
Some of the key differences between hypoglycemia vs hyperglycemia are:
- Hypoglycemia is abnormally low levels of blood glucose (lower than 70 milligrams per deciliter).
- Hyperglycemia is abnormally high levels of blood glucose (fasting plasma glucose ≥126 milligrams per deciliter on two separate tests).
- Hypoglycemia can cause confusion, seizures, coma, and even death.
- Long-term hyperglycemia can cause nerve damage, circulation disorders, strokes, and heart attacks.
What are three classic signs of hyperglycemia?
- Heavy thirst.
- Blurry vision.
- Peeing a lot.
- More hunger.
- Numb or tingling feet.
- Fatigue.
- Sugar in your urine.
- Weight loss.
What are some classic symptoms of hyperglycemia?
Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
- Slow-healing of wounds and cuts
- Nerve damage
- Loss of hair on the lower extremities
- Damage to your blood vessels, eyes, or kidneys
- Stomach problems
- Intestinal issues
What are the first signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia?
Early signs and symptoms of diabetic hypoglycemia include: Shakiness: you may notice yourself lightly shaking or trembling. Sweating: you may start to produce sweat on the face and body, similar to if you were very hot, nervous, or have just exercised. Dizziness: you may feel lightheaded, woozy, or unbalanced.
Who is at risk of getting hyperglycemia?
Pregnancy can also be a risk factor. And everyone experiences increases in blood sugar levels during the early morning. The overarching cause of hyperglycemia is a problem with insulin. 1 This hormone is produced by the pancreas and controls the levels of glucose, or sugar, in the blood.

How do you tell if you are hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic?
Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia refer to blood sugar levels that are too low or too high, respectively. A fasting blood sugar level below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is referred to as hypoglycemia, while a fasting blood sugar level over 130 mg/dL is called hyperglycemia.
What is the primary visible difference between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia?
Glycemia is the presence of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Hyperglycemia indicates excess glucose in the blood. Hypoglycemia refers to abnormally low presence of glucose in the blood.
What are the three classic signs of hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia usually doesn't cause symptoms until blood sugar (glucose) levels are high — above 180 to 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 10 to 11.1 millimoles per liter (mmol/L)....Watch for:Frequent urination.Increased thirst.Blurred vision.Feeling weak or unusually tired.
How do you remember hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia?
When I need to remember the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia is use these: “Cold and clammy need some candy” – Hypoglycemia. “High and dry, sugar high” – Hyperglycemia....Mnemonics for MemoryL – Lidocaine HCL.E - Epinephrine.A – Atropine Sulfate.N – Naloxone (Narcan)
What are the 3 P's of hyperglycemia?
The main symptoms of diabetes are described as the three polys - polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. Individuals with high risk for developing diabetes should be alert to these symptoms and seek medical attention if they notice the above symptoms.
How will you recognize a patient who is having hypoglycemia?
Dizziness or lightheadedness. Sweating. Hunger or nausea. An irregular or fast heartbeat.
What 5 things should you look for to identify hyperglycemia?
Common symptoms include:feeling very thirsty.peeing a lot.feeling weak or tired.blurred vision.losing weight.
How do diabetics feel when their sugar is high?
Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) means there is too much sugar in the blood because the body lacks enough insulin. Associated with diabetes, hyperglycemia can cause vomiting, excessive hunger and thirst, rapid heartbeat, vision problems and other symptoms.
How do you treat hyperglycemia immediately?
Emergency treatment for severe hyperglycemiaFluid replacement. You'll receive fluids — usually through a vein (intravenously) — until your body has the fluids it needs. ... Electrolyte replacement. Electrolytes are minerals in your blood that are necessary for your tissues to work properly. ... Insulin therapy.
Which is worse hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia?
BeatO Health Coach Madhuparna Pramanick says “The brain cells stop working without glucose, thus making hypoglycemia more dangerous than hyperglycemia & it needs immediate intervention.
How do you test for hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia, otherwise known as high blood sugar, can be diagnosed with a blood test such as a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, an A1C test, or a fructosamine test.
How do you feel when your sugar is low?
Symptoms usually occur when blood sugar levels fall below four millimoles (mmol) per litre. Typical early warning signs are feeling hungry, trembling or shakiness, and sweating. In more severe cases, you may also feel confused and have difficulty concentrating.
