Hyperglycemia Vs. Hypoglycemia

Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are diseases of the body's blood sugar levels. However, they have the opposite issues. In hyperglycemia, an individual's blood sugar levels are far too high. Hypoglycemia is the opposite problem and involves blood sugar levels that are too low to be healthy. The causes, symptoms and manifestations of both of these diseases are different and unique to each.

Hyperglycemia

This disease of high blood glucose levels can generally be handled by taking medication and engaging in adequate exercise. However, when the blood glucose levels get too high it can lead to more dangerous conditions such as hyperglycemic hyperosmolar coma. Hyperglycemia generally results from a lack of insulin or consuming too much food or alcohol.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia involves the blood sugar levels being far too low (below 70 milligrams). This condition is usually caused by excessive diabetic medication or a sudden increase in exercise or physical activity without an increase in caloric intake. People can also become hypoglycemic due to tumors in the liver or pancreas that can lead to releases of insulin.

Hyperglycemia Symptoms

Some common symptoms of hyperglycemia include excessive thirst, weakness, fatigue, confusion, convulsions, seizure and coma. Some other symptoms of this disorder include feeling nauseated and throwing up. The medication for hyperglycemia is insulin.

Hypoglycemia Symptoms

Some common symptoms of hypoglycemia include extreme fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, discomfort all over the body, headache, irritability, fast heart rate, increased appetite and breaking out into cold sweats. Symptoms that might occur later on in hypoglycemia are more serious generally and include blurred or double vision, seizures, convulsions, hallucinations, confusion and more. Treatment for hypoglycemia is usually increased carbohydrate intake in the diet.

Warning

What hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia both have in common is that they both can cause serious complications that can affect your health in major ways. That's why it's a good idea for individuals to regularly test their blood glucose levels, which will help them know their treatment options (in case they have low or high blood sugar levels) and avoid further health problems.