Can You Have Hypoglycemia Without Having Diabetes?
Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when the sugar levels in your blood are too low. Many people think of hypoglycemia as something that only occurs in people with diabetes. However, it can also occur in people who don’t have diabetes. Hypoglycemia is different from hyperglycemia, which occurs when you have too much sugar in your bloodstream. Hypoglycemia can happen in people with diabetes if the body produces too much insulin. Insulin is a hormone that breaks down sugar so that you can use it for energy. You can also get hypoglycemia if you have diabetes and you take too much insulin. If you don’t have diabetes, hypoglycemia can happen if your body can’t stabilize your blood sugar levels. It can also happen after meals if your body produces too much insulin. Hypoglycemia in people who don’t have diabetes is less common than hypoglycemia that occurs in people who have diabetes or related conditions. Here's what you need to know about hypoglycemia that occurs without diabetes. Everyone reacts differently to fluctuations in their blood glucose levels. Some symptoms of hypoglycemia may include: You may have hypoglycemia without having any symptoms. This is known as hypoglycemia unawareness. Hypoglycemia is either reactive or non-reactive. Each type has different causes: Reactive hypoglycemia Reactive hypoglycemia occurs within a few hours after a meal. An overproduction of insulin causes reactive hypoglycemia. Having reactive hypoglycemia may mean that you’re at risk for developing diabetes. Non-reactive hypoglycemia Non-reactive hypoglycemia isn't necessarily related to meals and may be due to an underlying disease. Causes of non-reactive, or fasting, hypoglycemia can include: some medications, like those used in adults and children with kidney failure any d Continue reading >>
The Difference Between Hypoglycemia And Diabetes
Both hypoglycemia and diabetes reflect the conditions where the blood glucose levels in the body are not normal. While one condition is known to reduce the level of blood glucose in the body, the other is mainly characterized by the high level of blood glucose. However, due to the very nature of these two, there is a host of other differences too. In this article, we shall explore the differences between hypoglycemia and diabetes. So, come and join in for the article “The Difference Between Hypoglycemia and Diabetes.” Meaning of Hypoglycemia Versus Meaning of Diabetes: Let us first look into the meaning of both hypoglycemia and diabetes to understand their differences. Hypoglycemia is a condition that affects human being’s due to the blood glucose levels becoming too low, whereas diabetes is a disease which affects the body as the body is unable to either produce enough insulin or is not able to utilize the insulin so produced effectively. The body is not able to regulate the level of blood sugar effectively, thereby leading to high glucose levels. Thus, while hypoglycemia is a condition, diabetes is a wider term which is actually a disease. Fasting Blood Sugar Level The level of fasting blood sugar is also different in hypoglycemia when compared to that of diabetes. While the fasting blood glucose in diabetes is more than 126 mg per dl, it is less than 70 mg per dl in case of hypoglycemia. Warning Signs of the Two Conditions How do you know whether you have diabetes or hypoglycemia? Well, the signs and symptoms of the two conditions are different from each other. Following are the warning signs of Hypoglycemia Feeling hungry at all times Pale skin Headaches Nausea and vomiting Dizziness and a feeling of anxiety Sudden aggressive behavior Rapid pulse rate and hear Continue reading >>
Nondiabetic Hypoglycemia
What is non-diabetic hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia is the condition when your blood glucose (sugar) levels are too low. It happens to people with diabetes when they have a mismatch of medicine, food, and/or exercise. Non-diabetic hypoglycemia, a rare condition, is low blood glucose in people who do not have diabetes. There are two kinds of non-diabetic hypoglycemia: Reactive hypoglycemia, which happens within a few hours of eating a meal Fasting hypoglycemia, which may be related to a disease Glucose is the main source of energy for your body and brain. It comes from what we eat and drink. Insulin, a hormone, helps keep blood glucose at normal levels so your body can work properly. Insulin’s job is to help glucose enter your cells where it’s used for energy. If your glucose level is too low, you might not feel well. What causes non-diabetic hypoglycemia? The two kinds of non-diabetic hypoglycemia have different causes. Researchers are still studying the causes of reactive hypoglycemia. They know, however, that it comes from having too much insulin in the blood, leading to low blood glucose levels. Types of nondiabetic hypoglycemia Reactive hypoglycemia Having pre-diabetes or being at risk for diabetes, which can lead to trouble making the right amount of insulin Stomach surgery, which can make food pass too quickly into your small intestine Rare enzyme deficiencies that make it hard for your body to break down food Fasting hypoglycemia Medicines, such as salicylates (such as aspirin), sulfa drugs (an antibiotic), pentamidine (to treat a serious kind of pneumonia), quinine (to treat malaria) Alcohol, especially with binge drinking Serious illnesses, such as those affecting the liver, heart, or kidneys Low levels of certain hormones, such as cortisol, growth hormone, glu Continue reading >>
How To Tell The Difference Between Hypoglycemia And Hyperglycemia
