Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia

Posted: Nov. 1, 2004

Keeping blood glucose levels within the target range is the goal of diabetes control. However, extremes in blood glucose levels can occur for several reasons.

Hypoglycemia
Blood glucose levels can sometimes drop too low — a condition called hypoglycemia. Taking too much diabetes medicine, missing a meal or snack or exercising too much may cause hypoglycemia.

When blood glucose levels fall very low, the person can lose consciousness or develop seizures.

If you have diabetes, you should know the signs of hypoglycemia:

• Feeling weak or dizzy
• Feeling nervous, shaky or confused
• Sweating more
• Noticing sudden changes in your heartbeat
• Feeling very hungry

If you experience these symptoms, test your blood glucose. If it is 70 or less, eat one of the following right away:
2 or 3 glucose tablets
1/2 cup (4 ounces) of any fruit juice
1/2 cup (4 ounces) of a regular (not diet) soft drink
1 cup (8 ounces) of milk
5 or 6 pieces of hard candy
1 or 2 teaspoons of sugar or honey

Hyperglycemia
Blood glucose levels can sometimes rise too high — a condition known as hyperglycemia.

Forgetting to take medicines on time, eating too much and getting too little exercise may cause hyperglycemia. Being ill also can raise blood glucose levels.

Over time, hyperglycemia can lead to serious health problems and cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, blood vessels, gums and teeth.

Signs of hyperglycemia include:

• Frequent hunger
• Frequent thirst
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Poor wound healing

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

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