If you think high and low blood sugar only affects people with diabetes, you’re wrong. Hypoglycemia is a condition in which you have low blood sugar, while hyperglycemia, in which you have high blood sugar can affect people who do not have diabetes as well. These changes in blood sugar levels can affect your health in many ways and may cause serious complications. To understand more about this, we spoke to our expert Dr Basavaprabhu, Consultant Internal Medicine, KMC Hospital, Mangalore, who explained the symptoms, causes, and treatment measures for this condition.
Hypoglycemia: The Sugar Drought
To explain hypoglycemia in simple terms Dr Basavaprabhu asked us to imagine our body as a finely tuned car. He said, “Just like a car requires fuel to move, your body's fuel is glucose, a kind of sugar. Hypoglycemia happens when there's not enough sugar in your blood, similar to your car running out of gas during a long journey. If someone with diabetes keeps experiencing low sugar episodes even though they're taking their prescribed pills or insulin regularly, it could be a sign of kidney problems. In very rare cases, lack of steroid hormone synthesis called Addison's disease, insulin-secreting tumours can also cause these recurrent hypoglycemic episodes.”
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
Dr Basavaprabhu listed the symptoms of hypoglycemia as follows:
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Causes of Hypoglycemia
- Skipping meals
- Overexerting yourself without eating
- Certain medications (like insulin)
- Medical conditions like diabetes
Dr Basavaprabhu added When you experience hypoglycemia, it's crucial to act fast. Grab a snack with some carbohydrates, like a banana or juice, to refuel your body.
Hyperglycemia: The Sugar Storm
Now, let's talk about the opposite scenario. Hyperglycemia happens when there's too much sugar in your bloodstream. It's like a storm brewing in your body. According to StatPearls, over the past two decades, there has been a substantial rise in hyperglycemia, which is attributed to higher rates of obesity, reduced physical activity, and an ageing population.
Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
In hyperglycemia, your body is struggling to handle the excess sugar. Its symptoms include:
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Dry mouth
- Slow-healing wounds
Causes of Hyperglycemia
- Overeating sugary foods
- Lack of physical activity
- Not taking prescribed diabetes medications
- Stress
Dr Basavaprabhu said, “In the case of hyperglycemia, you need to bring your sugar levels down. To do so, drink water, avoid sugary foods, and follow your doctor's advice.”
Treatment: Finding the Balance
Dr Basavaprabhu noted, “Balancing your blood sugar is like maintaining your car's engine. You need the right amount of fuel to keep it running smoothly.” Here are some tips that you should follow to manage your blood sugar levels:
- Diet: Eat balanced meals with carbohydrates, proteins, and fibre to keep sugar levels stable.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity helps your body use sugar for energy.
- Medications: Take prescribed medications as directed, especially if you have diabetes.
- Monitoring: Keep an eye on your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
- Hydration: To help flush away extra sugar, drink plenty of water.
- Stress Management: Stress can affect your sugar levels, so find healthy ways to manage it.
Bottomline
Dr Basavaprabhu concluded, “In this battle of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, your body depends on you to maintain the delicate balance of sugar in your bloodstream. If you experience persistent symptoms or have concerns about your blood sugar, consult a healthcare professional. They can provide personalised guidance to keep your body's engine running smoothly.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information shared by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult with your expert if you notice the symptoms to avoid complications.]