What is the difference between hypoglycemia and hypoglycemic?
Hypoglycemia is abnormally low levels of blood glucose (lower than 70 milligrams per deciliter). Hyperglycemia is abnormally high levels of blood glucose (fasting plasma glucose ≥126 milligrams per deciliter on two separate tests). Hypoglycemia can cause confusion, seizures, coma, and even death.
What are signs of hyperglycemia?
Early symptoms of hyperglycemia include:High blood sugar.Increased thirst and/or hunger.Blurred vision.Frequent urination (peeing).Headache.
What is the difference between hypoglycemia and diabetic coma?
You're most likely to get hypoglycemia if you skip a meal after injecting insulin or if you take too much insulin. Diabetic comas happen when you don't take steps to fix blood sugar that's too high or too low.
Which is worse hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia?
BeatO Health Coach Madhuparna Pramanick says “The brain cells stop working without glucose, thus making hypoglycemia more dangerous than hyperglycemia & it needs immediate intervention.
What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia is an emergency if you have: 1 shortness of breath 2 confusion 3 coma 4 nausea and vomiting 5 fruity-smelling breath (a sign of ketoacidosis)
How does hyperglycemia occur without diabetes?
Similarly, hyperglycemia can occur in people with and without diabetes.
Why is my blood sugar low?
Other causes of low blood sugar without diabetes include binge-drinking (it affects how your liver releases glucose into your blood) and increased physical activity. Plus, some medical conditions can increase the amount of insulin your pancreas produces.
What happens if you skip a dose of insulin?
If you skipped a dose of medication and have symptoms of mild hyperglycemia, taking your insulin or diabetes medication can help stabilize your blood sugar level. Hypoglycemia is an emergency if you experience confusion, blurry vision, or seizures. Hyperglycemia is an emergency if you have: shortness of breath.
How to prevent hyperglycemia without diabetes?
If you don’t have diabetes, you can prevent hyperglycemia with regular physical activity. Aim for 30 minutes at least 5 days per week. Maintaining a healthy weight also keeps blood sugar within a safe range.
What is the hormone that allows sugar to enter the body?
Blood sugar, or glucose, is what your body uses for energy. After eating a meal or drinking a beverage, the hormone insulin allows sugar to enter your body’s cells, where it’s used for energy. Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas. Hypoglycemia occurs when you have too much insulin in your bloodstream.
What happens if you have type 1 diabetes?
If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas is unable to produce insulin. If you have type 2 diabetes, your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to stabilize your blood sugar. In both conditions, glucose can build up in your bloodstream, resulting in hyperglycemia.
What is hypoglycemia in diabetes?
Hypoglycemia occurs when there is too much insulin in the body, resulting in low blood sugar levels. It is common in people with type 1 diabetes, and it can occur in people with type 2 diabetes taking insulin or certain medications.
Why is hyperglycemia common in type 2 diabetes?
This happens either when your body has too little insulin (the hormone that transports glucose into the blood) or if your body can't use insulin properly like in the case of type 2 diabetes. 1. The causes of hyperglycemia in people with diabetes include: 1.
Why is my blood sugar low?
For people with diabetes, accidentally injecting the wrong insulin type, too much insulin, or injecting directly into the muscle (instead of just under the skin) can cause low blood sugar. Other causes of hypoglycemia in people with diabetes include: 4. Being more active than usual.
How does hyperglycemia start?
Typically, hyperglycemia starts with fatigue, headache, frequent urination, and increased thirst. Over time, symptoms can progress to nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, and coma. Recognizing the symptoms of high blood sugar and treating them early are key to avoiding serious complications.
What is a high blood sugar level?
A fasting blood sugar level below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is referred to as hypoglycemia, while a fasting blood sugar level over 130 mg/dL is called hyperglycemia. Blood sugar changes, whether a dip or a spike, can cause symptoms and serious complications. These conditions are common in people with diabetes but can also be caused by ...
How long does it take to raise blood sugar?
Hypoglycemia can usually be treated in a pinch with snacks or drinks you have on hand. The 15-15 rule states that you should raise your blood sugar gradually by first eating 15 grams of carbohydrate, waiting 15 minutes, and checking your blood sugar level.
Can low blood sugar cause death?
