8 Difference Between Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia with Table
What is the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia?
Regulation of blood sugar level in the body is important. Individuals diagnosed with diabetes need to exercise extra precaution by maintaining a healthy diet, physical exercise, and insulin therapy.
The main difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia is that the former is caused by low glucose in the bloodstream while the latter by excess glucose in the bloodstream.
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Comparison Table (Hypoglycemia vs Hyperglycemia)
| Basic Terms | Hypoglycemia | Hyperglycemia |
| Meaning | It is a condition where there is low glucose in the bloodstream. | It is a condition where there is excess glucose in the bloodstream. |
| Cause | Excess insulin Low intake of food Excess exercise | Too much intake of food Stress Absence of insulin Side effects of drugs |
| Signs and Symptoms | Pale skin High pulses Headache Anxiety Confuse state of mind Fast heartbeat | More urination than usual Increased thirst Hot and dry skin Abdominal pain Vomiting Weight loss |
| Post Effects | It damages the kidneys, eyes, fits and causes confusion | Can lead to a coma, urinary excretion, nerve damage, infertility, and blurred vision |
| Outset | Sudden outcome | Develop slowly over a long period |
| Diagnosis | A blood test to check the glucose level | A blood test to check the level of glucose in the blood |
| Treatment | Using simple carbohydrates or 15-20 grams of glucose | Monitor glucose level and follow the diabetic meal plan |
| Complications | Diabetic ketoacidosis | Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome. |
What Is Hypoglycemia?
It is a condition where there is low glucose in the bloodstream. It occurs when the blood sugar level drops to 70mg/dl.
Some of the common causes of hypoglycemia are excess insulin, insufficient carbohydrates in the diet, delayed meals, increased physical activity, and excess consumption of alcohol.
Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia are confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, shaky, and Polyphagia. The condition is treatable after diagnosis where the patient takes glucose tablets.
What Is Hyperglycemia?
It is a condition where there is excess glucose in the bloodstream. The condition usually affects individuals with type 1 and 2 diabetes.
Hyperglycemia is grouped into fasting and Postprandial. Fasting hyperglycemia occurs when the sugar level is more than 130mg/dl after fasting for at least more than 8 hours.
Postprandial hyperglycemia occurs when the blood glucose level is higher than 180mg/dl after checking 2 hours after a meal.
Common causes are too many carbohydrates, stress, infection, physical activities, intense exercises, and non-compliant with insulin injection.
Signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia are trouble with concentration, blurred vision, weight loss, headaches, Polyuria, and Polydipsia.
Common treatments are drinking plenty of water, stay active, switch diabetic medication and seek advice from a professional physician.
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Main Difference between Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia
In Conclusion
Proper regulation and maintenance of blood sugar levels in the body are important. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are two conditions that occur in the body due to sugar fluctuation.
Individuals are required to follow a proper diet, care, and medication to avoid experiencing any of these two blood sugar level conditions.
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More Sources and References
- https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/hyperglycemia-vs-hypoglycemia#causes
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311204
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279340/#:~:text=Hyperglycemia%20occurs%20when%20blood%20sugar,blood%2Dsugar%2Dlowering%20medication.
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