What Hypoglycemia And Hyperglycemia Are And How To Cure Them?

Hypoglycemia is a pathological state that occurs when blood sugar (glucose) level is less than the normal level of sugar in blood. It occurs due to many causes like it can be a side effect of over medication of diabetes or a wide gap in meals or it can be due to high activity or exercise that consumes the blood glucose. A tumor in pancreas or liver may cause an impulsive release of insulin thus sharply decreasing the blood sugar and causing Hyperglycemia.



A moderate Hypoglycemia induces symptoms such as fatigue, nervousness, headaches, heart palpitations, sudden hunger, craving for sweets, dizziness, cold hands and feet, faintness etc; However, severe hyperglycemia may result in complications with symptoms that may include confusion, hallucinations, blurred or double vision, convulsions, seizures and coma.



A rapid delivery of source of easily absorbable sugar like a sugar containing drink or a glucose tablet under the tongue can show an instant recovery in a person with hyperglycemia. However, prolonged exposure to low glucose level in blood might have serious implications. It can cause a brain damage or a state of coma. Taking a medical advice to find the cause of the episode is always advisable and one should take necessary precautions to prevent another such event.



Hyperglycemia is a clinical condition when an excessive amount of glucose circulates in your body. It is generally the first sign of Diabetes Mellitus. It can be controlled by medication but is quite fatal at higher levels. It might turn into complex medical condition of Ketoacidosis in Type I Diabetes or Hyperosmolar coma in type ii diabetes.



Eating more food than is prescribed in your diet plan, taking less insulin than prescribed, infection or illness, emotional stress are the factors causing hyperglycemia. The treatment depends on the cause and is dependent on the sugar level in the blood at that time. Hospitalization is essential if the patient is unconscious, otherwise also hyperglycemia must not be taken lightly.

Achieve Normal Blood Sugar Levels And Stay Away From Symptoms Of Hypoglycemia And Hyperglycemia

Not to mention... I know you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes. Your recent blood sugar test has indicated that you were far away from normal blood sugar levels. You are feeling like your life is over now. How will you raise your family? How will you run your business? And so on... There are plenty of unanswered questions roaming in your mind.



If you are going through the above scenario then let me tell you the truth; being diagnosed with diabetes does not mean that now you can't reach the stars. The truth is you can still become an engineer, politician or a successful businessman. Life is not over with diabetes. What it require is just a little bit of change in the lifestyle. If you achieve normal blood sugar level ranges then you can achieve anything.



Your health care professional can guide that how often you should check blood glucose levels. Initially you may require repeated blood glucose tests at home but after a while you'll have a better control on your diabetes and the number of blood glucose tests would be reduced. Blood glucose level testing needs a test strip and a drop of blood. The result will indicate whether your blood glucose levels are in the required range or not.



Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)



Hypoglycemia is a condition faced by many diabetics from time to time. It is a phase of low blood sugar levels. Following are the symptoms of hypoglycemia.



ท Feeling tired



ท Uncontrolled yawning



ท An inability to think or speak clearly



ท Loss of coordination of muscles



ท Twitching



ท Seizures



ท Excessive sweating



ท Loss of consciousness



ท Becoming excessively pale



ท Feeling of being passing out



Doctors strongly recommend that all diabetics must carry a minimum of 15 gm of simple carbohydrates; like any candy or glucose tablet. These carbohydrates are the best source of energy that help to raise blood sugar levels. If these fast acting carbohydrates don't seem to work within 15 minutes then it is recommended that you must take another dose of this quick snack.



Diabetics must teach their family, co-workers and friends the symptoms of hypoglycemia and what can be done if a person has a hypoglycemia attack. It is also recommended to carry glucagon,in case of any emergency. It is given with the help of injection for rapidly increasing the blood glucose level. If the diabetic person is unconscious and is unable to eat or drink then the other person can raise his blood glucose levels by giving him a shot of glucagon.



Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar Levels)



Hyperglycemia is the phase of increased blood sugar levels. Most diabetics have to face this stage even if they are eating according to the diabetic diet plan and exercising regularly. General causes of hyperglycemia are feeling sick or stressed or eating more than the required portion.



Following Are The Common Symptoms Of Hyperglycemia



ท Recurrent urge to urinate



ท Extreme thirst



ท Blurriness in vision



ท Extreme fatigue



It is not difficult to control the symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. The person only requires right knowledge and quick tips to achieve normal blood sugar levels.

Comparing Diabetic Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia

Diabetics must manage their blood glucose levels through medication, diet, exercise, and daily monitoring. Failure to do so can result in wildly fluctuating blood sugars that can lead to either diabetic hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Both of these conditions are dangerous for the diabetic and can lead to other medical complications.



The following list compares the many symptoms and complications these two conditions can cause.