Low blood sugar levels can lead to serious complications as well. The most common complications of severe hypoglycemia include seizures, loss of consciousness, and death. 3 It should also be noted that people experiencing low blood sugar can fall or have accidents due to the shakiness and dizziness that the condition causes.
What is the definition of hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar and is usually defined as a blood sugar less than 70 mg/dL.
What is the drug that can be given to people with hypoglycemia?
If a person has lost consciousness because of low blood sugar and therefore cannot eat or drink, then a drug called glucagon can be given.
Can diabetes become life threatening?
Hyperglycemia from undiagnosed diabetes can become life-threatening.
Can diabetes cause hyperglycemia?
Diabetes is a common cause of hyperglycemia, but not everyone who has hyperglycemia has diabetes. Hypoglycemia can occur as a side effect of taking insulin for diabetes, but other people may develop hypoglycemia, too.
How to tell if you have hypoglycemia?
As hypoglycemia worsens, signs and symptoms may include: 1 Confusion, abnormal behavior or both, such as the inability to complete routine tasks 2 Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision 3 Seizures 4 Loss of consciousness
What is hyperglycemia in diabetes?
Hyperglycemia is defined as having an abnormally high blood glucose. This condition is more common in Type 2, or non-insulin-dependent diabetics. It can also occur in Type 1 diabetics who consume carbohydrate-heavy foods without enough insulin afterwards. The most common symptoms are:
What is the term for a low blood sugar?
Hypoglycemia Symptoms (Low Blood Sugar) Hypoglycemia, also called low blood glucose or low blood sugar, occurs when the level of glucose in your blood drops below normal. This can happen when your body receives too much insulin within a short period of time.
How to manage hyperglycemia?
The single most important factor to keep track of is your diet. Avoid eating too many carbs in one sitting. And if you do have carbs on your plate, make sure they’re the complex type and that you have fibrous veggies next to it. Fiber will help your body slow down the absorption of glucose.
What is the treatment for hypoglycemia?
Initial treatment of hypoglycemia is drinking juice, taking glucose tablets or anything that has high levels of sugar that can be quickly absorbed including less healthy options such as regular soft drinks and candy.
Can non diabetics have hypoglycemia?
But non-diabetics can also experience hypoglycemia as well. The most common symptoms are: Initial treatment of hypoglycemia is drinking juice, taking glucose tablets or anything that has high levels of sugar that can be quickly absorbed including less healthy options such as regular soft drinks and candy.
Why is it important to look at episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia?
It’s important to look at episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia as data points that can help you learn to prevent or reduce their frequency and severity. This data can also help you and your care team identify when a change to your diabetes care plan is needed such as a new medication or a refined approach to nutrition, exercise, or other lifestyle factors. By learning how to recognize the signs of both and by checking your glucose as often as is possible for you, you can catch hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia before they become severe.
What is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia occurs when your glucose value drops below 70 mg/dL; serious hypoglycemia occurs below 54 mg/dL. Hypoglycemia is usually caused by too much insulin or insulin effect in the body. Here are some reasons why hypoglycemia might occur:
What are the Symptoms?
For example, confusion and headaches can occur in both cases. Try to be aware of any symptoms you experience that can help you differentiate between the two conditions. And talk to your care team to see if getting a CGM is something that could benefit you. CGM is a great tool to help you know when you are too high or too low.
Why is my glucose level low when pregnant?
Hyperglycemia can occur for a number of reasons: Insufficient insulin, due to missed doses, or too low a dose for what is needed at the time, or not enough of your other diabetes medications.
What is the blood glucose level of a diabetic?
Hyperglycemia and its accompanying symptoms are often what lead to a diabetes diagnosis (fasting glucose greater than 126 mg/dL, blood glucose level above 200 mg/dL, or an A1C above 6.4%).
How many levels of hypoglycemia are there?
There are three levels of hypoglycemia: level 1, glucose values less than 70 mg/dL; level 2, glucose levels less than 54 mg/dL; and level 3, severe hypoglycemia, which is characterized by altered mental state or the need for someone to help you to treat the extreme low.
Can diabetes cause hypoglycemia?
Most people with diabetes are able to recognize the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia as their glucose levels are trending low before severe hypoglycemia occurs. These warning signs are due to the release of other body hormones (mainly the hormone adrenaline) that alerts you to oncoming hypoglycemia. Some people experience hypoglycemia unawareness ...