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can happen to just about anyone, but people with diabetes are more susceptible than most. It is important to recognize the symptoms of both issues so you can treat them properly. Hypoglycemia Symptoms (Low Blood Sugar) Hypoglycemia, also called low blood glucose or low blood sugar, occurs when the level of glucose in your blood drops below normal. This can happen when your body receives too much insulin within a short period of time. For example, someone new to insulin or oral glucose medication might accidentally take too much. But non-diabetics can also experience hypoglycemia as well. The most common symptoms are: Heart palpitations Fatigue Pale skin Shakiness Anxiety Sweating Hunger Irritability Tingling sensation around the mouth Crying out during sleep As hypoglycemia worsens, signs and symptoms may include: Confusion, abnormal behavior or both, such as the inability to complete routine tasks Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision Seizures Loss of consciousness Initial treatment of hypoglycemia is drinking juice, taking glucose tablets or anything that has high levels of sugar that can be quickly absorbed including less healthy options such as regular soft drinks and candy. The priority here is to get the blood sugar levels up as fast as possible. See also: Reversing diabetes Type-2 Hyperglycemia Symptoms (High Blood Sugar) Hyperglycemia is defined as having an abnormally high blood glucose. This condition is more common in Type 2, or non-insulin-dependent diabetics. It can also occur in Type 1 diabetics who consume carbohydrate-heavy foods without enough insulin afterwards. The most common symptoms are: Increased thirst Headaches Trouble concentrating Blurred vision Frequent peeing Fatigue ( Continue reading >>
What Is The Difference Between Hyperglycemia And Hypoglycemia?
By Debra A. Sokol-McKay, MS, CVRT, CDE, CLVT, OTR/L, SCLV What Is Hyperglycemia? In relation to diabetes, hyperglycemia refers to chronically high blood glucose levels. Most medical professionals define hyperglycemia by using the blood glucose goals that you and your physician have established and combining those goals with the blood glucose target ranges set by the American Diabetes Association. It's important to understand that you'll probably experience high blood glucose levels from time to time, despite your best efforts at control. As with any chronic disease, talk with your physician and diabetes care team if the pattern of your blood glucose readings is consistently higher or lower than your blood glucose goals. Complications from Hyperglycemia Persistent hyperglycemia can cause a wide range of chronic complications that affect almost every system in your body. When large blood vessels are affected, it can lead to: Stroke (cerebral vascular disease) Heart attack or Congestive Heart Failure (coronary heart disease) Circulation disorders and possible amputation (peripheral vascular disease) When smaller blood vessels are affected, it can lead to: Kidney disease (nephropathy) Nerve damage (neuropathy) Diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) Joseph Monks: Writer, Producer, and Film Director Joseph Monks, who has diabetic retinopathy, creates and produces films for his production company Sight Unseen Pictures. He is also the first blind filmmaker to direct a feature film. Says Joe, "I'm not uncomfortable with the term 'blind.' I'm not thrilled about it, of course, but it's accurate. The lights went out for me in early 2002 as a result of diabetic retinopathy—the death of my retinas. It is what it is, so when it happened, I decided that I wasn't going to let it put an en Continue reading >>
Difference Between Diabetes And Hypoglycemia
Key Difference: Diabetes is a disease that occurs due to the body’s inability to regulate the blood sugars and thus, high blood glucose levels are generated. On the other hand, Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs due to abnormal low blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia and Diabetes are regarded to be synonymous. However, Diabetes is a disease, wheras Hypoglycemia is a condition. However, Hypoglycemia often occur in diabetic patients. Diabetes is a disease that is caused due to the inability of the body to convert glucose into energy. Food consumed by us gets converted into fats, proteins or carbohydrates. In the process of digestion, carbohydrates are converted into glucose. This glucose is consumed by the blood cells in order to generate energy. For this transformation, the hormone named as insulin is required. This hormone is produced by the pancreas. Diabetes occurs due to insufficient quantities of insulin. Diabetes can occur in mainly two types:- 1. Type 1 Diabetes: Cells producing insulin get destroyed. This may occur due to some virus or some kind of reaction. It is treated by daily insulin injections and a healthy diet. Physical regular activity is also suggested. 2. Type 2 Diabetes: Lack of sufficient insulin can lead to this type of Diabetes. It means that insulin is produced but not in sufficient amount. The insulin that is produced, also does not work many times in a proper way. Physical inactivity and obesity can be related with this kind of Diabetes. Symptoms for type 1 usually occur rapidly than with type 2. Thus, Type 2 is sometimes not noticed in its initial stage. Severe Diabetes can also lead to serious complications and even premature death. Hypoglycemia is also referred to as low blood glucose or low blood sugar. It occurs when blood glucose falls Continue reading >>
What Is Difference Between Diabetes And Hypoglycemia?
