really has no significant harm if you can maintain that low. However, it depends on how low you plan on maintaining. If you can maintain running 70 mg/dl for a week, excellent job. Just remember though, if you drop 30 points running 70, you're in the immediate danger zone.

Most people prefer to run on the high end. Myself being one of them. Doctors want patients to run 90-100 however, I prefer to stay above 100 and as close to 110 as possible. I do occasionally jump up to 300, however, I'd rather have that 300 twice a week than 40 twice a week.

[grace girl]

Even though I can control a low easier than a high, I'll take a high any day. Actually, easier isn't the word. I can control it more quickly. It takes me a little time to get a high down, but I can do it. Aside from the potential dangers, I feel horrible when I'm low, and usually for hours afterwards. (Like a drunk's hangover!)
Highs don't make me feel bad unless it goes on for days and days, which doesn't happen too much any more, thankfully.

[Littlebit63_99]

Ok, so some of this is personal preference, and, some fact. I went comatose from a low in '84.........woke to a priest giving me last rites. And, in '99 had one where I choked on my tongue and Jeff had to give me mouth to mouth.(yummy!) Sorry, had to, just had to.

But, since we all know the complications we can get from highs, and I have a neurologist who will attest to a band of brain damage from my lows,...........kind of like a head band inside the brain............mind you, I think genetics plays a part there. LOL No, seriously, lot's of strokes in family pool, no heart trouble to speak of.

I am still wondering if there are any studies which determine which is more damaging???????

Gosh, you poor people..................I must scare the living daylights out of some of you. Please be inspired to take EXTRA good care of yourselves......
I would like to have that influence on all of you, not to instill fear.

So, studies??????????????????????? Any known?
Thanx,

[Littlebit63_99]

gracegirl,

I'm with you there. A low, will make me sick for hours. Below 45, that is.

[Lex4153]

Oh, wow, what a scary experience!

I'd have to say I agree with most here. I'd rather take a high than a low. It depends on the low though. If it's just a slight low, like in the 60's or 70's, it's okay, as long as I have food by me, that is. But lows are super scary. I hate the idea that I could pass out and if I'm alone there's no one to get me help and you can go into a coma and die . . . Horrible thought.

It's better to have a good medium. I like how Jediskipdogg put it. I'd rather stay near 100-110 and take the high 300 once or twice a week than risk going below 60.

[Lex4153]

I wanted to ask about your pancreas transplant . . . what did the doctor say? Are transplants a bit more safe these days? You'd think with all the technology today we could make it more safe. Heck, we can transplant hearts, so why not pancreases? On a side note, too bad stem cell research was put to an end by our lovely President. I'd like to see him get a disease where the cure depended on stem cell research then see what he says about it . . .

[lgvincent]

I can't say. I don't feel good when my blood sugar is high but I've broken my nose at least three times, my thumb once, and broken my front teeth when my blood sugar is low so I'd have to say that is pretty bad.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by corwin

Highs = Long term possible effect that is very small with decent average bg levels and a1c.
Lows = Possible permanent brain damage, coma and death right when it happens.
Seems like a clear choice to me.

:dito: Same here...

[Shotokan]

I agree that lows are more dangerous than highs. However, I try my best to avoid the high range while I sleep at night because that is such a long time to remain high. If I go high during the day, I do something about it right away. If I'm high while I'm asleep, I sleep right through it. At the same time I'm paranoid about nighttime lows. It's a balancing act for me.

[Lorna]

My personal preference wqould be the high, but think the long term complications are more likely from highs, theres an article in last months ballance about complications from lows, not sure if you can read it online from outwith the uk.