1. The on set of hypoglycemia is rapid while the onset of hyperglycemia is gradual and can take days.
2. Hypoglycemia will cause the person to be weepy, irritable, nervous and liable and Hyperglycemia causes a person to be lethargic
3. Concentration, coordination, speaking and the ability to focus are all affected with hypoglycemia, Hyperglycemia causes confusion
4. Nightmares, shaking, hunger, headache and dizziness are seen with hypoglycemia. Thirst, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting and thirst are associated with Hyperglycemia.
5. Hypoglycemia will cause pallor and sweating. Hyperglycemia causes flushing and signs of dehydration
6. With hypoglycemia the mucous membranes will be normal, hyperglycemia the mucous membranes are often dry and crusty.
7. The breath rate remains normal during hypoglycemia and becomes deep and rapid (kussmaul breathing) during hyperglycemia
8. Heart rate with hypoglycemia will become fast (tachycardia). During times of hyperglycemia the heart rate will become slow and weak.
9. Breath odor will be normal with hypoglycemia and smell fruity with hyperglycemia.
10. Hypoglycemia will cause tremors that can later lead to hyperreflexia, dilated pupils and seizure. Paresthesia (a sensation of tingling, prickling, or numbness of the skin) can result from hyperglycemia.
11. If untreated hypoglycemia can lead to shock and coma. Hyperglycemia will progress to acidosis and coma.
12. Hypoglycemia is a blood sugar below 60 mg/dl. Hyperglycemic is a blood sugar of 250 mg/dl or more
13. During hypoglycemia the blood will be negative for ketones and have a high/large amount during hyperglycemia.
14. Osmolarity will remain normal during hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia will result in a high osmolarity.
15. Blood pH will remain normal during hypoglycemia and be low (7.25 or less) with hyperglycemia.
16. Hematocrit remains normal with hypoglycemia and is increased with hyperglycemia.
17. HCO3 remains normal with hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia will cause HCO3to become less than 20 mEq/L
18. Urine output will remain normal with hypoglycemia. Polyuria (increased urination) will occur during the early stages of hyperglycemia. Oliguria (low urine output) occurs late with hyperglycemia.
19. Urine is negative for glucose with hypoglycemia and contains a large amount with hyperglycemia.
20. Ketones will be trace or negative in urine during hypoglycemia and high with hyperglycemia.
21. Hyperglycemia will cause blurred vision and hypoglycemia will cause diplopia (double vision).



Looking at the length of this comparative list it is easy to see why monitoring and managing blood glucose levels is so important for anyone with diabetes.

Signs of Diabetes - Typical Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

The signs of diabetes vary a lot from person to person. If you are a newly diagnosed diabetic, the signs which your body is showing are the hints of probable mismanagement of insulin. For those who have doubts in their mind of being diabetics these signs of diabetes can give them a better idea to know whether they are suffering from diabetic condition or not. If the symptoms are there it is better to consult the doctor who will arrange some blood tests, to get a clear picture.



If there is more sugar in the blood than required it means that the person is suffering from hyperglycemia



The body will show the following signs



--The person has to make very frequent trips to the restroom. The amount of urine each time will be also much greater than the routine volumes.



--Most often they have a quenchable thirst, they require a large amount of liquid to satisfy their thirst.



--Most of the time they are hungry, especially soon after eating.



--Though they are eating a lot to satisfy their hunger they are more tired. A feeling of fatigue is most of the time there.



--They have the short breath without doing much physical work.



If the hyperglycemia continues for a long period of time, these symptoms includes



--Stinging pain in the muscles can take place any time, which sometime can convert into a shooting pain. These actually depict some nerve damage



--In men the body can react by showing impotency



-- Blurring of vision



--A fruity smell in breath



--Cramping in stomach



--Vomiting and nausea



--Mental puzzlement



If you can detect the above signs in you it is better to consult the doctor and gather as much information about diabetes as you can.

How to Treat and Prevent Non-Diabetic Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia is the medical term for high blood sugar. In most cases, hyperglycemia goes hand in hand with diabetes. However, there are other causes that can be found for the condition. The definition of what is considered a high amount of sugar often varies by the medical establishment.



In most cases, it is considered any level that is over 180 on a blood glucose test. This level would be high if you have been fasting for at least four hours, as levels this high can be common after a meal. There are specific causes and treatments for non-diabetic hyperglycemia.



Many eating disorders, such as bulimia, can lead to hyperglycemia. In this case, the high amount of sugar found in the blood would be most commonly found during the binging phase of the process. With this disease, most people will binge eat, which is the process of consuming large amounts of food in a short period.



In most cases, the foods chosen are high carbohydrate foods and simple sugars. These foods can quickly raise the blood glucose level as the body will not have enough time to produce a high enough insulin level. In this case, the best option for preventing hyperglycemia is to get a handle on the eating disorder and this is usually no small task.



However, the hyperglycemia is a direct result of the disorder. If you are facing this condition, you need to eat small meals through out the day to get your levels back under control. Contact your physician for help with management.



