When blood glucose levels deviate from their normal range, they can lead to serious health concerns. Hypoglycemia refers to abnormally low blood sugar, while hyperglycemia indicates elevated blood sugar. Both conditions are directly linked to the body’s ability to manage glucose, a primary energy source for cells. Recognizing their distinct signs is important for prompt and appropriate action, which can significantly impact an individual’s well-being.
Recognizing Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, typically occurs when glucose levels drop below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for most individuals with diabetes. Symptoms of hypoglycemia often appear rapidly as the body reacts to insufficient glucose, particularly for the brain. Stress hormones like adrenaline are released, aiming to raise blood sugar.
Individuals experiencing hypoglycemia might notice physical sensations such as shakiness or trembling, along with sweating and chills. Anxiety or irritability can also emerge, sometimes accompanied by a rapid heartbeat. Other common signs include dizziness or lightheadedness, intense hunger, and a sense of weakness or fatigue. Some people may also experience tingling or numbness around the lips, tongue, or cheeks.
As blood sugar continues to fall, more pronounced neurological symptoms can manifest. These might include confusion, difficulty concentrating, or unusual behavior. Slurred speech, blurred vision, or a loss of coordination are also possible indicators of worsening hypoglycemia. Symptoms can vary, so individuals should learn their unique warning signs.
Recognizing High Blood Sugar
High blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia, typically presents with symptoms that develop more gradually, often over several hours or even days. This slower progression means symptoms may not appear until blood glucose levels are significantly elevated (commonly above 180 to 200 mg/dL). Persistent high sugar levels cause the kidneys to excrete excess glucose.
Increased thirst, often with a dry mouth, is a primary symptom. This excessive thirst leads to frequent urination as the body flushes out surplus sugar through the kidneys. Individuals may also experience increased fatigue, a general feeling of weakness, or blurred vision. Headaches are another common complaint associated with elevated blood sugar.
In more severe cases, especially if hyperglycemia is left unaddressed, it can lead to complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), particularly in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Symptoms of DKA include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. A distinctive sign of DKA is fruity-smelling breath, which results from the body breaking down fat for energy, producing ketones. Rapid, deep breathing can also occur in such situations.
Distinguishing Symptoms and Taking Action
Differentiating between low and high blood sugar is crucial, as immediate actions for each are opposite. Hypoglycemia often brings on acute, noticeable symptoms like shakiness, sweating, and a rapid heart rate, indicating an immediate need for glucose. In contrast, hyperglycemia typically manifests with a slower onset of increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue, pointing to a need to lower glucose levels.
When low blood sugar is suspected, immediately consume a fast-acting carbohydrate to raise glucose quickly. The “Rule of 15” is a widely recommended approach: consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as 4 ounces of juice or regular soda, or 3-4 glucose tablets. After 15 minutes, recheck blood sugar levels. If the blood sugar remains below 70 mg/dL, repeat the process by consuming another 15 grams of carbohydrates and rechecking after another 15 minutes. This cycle should continue until blood sugar is back within a safe range, typically above 70 mg/dL.
For suspected high blood sugar, the approach differs. Check blood sugar levels and, if elevated, drink water for hydration and to dilute glucose. While drinking water can help reduce dehydration, it is generally not sufficient to bring down significantly high blood sugar levels on its own. If blood sugar remains high or symptoms persist or worsen, contacting a healthcare provider for guidance on medication adjustments or further steps is advisable.
When to Seek Professional Medical Help
For hypoglycemia, emergency help should be sought if the individual becomes unconscious or is unable to swallow, as they cannot safely self-treat with oral carbohydrates. Severe hypoglycemia can also lead to seizures or coma, which are medical emergencies requiring immediate intervention. If a person experiencing low blood sugar has a glucagon kit and is unable to self-administer, a trained individual should administer the glucagon, and medical help should still be contacted.
For hyperglycemia, emergency medical attention is warranted if symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) develop. These include persistent nausea and vomiting, severe abdominal pain, a fruity odor on the breath, deep and rapid breathing, or confusion. These signs indicate a potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt hospital care. If high blood sugar levels are consistently very high and do not respond to usual management, or if symptoms are severe and rapidly worsening, medical consultation is important.