Diabetes FAQ » Diabetes Q&A » I have had tension headaches all of my life how do I know if they are just normal for me or if they are a symptom of diabetes?

I have had tension headaches all of my life how do I know if they are just normal for me or if they are a symptom of diabetes?

Well, assuming you have had the headaches before the diabetes is not a direct symptom of diabetes. Yet people with diabetes can also get headaches.

Types of Diabetes related headaches

When the headache is related to diabetes, the headache occurs because the arteries in the blood dilate due to low blood glucose (low sugar levels). There are two reasons why the blood sugar can get too low, either there is too much insulin in the blood, or there are not enough of good healthy sugar-type foods in the diabetics diet. The headache in this case will actually disappear after eating something sugary.

People suffering from type 1 diabetes whom do not have enough of the hormone called insulin will have suffer from headaches.

Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is also known as hardening of the arteries. This condition occurs most often in people who are over sixty years old. The condition occurs because of damage to blood vessels in the brain. The headache can come on at any time or place, but is usually most common to appear if the neck and head is twisted somewhat; often when one is not sitting directly at the computer or facing the TV and must twist or turn for a better view. In arteriosclerosis the blood vessels are already narrowed and twisting the head and neck can further restrict the blood vessels. A break from the stress or tension, which is causing this type of diabetic headache, can often stop the headache. If a person has too much tension that also can be a reason for this type of headache and relieving the tension will also relieve this kind of headache.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are quite common among the general population and they account for about a third of all headaches that diabetics can contract. With regards to headaches, the feeling of pain is not coming from the blood vessels in the brain resulting in the headache. The source of pain is actually originated from outside of the brain. Pain from the muscles in the neck and the scalp around the head just like pain in the brain itself, can come from psychological disturbances, Stress, anxiety, and fear can cause the muscles to continually contract and cause pain. The pain will be felt in the neck, over the head and in the forehead and temples. Even the scalp can be sore or tender to the touch.

This headache produces tight and tense stretching of the scalp across skull, but the location for the origin of the pain is the over stretching of the muscles in the neck and forehead.

Tension headaches are different than migraine headaches because there generally is a throbbing more of an ache associated with migraines. Whereas with tension headaches, the headache itself is not as severe as that of a migraine and there is a soreness of the neck, forehead and scalp. This type of headache is not serious, but can last for days weeks and sometimes even months.

How to ease tension headaches

Of course there are medications such as Aspirin and Tylenol to relieve tension headaches. However these medications just mask the problem. The source of the tension should be addressed. If the stress cannot be removed from your life, you will need to learn some good coping mechanisms.

Yoga and mediation has proven to help relax the body and the mind. Deep breathing exercises will also allow more oxygen to the brain and relax the body. When the body is no longer tensed up, the headaches will disappear. You can also ask your doctor or look into local community organizations for some stress management courses. Sometimes just handling a situation a little differently can help relieve the stress and worry.

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