Difference between diabetes and hypoglycemia Diabetes In diabetes the level of blood sugar is too high. Diabetes is a disease where the body does not produce enough insulin. Due to insufficiency of insulin it is difficult to absorb glucose from the blood and enter into the body cells. In result the excess of glucose (high sugar) builds up in blood. It causes damaging nerves, kidney and eyes. Read more – Hyperglycemia, Types, Symptoms and Yoga Treatment and Diabetes Symptom – How Yoga Control and Cure Diabetes? Hypoglycemia In hypoglycemia the level of blood sugar is too low. The low blood sugar can be seen in non diabetic patient but it is a rare condition. Mostly seen in diabetic patients. Daily use of insulin and medicines it causes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Level below – 70 mg/dl is known as hypoglycemia. Read more – Best Way of Treating Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) and Low Blood Sugar Symptoms (Hypoglycemia) and Causes Blood sugar (Glucose) For proper body function the glucose is the main source of energy. Whatever we eat our body convert it into glucose. Insulin helps to enter this glucose into body cells to give energy. If glucose levels is sufficient then body works more efficiently. 70 – 90 mg/dl – Normal glucose level 100 – 125 mg/dL – Pre-diabetes ( close to diabetes) Higher than 125 mg/dL – Diabetes Level below – 70 mg/dl is known as hypoglycemia Symptoms of diabetes Frequent urination especially at night Feeling very thirsty Feeling very hungry even after eating Extreme fatigue – tiredness. Blurry vision – Poor eyesight Sores that won’t heal Read more – Symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) Symptoms of hypoglycemia Fast heartbeat Blurry vision Skin may turn cold and clammy Sudden changes in mood Sweating Headache an Continue reading >>
How To Differentiate Between Hypoglycemia & Hyperglycemia
Diabetes Forum The Global Diabetes Community Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Join the community How to differentiate between hypoglycemia & hyperglycemia It is very important to differentiate between a person in case. Hypoglycemia & person has hyperglycemia I mean there is a person who is unconscious how to differentiate between the two cases If you know the difference, share your information If I find a person unconscious, I call an ambulance and leave them to work out what is the cause. If they are awake, have diabetes but unsure whether they are hypo or hyper, I ask their permission to take a BG reading. If there is a chance they will have a hypo, they should have their own meter to test. If I find a person unconscious, I call an ambulance and leave them to work out what is the cause. If they are awake, have diabetes but unsure whether they are hypo or hyper, I ask their permission to take a BG reading. If there is a chance they will have a hypo, they should have their own meter to test. I agree with you completely but sometimes in some countries there is no ambulance at the right moment if you leave the patient to die in peace I do not mean to do the work of specialists only for relief The only way I know is to test their blood sugar. What you can best do for them whilst hopefully awaiting medical help will be different depending on whether they are low or high The only way I know is to test their blood sugar. What you can best do for them whilst hopefully awaiting medical help will be different depending on whether they are low or high Thank you but unfortunately even this is sometimes unavailable In hyperglycemia Smells the smell of acetone in the mouth (smell of apple damaged) Symptoms: The first person feels weak with a sense of hunger, Continue reading >>
Do You Know The Difference Between High Blood Sugar And Low Blood Sugar?
