Understanding the differences between hypoglycaemia (hypo) and hyperglycaemia (hyper) is crucial for effective management.
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Hypoglycaemia (Hypo)
What happens?
Hypoglycaemia occurs when blood glucose levels drop too low, typically below 4mmol/L. This can happen if you take too much diabetes medication, particularly insulin, miss a meal, exercise more than usual, or consume alcohol without enough food. Your brain relies on glucose to function, so a significant drop can lead to confusion, dizziness, and in severe cases, unconsciousness.
Main Symptoms:
- Shaking and sweating
- Hunger
- Weakness or fatigue
- Irritability
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
What to Do:
- Immediately consume 15-20g of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, a small glass of fruit juice, or sugary sweets like jelly babies.
- Rest for 10-15 minutes, then recheck your blood glucose levels. If it’s still low, repeat the treatment.
- Once your levels return to normal, eat a slow-acting carbohydrate, like a slice of bread or a small bowl of cereal, to maintain stability.
What Not to Do:
- Do not delay treatment if you notice symptoms. Acting quickly is key to preventing a severe hypo.
- Avoid consuming foods with fat or protein initially, as these slow down glucose absorption.
Hyperglycaemia (Hyper)
What happens?
Hyperglycaemia occurs when blood glucose levels are too high, typically above 7mmol/L before a meal or above 8.5mmol/L two hours after a meal. This can be due to missing a dose of medication, overeating (especially carbohydrates), stress, or illness. If not managed, high blood sugar can lead to serious complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Main Symptoms:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Recurrent infections, like thrush
What to Do:
- Stay hydrated with water to avoid dehydration.
- Adjust your medication according to your healthcare team’s guidance. If your levels are very high (above 15mmol/L), check for ketones and seek medical advice as appropriate.
- Regularly monitor your blood sugar to prevent levels from rising too high.
What Not to Do:
- Do not ignore persistent high blood sugar. Prolonged hyperglycaemia increases the risk of complications such as neuropathy or retinopathy.
- Drinking excessive water alone won’t lower your blood sugar. Medication adjustments are necessary to bring levels down.
Managing Type 2 diabetes effectively involves recognising the symptoms of both hypo and hyper and taking prompt action to correct them.
Regular monitoring, appropriate medication, and maintaining a balanced diet and exercise routine are essential strategies.
Here are some great links for further information and research.
(Making Diabetes Easier) (Diabetes UK) (DiaTribe)