Understanding Hypoglycaemia and Hyperglycaemia - Impact on Health

The Importance of Balanced Blood Sugar Levels

Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is essential for overall health. Disruptions can lead to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar), both of which can have serious health consequences if left untreated. The Fasting Blood Sugar test is essential for monitoring and managing these conditions effectively.

Get Tested for Fasting Blood Sugar at Your Home: Fasting Blood Sugar Test in Delhi | Fasting Blood Sugar Test in Bangalore | Fasting Blood Sugar Test in Noida | Fasting Blood Sugar Test in Mumbai | Fasting Blood Sugar Test in Hyderabad | Fasting Blood Sugar Test in Gurgaon

How Your Body Balances Blood Sugar

Blood sugar regulation is primarily managed by pancreatic hormones:

• Insulin: Moves sugar from the blood to cells for energy after eating.
• Glucagon: Increases blood sugar by prompting the liver to release glucose.
• Epinephrine: Elevates blood sugar by stimulating glucose release from the liver and muscles.

Disruptions in this balance can lead to severe complications. Low blood sugar may cause seizures or brain damage, while high blood sugar can damage organs over time.

Understanding Hypoglycaemia and Hyperglycaemia

What is Hypoglycaemia?

Hypoglycaemia occurs when blood glucose drops below the healthy range, often below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) in people with diabetes. Immediate treatment with carbohydrates or medical care is essential to prevent severe outcomes.

• Causes: Excess insulin, intense exercise without proper food, alcohol on an empty stomach, or skipping meals.
• Symptoms: Shakiness, sweating, irritability, confusion, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, extreme hunger, and in severe cases, blurred vision, seizures, or unconsciousness.
• Risk Factors: Older age, long-term diabetes, kidney issues, heart disease, depression, or a previous history of low blood sugar.
• Diagnosis: Blood sugar is checked with glucometers, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), or fasting blood glucose tests.

What is Hyperglycaemia?

Hyperglycaemia occurs when there’s too much glucose in the blood, commonly in diabetes due to insufficient insulin or insulin resistance. Chronic high blood sugar can lead to serious conditions like ketoacidosis.

• Causes: Insufficient insulin (type 1 diabetes), insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes), excessive carbs, lack of exercise, or certain medications like corticosteroids.
• Symptoms: Increased thirst, frequent urination, persistent hunger, headaches, blurred vision, fatigue, weight loss, frequent infections, and slow-healing cuts.
• Risk Factors: Overweight, family history of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
• Diagnosis: Through medical history, physical examination, and tests like fasting blood glucose (FBG), haemoglobin A1C, and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT).

Comparison of Hypoglycaemia and Hyperglycaemia

Both conditions involve abnormal blood sugar but differ in causes, symptoms, and treatments. Hypoglycaemia is often due to insulin dosing errors or inadequate food intake, causing symptoms like shakiness and confusion. Hyperglycaemia usually results from insufficient insulin or insulin resistance, with symptoms like increased thirst and frequent urination.

Managing Blood Sugar Fluctuations

Effective blood sugar management prevents serious complications. Here’s how to manage low and high glucose levels:

Managing Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia)

• 15-15 Rule: Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates and check glucose after 15 minutes.
• Immediate Relief: Use fast-acting carbs like glucose tablets or juice.
• Avoid Complex Carbs: Foods like chocolate may slow glucose absorption.
• Glucagon: For severe cases, use glucagon as prescribed, and ensure those around you know how to administer it if needed.

Managing High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycaemia)

• Insulin Therapy: Essential for type 1 diabetes and sometimes used in type 2.
• Glucose-Lowering Medications: Medications like metformin help control blood sugar.
• Regular Monitoring: Check blood sugar regularly as advised by your doctor.
• Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight support balanced blood sugar.

Prevention is key for both conditions. The FBS test is a simple and effective way to monitor blood sugar levels regularly.

When to Seek Medical Help

Seek immediate medical attention for severe hypoglycaemia symptoms like unconsciousness or seizures. For hyperglycaemia, look for signs like confusion, nausea, or rapid breathing. Early intervention prevents complications.

Conclusion

Maintaining balanced blood sugar is crucial for health. Recognizing signs, following medical guidance, and making lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular activity can prevent complications. In cities like Bangalore, regular monitoring through Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) tests can help detect imbalances early, ensuring timely treatment and safeguarding well-being.