Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia refer to blood sugar levels that are too low or too high, respectively.
Blood sugar changes, whether a dip or a spike, can cause symptoms and serious complications.
Typically, hyperglycemia starts withfatigue, headache, frequent urination, and increased thirst.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
Over time, symptoms can progress tonauseaand vomiting, shortness of breath, and coma.
Recognizing the symptoms of high blood sugar and treating them early are key to avoiding serious complications.
They also can include irritability, inability to concentrate, and dizziness.
If your blood sugar levels are dangerously low (below 54 mg/dL), severe symptoms can occur.
Another quick way to lower blood sugar is with exercise.
Prevention should come first to ensure these spikes in blood sugar don’t happen to begin with.
Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake can help prevent future hyperglycemic episodes.
If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL, repeat the steps until you feel better.
It also is available as a nasal spray.
After injecting glucagon, the patient should be turned onto their side to prevent choking if they vomit.
Use glucagon injection exactly as directed.
Do not inject it more often or inject more or less of it than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
To avoid low blood sugar symptoms and complications, discuss any changes and concerns with your healthcare provider.
Healthcare providers can use a medication called glucagon.
They inject it with a needle or squirt it up your nose.
Additionally, ongoing high blood sugar can lead to worsening heart disease and peripheral arterial disease.
Treatment and outlook depend on the person’s individual needs and circumstances.
Pregnancy can change how the body regulates blood sugar levels.
Gestational diabetes is a complication of pregnancy and should be closely monitored.
Parents of children experiencing high blood sugar should work closely with a healthcare provider.
High blood sugar, especially when chronic, is a sign of worsening diabetes.
Hypoglycemia Complications
Low blood sugar levels can lead to serious complications as well.
Summary
Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia both can cause symptoms and serious complications if left untreated.
Blood sugar levels may be out of sight, out of mind for people without diabetes.
American Diabetes Association.Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose).
2017 Jan-Feb;21(1):119-124. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.195993
American Diabetes Association.Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).
MedlinePlus.Long-term complications of diabetes.
