Difference Between Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia

What's the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia? How do you know if you have either condition?

Here's a short guide to refer to today to help you better understand the differences between the two. By the time you've finished reading it, you'll know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. You'll also know what to do if you experience either condition and when to seek medical attention.

Medical Conditions with Similar Sounding Names but Different Symptoms

Although hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia sound similar when pronounced, they're actually very different. They both involve the body's ability to process blood sugar. Hypoglycemia means that you're experiencing low levels of blood sugar. Hyperglycemia means that the body has high blood sugar. You can learn your exact blood glucose levels by using a glucometer for readings.

If a person with diabetes experiences hypoglycemia, their body produces too much insulin. The best way of taking care of low blood sugar is by raising it quickly with a protein-filled snack. That way, hyperglycemia can be avoided by having a snack that sustains the body for longer with little likelihood of feeling a blood sugar crash afterward.

If a body is often hyperglycemic, it is typically monitored closely through regular blood glucose readings, oral medication, and/or insulin. Diet and exercise also help with keeping blood sugar levels lower. Meeting with a professional to discuss lifestyle choices helps a person with diabetes effectively regulate their blood glucose levels.

Medical attention is required for both conditions if they're ongoing and difficult to control through lifestyle choices. Having an A1C done routinely helps you better understand your blood glucose average over several months. It's a test administered by a medical doctor and very telling of how well your body responds to the treatment options and lifestyle choices you maintain.

The symptoms of hypoglycemia are profuse sweating, feelings of dizziness and confusion, paleness, blurred vision, and irritability. Hyperglycemia can cause a person to urinate frequently, feel extreme thirst, dry mouth, irritability, and cause blurred vision. Keeping a glucometer on hand to test blood glucose levels helps people with diabetes or pre-diabetic to closely monitor their health. When problems arise, they know what to do to bring their blood glucose levels down or up, whichever is appropriate at the time.

You can experience both conditions as a diabetic. You may experience hypoglycemia by having your blood glucose levels tank or hyperglycemia by having them rise quickly.

Education is Key in Effectively Treating Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia

Tandem Diabetes knows the importance of knowing the difference between hypo vs hyperglycemia. Acknowledging the type of condition being experienced helps you seek the best treatment options for your needs. You don't risk doing the wrong thing to treat your condition when you consult a professional. Accessing a team of caring experts makes getting assistance with hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia much easier.

Now that you understand hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, you can start treating your symptoms effectively. You'll better understand what to do to keep your blood sugar levels even so they don't drop or spike suddenly.