If you have diabetes, you may experience high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) from time to time. Learning how to recognize and manage high and low blood sugar levels can help you avoid medical emergencies and help you control your diabetes better. It’s important to check your blood glucose levels as recommended by your doctor to determine if your blood sugar is within your target range. High blood sugar occurs when the sugar, or glucose level in your blood rises above normal. A number of things can cause you to have high blood sugar. If you have type 1 diabetes, you may have given yourself a lower amount of insulin than your doctor recommended. If you have type 2, your body may have enough insulin, but it’s not as effective as it should be. Other causes attributed to high blood sugars are: Overeating Not exercising enough Missing medicines High stress levels Illness High blood sugar usually develops slowly over a period of hours, but may rise quickly if overeating simple sugars, such as dessert-type foods. Low blood sugar occurs when the sugar (glucose) level in your blood drops below what your body needs. This can be caused by any number of things, but most often occurs when you: Haven’t eaten enough food, especially carbohydrates Skipped a meal or snack Took too much medicine Exercised more than usual Took other medications that caused your blood sugar level to drop Unlike symptoms of high blood sugar, low blood sugar symptoms can occur within 10 to 15 minutes. If your blood sugar level drops below your target range, you may feel weak, tired, anxious or shaky. Eating something with sugar usually returns your blood sugar to its normal range and you will begin to feel better within a few minutes. Try to avoid blood sugar Continue reading >>
Difference Between Diabetes And Hypoglycemia
Difference Between Diabetes and Hypoglycemia Diabetes and Hypoglycemia are two medical conditions related to the function of Insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating the blood glucose levels. Diabetes can be defined as a disease whereas hypoglycemia can be a defined as a sign confirmed by a series of investigations such as random blood sugar, fasting blood sugar, capillary blood sugar etc. This is the main difference between diabetes and hypoglycemia. This article explains, 1. What is Diabetes? – Types, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Treatment 2. What is Hypoglycemia? – Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Treatment 3. What is the difference between Diabetes and Hypoglycemia? What is Diabetes Diabetes is a chronic disorder of metabolism which occurs due to a dysfunctional pancreas which fails in secreting appropriate amounts of Insulin or poorly functioning insulin either due to an inherent pathology or acquired condition later in life. It can also occur as a result of the excessive blood glucose, not responding to secreted amount of insulin due to a separate mechanism known as Insulin resistance. There are 2 types of Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes: This is a condition which occurs due to the destruction of pancreatic Beta cells by autoimmune cells in the body. These people do not produce insulin at all, and therefore insulin injections are a must. This usually initiates before 20 years, but can be seen at any age. Type 2 Diabetes: In this condition, insulin produced is not used by the cells as well as they should. This is called insulin resistance. This usually affects obese individuals over 40 years of age and referred to as adult-onset Diabetes. Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes Polyuria (increased frequency of urination) Polydipsia (increased thirst) Polyphagia (increased hu Continue reading >>
Hyperglycemia Vs Hypoglycemia: What’s The Difference?
If you have diabetes, you’re likely well aware of the issues that can come with blood sugar levels that are too high—or too low. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may sound similar, but they can have very different consequences. Using too much or too little insulin can affect your blood sugar levels, but even if you aren’t diabetic, you should know that side effects of other medications, not eating enough (or eating too much), or even exercising more than usual can all affect your blood sugar. The scary part? Some people don’t have many symptoms, and may not be able to tell that their blood sugar is too high or too low without a glucose meter check. So what’s the difference, and how can you avoid hyper- and hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) Low blood sugar can be caused by not eating enough food or a delayed meal, an unusual amount of exercise, and drinking alcohol without eating food. If you use insulin, you know that your blood sugar levels can go too low if you use too much of your medication. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweatiness, shaking, dizziness, confusion, a fast heartbeat, hunger, feeling weak or tired, feeling nervous or upset, or headache. Will I notice if my blood sugar is low? Maybe. You may experience some of the symptoms mentioned above like feeling sweaty, shaky, or dizzy; a fast heartbeat; or feeling hungry. However, some people don’t feel anything at all. Hypoglycemia unawareness is the term for not being able to tell if your blood sugar is low, and it can be very dangerous. How can I know if my blood sugar is low if I don’t notice any symptoms? You’ll need to use a blood glucose meter, which can determine the amount of sugar in your blood using a small drop of blood typically from you Continue reading >>
Diabetes-related High And Low Blood Sugar Levels - Topic Overview
