It is important to keep your diabetes record and do everything to regulate your blood glucose levels. However, it is equally important to ensure that you do not end up dealing with two problems – hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) is actually an insulin reaction and can happen when you are on insulin or taking oral medications. Hyperglycemia refers to high blood glucose which can affect you when you have diabetes, either non-insulin-dependent or insulin-dependent. To prevent these issues, you need to know the symptoms of these two conditions.

Symptoms of Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia

Both high and low blood sugar levels will cause certain symptoms. Just by developing a better understanding of those symptoms, you can tell if your blood sugar levels are really low or on the higher side.

1. Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

It is important to seek medical attention to help treat hyperglycemia or else it may lead to serious complications, including Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS) and diabetic ketoacidosis. Both conditions may cause certain symptoms, such as the following:

When to See a Doctor

You should seek immediate medical assistance if:

• You feel sick and find it impossible to keep fluids and food down.
• Your blood sugar levels stay higher than 240 mg/dL and you experience symptoms of ketoacidosis.

Call your doctor and make an appointment if:

• You have vomiting or diarrhea.
• Your blood glucose levels are above 240 mg/dL even after taking diabetes medication.
• You have a fever that does not go away after 24 hours.

2. Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

A change in your energy level is among the most common symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. In hypoglycemia, your blood glucose levels are too low, so you are going to experience fatigue and other symptoms too.