Hypoglycemia vs. Hyperglycemia

Since we are on the topic of talking about diabetes, whether it is Type 1 or Type 2, we might as well continue to talk about it--this time it is hypoglycemia vs. hyperglycemia.

What does these two have in common with diabetes? It has something to do with our blood sugar levels, either too low or too high.

What is hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia?

Hypoglycemia refers to low blood glucose, or blood sugar level. Our body needs glucose in order for us to have enough energy to function. During the time that we eat, our blood absorbs glucose. If we have eaten just a little bit too much, or more that what our body need, then your liver and muscles will store the extra glucose. When our blood sugar level decreases, a hormone will send a message to your liver to release glucose.

The following are some symptoms of hypoglycemia:

-Fast heartbeat

-Sweating

-Hunger

-Weakness/Fatigue

-Sweating

-50 to 54 mg/dL

People who are suffering from diabetes, this is often a side effect as a result of diabetic medications. We can increase our blood sugar level by eating or drinking something that have carbohydrates.

This is not limited to people suffering from diabetes. Non-diabetics can also have hypoglycemia; some of the causes could come from medications, hormones, enzyme deficiencies, just to name a few.

Unlike hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia is the result of having a blood glucose level that is abnormally high. The blood sugar level with hyperglycemia is above 200 mg/dL. This is usually a likely sign of diabetes, whether it is Type 1 or Type 2 and/or prediabetes.

Other causes of hyperglycemia may include pancreatic cancer, certain medications, pancreatitis, and Cushing's Syndrome, just to name a few.

These are some symptoms of hyperglycemia:

-Frequent urination

-Dry skin

-Blurred vision

-Extreme thirst

-Hunger

-Drowsiness

Severely high blood sugar levels may cause a medical emergency as in diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, or hyperglycemic hypersmolar non-ketotic syndrome, or HHNS (also known as hyperglycemic hypersmolar state).

With Type 1 diabetes, insulin is the go-to treatment and for life-threatening increases in blood sugar levels. As with Type 2 diabetes, a combination of oral and injectable medications is usually the best solution in controlling diabetes.

Now that we know the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, we can more likely manage our blood sugar levels at a reasonable level. If your blood sugar level becomes unmanageable, please consult a physician or doctor.

Have you had experiences with either hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia? Please feel free to post your comments or give feedback in the Comments box.


Next post: What are the Dangerous Medication Combinations?

How to Take Charge of Your Diabetes

Did you know that approximately 700 people every day are diagnosed with diabetes, whether it is Type 1 or Type 2? This number is very alarming, but this is the state of our healthcare system.

When most people think of diabetes, they are often thinking about Type 2 diabetes, which is more common. In addition, Type 1 diabetes also exist, but it does not get talked about as much. Many people think that all diabetes is the same, but it is not. Diabetes is an autoimmune disease

There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.

First of all, Type 1 diabetes develop when the insulin that is making cells in the pancreas; the glucose stays in the bloodstream. It is often diagnosed during childhood when children are experiencing high blood sugar signs and symptoms; it is insulin-dependent. This causes the sugar levels in the blood to increase when it cannot be corrected naturally. Increased blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia can affect the body in a negative way. If levels become super high and/or remain high for a substantial period of time, ketoacidosis is likely to occur; this can be fatal.

Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is insulin-resistant, which causes the body not to produce enough insulin or when the body is resisting the insulin that it is producing. High blood sugar levels and obesity plays a huge role in Type 2 diabetes. It affects more than 3 million people. Sometimes, a person with Type 2 diabetes may be asymptomatic. Usually, as Type 2 diabetes progresses, it can become worse in the case that the pancreas produces less insulin.

Have you heard of prediabetes?

Yes, there is a such thing. Prediabetes occur when you are a likely high-risk candidate of developing Type 2 diabetes based on high blood glucose (sugar) levels, family history, just to name a few.

The question is how can you take charge of your diabetes?

For Type 1 diabetes, it is important to take insulin on a daily basis, either with injection or an insulin pump. Also, check your blood sugar levels throughout the day, eat a healthy and well-balanced meal, and participate in regular activity.

With Type 2 diabetes, you should work on and keep a healthy weight, exercise on a regular basis, and also eat a healthy meal; the impact of Type 2 diabetes can be greatly reduced or slowed down by doing these things that I just mentioned.

Just because you may have or been diagnosed with diabetes, it is not the end of the world! You can still live a normal life, with a few lifestyle changes.

Do you have a personal story about living with diabetes, whether it is Type 1 or Type 2? Please feel free to comment or give feedback in the Comments box.


Next post: Hypoglycemia vs. Hyperglycemia