When you have diabetes, you may have high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) from time to time. A cold, the flu, or other sudden illness can cause high blood sugar levels. You will learn to recognize the symptoms and distinguish between high and low blood sugar levels. Insulin and some types of diabetes medicines can cause low blood sugar levels. Learn how to recognize and manage high and low blood sugar levels to help you avoid levels that can lead to medical emergencies, such as diabetic ketoacidosis or dehydration from high blood sugar levels or loss of consciousness from severe low blood sugar levels. Most high or low blood sugar problems can be managed at home by following your doctor's instructions. You can help avoid blood sugar problems by following your doctor's instructions on the use of insulin or diabetes medicines, diet, and exercise. Home blood sugar testing will help you determine whether your blood sugar is within your target range. If you have had very low blood sugar, you may be tempted to let your sugar level run high so that you do not have another low blood sugar problem. But it is most important that you keep your blood sugar in your target range. You can do this by following your treatment plan and checking your blood sugar regularly. Sometimes a pregnant woman can get diabetes during her pregnancy. This is called gestational diabetes. Blood sugar levels are checked regularly during the pregnancy to keep levels within a target range. Children who have diabetes need their parents' help to keep their blood sugar levels in a target range and to exercise safely. Be sure that children learn the symptoms of both high and low blood sugar so they can tell others when they need help. There are many support groups an Continue reading >>
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Difference Between Diabetes And Hypoglycemia
People often get diabetes and hypoglycemia confused with one another, believing that they are two difference names for the same condition. In actuality, they could not be more opposite. As we eat, our food is converted over to glucose, which is used for fuel in our cells and organs. As long as glucose levels remain balanced, the body runs efficiently. Anything over the recommended level and the body is called being pre-diabetic because you are dangerously close to developing diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that originates when the body does not process sugar in the blood correctly. This sugar is known as glucose. When diabetes is present, the body is suffering from one of two situations: either it is not producing insulin for the body's needs or the insulin that is being produced is not adequate to meet the body's needs. In response, the amount of glucose continues to rise to dangerously high levels. While diabetes addresses the problem of sugar levels being too high, hypoglycemia is when blood sugars are too low (hypo means low and glycemia means the sugar in our blood). There are several reasons why an individual's blood sugar levels would dip too low. One has to do with the foods that they are consuming. Not balancing out foods correctly will cause glucose to drop. Not only will the types of foods cause hypoglycemia, but when you eat them can also create this condition. If an individual is going too long between meals, this is a prime opportunity for sugar levels to fluctuate too low. This is why it is imperative for diabetics to always include healthy snacks between their meals. But according to statistics, the number one reason for hypoglycemia is not food-related. It is triggered by their medication. Type 2 diabetes is different from type 1 diabetes in many ways Continue reading >>
All About Hypoglycemia (low Blood Sugar)
Hypoglycemia refers to an abnormally low level of sugar, or glucose, in the blood. Hypoglycemia is not a disease in itself, it is a sign of a health problem. The brain uses a lot of energy and needs glucose to function. Because the brain cannot store or manufacture glucose, it needs a continuous supply. Signs of low blood sugar include hunger, trembling, heart racing, nausea, and sweating. Hypoglycemia is commonly linked with diabetes, but many other conditions can also cause low blood sugar. This article will discuss the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hypoglycemia, and the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. We will also look at how to prevent it. Here are some key points about hypoglycemia. More detail is in the main article. Hypoglycemia is not a disease but a symptom of another condition. Early symptoms include hunger, sweating, and trembling. A common cause is diabetes. Alcohol abuse and kidney disorders can also lower blood sugar levels. What is hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia is a condition where there is not enough glucose, or sugar, in the blood. Levels of blood sugar are below 4 mmol/L (72mg/dL). Adults and children with mild hypoglycemia may experience the following early symptoms: hunger tremor or trembling sweating irritability a pale face heart palpitations accelerated heart rate tingling lips dizziness weakness Severe hypoglycemia is sometimes called diabetic shock. It may involve: concentration problems confusion irrational and disorderly behavior, similar to intoxication inability to eat or drink Complications If a person does not take action when symptoms of hypoclycemia appear, it can lead to: A person who regularly experiences hypoglycemia may become unaware that it is happening. They will not notice the warning signs, and this can lea Continue reading >>
What Is The Difference Between Hypoglycemia And Hyperglycemia?
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) can both occur in patients who have diabetes. Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin (known as ‘Type 1 Diabetes’) or the cells in the body stop responding to insulin (known as ‘Type 2 Diabetes’). So what’s the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia? And how can a first aider spot the difference? Read on to find out how! Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia occurs when insulin is in excess of that needed to balance the patient’s food intake and energy expenditure. If untreated it will lead to unconsciousness and if prolonged, irreversible damage can occur. Signs and symptoms can be found for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in the table below. Hypoglycemic patients may appear drunk although alcohol may also induce hypoglycemia. You should never discount the possibility that a patient who appears to be drunk may in fact be hypoglycemic. Most patients under the influence of alcohol will have their blood glucose levels recorded at hospital to ensure that they are not hypoglycemic. Hyperglycemia Hyperglycemia is often the presenting feature of diabetes. Patients who have not been diagnosed as diabetics will often go to their doctor complaining of excessive hunger, thirst and urination. On testing their blood glucose levels they are often found to be greater than 20 mmol/l (normal non-diabetics range is 3.0-5.6 mmol/l). Diabetic patients who are hyperglycemic have often been ill for some hours or days and have since deteriorated − most calls for assistance are made when the patient falls unconscious Want to learn more? Our advanced online first aid course contains information on diabetes and a range of other medical conditions. Continue reading >>
