What is the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia?
People often ask about the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. “Glycemia” means that there is sugar (or glucose) present in the blood. When there is excess glucose in the blood, this is known as HYPERglycemia (in most cases, >10.0 mmol/L). When glucose levels in the blood are lower than they should be, this is known as HYPOglycemia (in most cases, <3.9 mmol/L). It’s also important to note that severe hypoglycemia occurs in most cases when glucose levels in the blood reach below 3.1 mmol/L. If you or your loved one is experiencing severe hypoglycemia, seek medical attention right away.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia or severe hypoglycemia include:
- shakiness
- nervousness
- sweating
- hunger
- difficulty thinking
- blurred vision
- dizziness
Symptoms of hyperglycemia include:
- increased thirst
- frequent urination
- blurred vision
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- reduced concentration
Managing glucose levels is an ongoing practice for people living with diabetes as they use insulin or carefully eat carbohydrates (carbs) to maintain balanced glucose levels. This allows the body to function properly and can help prevent long-term damage to vital organs.
While these are general definitions of these terms and the levels where they occur, your healthcare professional may set different levels for specific diabetes management plan. Speak to your doctor about what you should consider to be low or high blood sugar levels.
While these are general definitions of these terms and the levels where they occur, your healthcare professional may set different levels for specific diabetes management plan. Speak to your doctor about what you should consider to be low or high blood sugar levels.
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