Hyperglycemia can often be found in people who have an infection or inflammation due to an illness. When a person is ill, the body will release endogenous catecholamines, as well as other hormones that can raise levels of sugar in their blood. For this reason, it is possible for normally healthy people to have high blood glucose level.



This is why no one should ever be diagnosed with diabetes based on one blood sugar level. It is possible for one high reading to be a product of illness and stress on the body. This condition is usually detected by your physician during blood tests.



In this case, it is often hard to determine whether the symptoms you experience are from the flu or from raised blood glucose levels. This is why you should seek medical treatment for help in determining what the issue is. If you doctor does discover that your illness has caused a rise in blood sugar levels, they might suggest insulin for a short period or you may need to adjust your diet while you are ill.



It is very possible for illness, stress, and certain habits, to have an impact on blood glucose levels. These levels do not always mean a person has diabetes or that they will develop it later on. Your doctor should determine if you are experiencing Hyperglycemia due to other factors or if this is an ongoing condition that deserves a diabetes diagnosis.



There are tests that can measure your blood sugar levels over several months to help determine if this is an isolated event or an ongoing condition. Only your doctor can help make this determination.

Signs of High Blood Sugar - Hyperglycemia

An important part of managing diabetes is recognising when your blood glucose (sugar) becomes too high and knowing what to do about it. In this article we will talk about what is too high a blood glucose level, how this can happen, help you recognise the key symptoms of high blood glucose and give some advice on what action you can take if it happens.



So What Is Too High A Blood Glucose?



When blood glucose is higher then 180 mg/dl (in US units) or 10mmol/L (in UK units) measured two hours after food, then the blood glucose is too high. The technical term for this is hyperglycemia.



How Is Hyperglycemia Caused?



Hyperglycemia is often a result of when food, activity and medications are not balanced. Some of the common reasons why this balance can be altered are:



· Too much food or the wrong type food· Not enough medication· Not enough insulin · Poor injection technique· Overuse of injection sites· Infections or illness· Stress · Increase in weight



A common cause of hyperglycemia in diabetics is missing a dose of insulin or not taking enough or missing diabetic oral medication. Eating too much, can also cause a rise in blood sugar levels



Signs And Symptoms Of Hyperglycemia



In the early stages, there are likely to be no symptoms at all and even when symptoms do arise they may come on so slowly that they are not noticed.



You may get some of following symptoms:



· More hunger or thirst then usual · Excessive urination · Tiredness and lethargy · Frequent infections · Blurred vision



If untreated, high blood glucose may result in diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious condition due to a lack of insulin. This causes the body to try to find energy from other sources as it cannot use the glucose in the blood. Ketones and acid form as a result.



The condition is characterised by vomiting, drowsiness, smell of acetone (like pear drops) on the breath and can result in coma.



Monitoring your blood glucose regularly may help you identify when your blood glucose has become too high and recognising the warning signs will help highlight to you that action needs to be taken.



Handy Tip: If you have a glucose meter which can be connected to a PC then you can visually track your blood glucose results by drawing graphs. This can be a great way to see the trend of your results without being bogged down in numbers. Most meters do have cables which can be attached to the meter to allow it to be connected. For One touch Ultra Meters there is the One Touch Ultra Cable and for Accu-chek Meters there is the Accu-chek Smart Pix. Click on the link in the resources section to learn more about how the cable works.



This article has focused on the signs and symptoms of high blood sugar. To learn about what to do if you do experience hyperglycemia read the full version of the article by clicking on hyperglycemia symptoms.



As with many things in life, prevention is better then cure. Be aware of the causes of hyperglycemia and do what you can to prevent them.

Signs of Diabetes - Typical Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

The signs of diabetes vary a lot from person to person. If you are a newly diagnosed diabetic, the signs which your body is showing are the hints of probable mismanagement of insulin. For those who have doubts in their mind of being diabetics these signs of diabetes can give them a better idea to know whether they are suffering from diabetic condition or not. If the symptoms are there it is better to consult the doctor who will arrange some blood tests, to get a clear picture.



If there is more sugar in the blood than required it means that the person is suffering from hyperglycemia



The body will show the following signs



--The person has to make very frequent trips to the restroom. The amount of urine each time will be also much greater than the routine volumes.



--Most often they have a quenchable thirst, they require a large amount of liquid to satisfy their thirst.



--Most of the time they are hungry, especially soon after eating.



--Though they are eating a lot to satisfy their hunger they are more tired. A feeling of fatigue is most of the time there.



--They have the short breath without doing much physical work.



If the hyperglycemia continues for a long period of time, these symptoms includes



--Stinging pain in the muscles can take place any time, which sometime can convert into a shooting pain. These actually depict some nerve damage



--In men the body can react by showing impotency



-- Blurring of vision



--A fruity smell in breath



--Cramping in stomach



--Vomiting and nausea



--Mental puzzlement



If you can detect the above signs in you it is better to consult the doctor and gather as much information about diabetes as you can.