Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are two common conditions affecting people with diabetes. Both conditions result from an imbalance in blood sugar levels, but they each have very different symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Hyperglycemia is characterized by high blood sugar levels, while hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood sugar levels. Both conditions can be serious and lead to many complications if left untreated.
Let’s examine the differences between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Differences between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia
Key differences between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia include:
| Hyperglycemia | Hypoglycemia | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | high blood sugar levels | low blood sugar levels |
| Symptoms | frequent urination increased thirst dry mouth blurred vision fatigue headache | shaking sweating confusion dizziness irritability hunger rapid heartbeat |
| Causes | the body is unable to produce enough insulin the body is insulin resistant | taking too much insulin or other glucose-lowering medications not eating enough engaging in strenuous exercise without adjusting medication or food intake |
| Treatment | adjusting insulin or other medication doses increasing physical activity modifying the diet | consuming a source of glucose, such as candy or juice adjusting medication or food intake using glucagon injections in severe cases |
Hyperglycemia and treatment
Hyperglycemia shows a higher-than-average amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Typical fasting blood sugar levels should be 99 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or lower. Readings of 100–125 mg/dL can indicate prediabetes, and any reading over 126 mg/dL indicates diabetes.
Hyperglycemia commonly links to diabetes, a chronic condition in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. It can also occur as a result of certain medications, stress, a high carbohydrate diet, or other medical conditions.
The symptoms of hyperglycemia include:
- dry mouth
- fatigue
- frequent urination
- blurred vision
- increased thirst
- fruity breath odor
- slow healing of cuts and bruises
If left untreated, hyperglycemia can lead to serious complications such as nerve and kidney damage, as well as cardiovascular disease.
Hyperglycemia treatment depends on the underlying cause. For people with diabetes, treatment aims to bring blood sugar levels back to the expected range. Treatments may include:
- Adjusting medications: A doctor may need to change your medication type or dosage to help lower your blood sugar levels.
- Monitoring: Regular blood sugar monitoring is important for tracking treatment effectiveness and making any necessary changes.
- Making lifestyle adaptations: Eating a balanced diet, ensuring regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can naturally help manage blood sugar levels.
- Managing stress: Stress can increase blood sugar levels, so finding ways to manage stress, such as meditation or yoga, could help.
In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to provide more intensive treatment, including IV fluids and medications.
Hypoglycemia and treatment
Hypoglycemia is a condition where you have too little glucose in the blood, and when your fasting blood sugar level is below 70 mg/dL. It is also commonly linked with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, but it can also occur in people who do not have diabetes.
Skipping meals, exercising too much, drinking alcohol, or taking too much insulin or other diabetes medications can cause hypoglycemia, and symptoms may include:
- sweating
- trembling
- confusion
- irritability
- weakness
- dizziness
Severe hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, and other serious complications if left untreated.
The treatment for hypoglycemia depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause. If you have diabetes and experience mild to moderate hypoglycemia, you can try to treat it by consuming a quick-acting source of glucose, such as:
- glucose tablets or gel
- fruit juice or regular soda
- hard candies
- honey
If you have severe hypoglycemia and are unable to consume anything orally, you will need immediate medical attention. You may receive IV glucose or glucagon to rapidly raise your blood sugar levels.
It is important for people with type 1 diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels closely and carry a source of glucose with them at all times, in case of an episode of hypoglycemia.
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