Hypoglycemia Versus Hyperglycemia

To a diabetic, maintaining constant blood sugar levels is all that is important: everything else comes second. Even with this much focus being placed on this one area, levels are still going to sometimes be out of range, bringing on hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia episodes. But how do you deal with each?

Both of these conditions have to do with blood sugar being at abnormal levels. Hypo means low, while hyper means high. While many of the symptoms are the same for both, there are differing reasons why these episodes occur in the first place. Treatment also varies between the two.

Hyperglycemia is often a result of diabetes itself, with the most common occurrence due to side effects of diabetic medications. High amounts of stress and illness can also cause it. Hypoglycemia, on the other hand, is typically brought on by the individual. It often results from poor nutrition, improper planning of meals and snacks and excessive exercising that the individual may not be accustomed to.

When it comes to symptoms, they both carry many of the same warning signs: dizziness, feeling light-headed, confused, shaky, weak, etc. Regardless of which end of the spectrum your blood sugar has landed, the important thing is to get it balanced as quickly as possible. Each condition has recommended ways of achieving this goal.

High blood sugar needs to be removed from the body. The best remedy for this is to try burning the excess sugar off through exercise. Drinking lots of water will help flush the sugar out. Sometimes It may be necessary to get a shot of insulin to bring levels back to normal.

With low blood sugar, raising it means ingesting carbs and sugar. Glucose tablets, candy, fruit drinks and the like will bring sugar back up in no time. In either case, it is best to follow up with your doctor to make sure that these episodes won't be a regular occurrence.