Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia: Their Effects on Diabetes

Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia

• Hypoglycemia results when blood sugar is too low
• Hyperglycemia is condition brought on when blood sugar is too high
• Low blood sugar symptoms can include nervousness, shakiness, hunger, dizziness, confusion, and can be caused by missing a meal or not eating enough sugary foods
• High blood sugar symptoms result when the body cannot produce enough insulin

Sugar contained within the blood provides vital energy that your body needs to carry out essential functions. Hypoglycemia is a condition that comes about when you do not have enough blood sugar. Hyperglycemia is the opposite i.e. when your blood sugar levels are too high. Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can both cause conditions that can be a serious threat to your health. It is therefore important to have your blood sugar levels tested regularly so that any problems can be treated at the outset.
Blood sugar levels vary, depending on when you have eaten. Normal levels are between 70 mg/dL to 110 mg/dL upon waking, and rise to between 70 mg/dL and 140 mg/dL shortly after eating a meal.

Hyperglycemia and Diabetes

For those who do not have diabetes, the body uses insulin (a hormone) to move glucose from the blood into cells. If you have diabetes, your body does not produce enough insulin on its own or it does not respond well to insulin. As a result, blood sugar levels build and this can cause damage to blood vessels, nerves and organs. High levels of blood sugar are called hyperglycemia. Treatments for diabetes aim to control blood sugar and maintain proper blood sugar levels in order to avoid such complications.

Hypoglycemia and Diabetes

Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, happens when blood sugar (also known as blood glucose) falls below 70 mg/dL. Such a low blood sugar level can be caused by some medications used to treat diabetes. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include: nervousness and shakiness, hunger, dizziness or light-headedness, confusion, difficulty speaking speech can be slurred), feeling anxious or weak, sleepiness and perspiration.

Hypoglycemia can be caused by missing a meal or eating an insufficient amount of snacks. It can also be caused by high levels of exercise or exertion or by too much alcohol. Diabetes medication or insulin can also cause hypoglycemia if too much is taken.
You can avoid hypoglycemia by taking any medications you have been prescribed in the correct dosage. If there are any problems with your prescription, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure you eat regularly and that you don’t miss any meals.

Follow any dietary advice you have been given by your diabetes educator. In case you get hungry, make sure that you carry a healthy snack. This is especially important if you are going to be active or exercising. Be careful what you drink: alcohol can be a cause of hypoglycemia, particularly if you drink when you have an empty stomach. Always drink in moderation and always with a snack or a meal. Alcohol stays in your system and can cause low blood sugar levels up to two days after consumption.

Treatment of hypoglycemia is usually straightforward. A quick snack should boost blood sugar back to safe levels. Around 15 grams of simple sugars or carbohydrates is usually sufficient. For example, 5 or 6 pieces of hard candy, half a cup of fruit juice, half a cup of regular soda (not diet!) or 1 cup of fat free milk. 15 minutes after you have eaten, test your blood sugar again. If it is still below 70mg/dL, have another snack and test again 15 minutes later. Remember that hypoglycemia can happen at any time, so make sure that you always carry a snack.

If hypoglycemia is severe, it can cause you to lose consciousness. Glucagon can be injected (usually in the arm or leg) to help raise blood sugar quickly. Glucagon is a hormone, and can be prescribed by your doctor if he or she thinks it might be necessary for you to have an emergency kit.

When you need to regulate your blood sugar, you can try Cinnergen solution.
Cinnergen supplement is used as a natural method to provide the nutrients you need to keep your blood sugar under control. The supplement works because of the ingredients used, and can help you lower your blood sugar and increase your insulin efficiency. All of the herbs and foods in this nutritional supplement are full of healthy and nutritious compounds.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.