Hyperglycemia: High Blood Sugar

• Hyperglycemia is a disorder that occurs when your blood sugar levels get too high in your system. It can be caused by a variety of factors including: eating too much of foods high in sugar, not taking enough insulin, injury or infections, and stress. If left unchecked hyperglycemia can cause damage throughout your body including your eyes, kidneys, blood vessels, nerves and heart.
  
  

Hypoglycemia: Low Blood Sugar

• Hypoglycemia is a disorder caused by not having a high enough blood sugar volume in your body. Hypoglycemia can be caused by exercising too much, taking too much insulin, or not eating enough food/calories in your daily diet. If left unchecked hypoglycemia can cause hypoglycemic shock, and even death if not taken care of.
  
  

Onset

• The onset of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia can vary depending on how the problem was caused. If the problem was overeating, the symptoms of hyperglycemia can take 3 to 5 hours to preset themselves. It the problem is not eating enough, the symptoms take a few hours to a few days to present themselves, depending on how long you starve your body. Insulin produced high or low blood sugar symptoms can be almost immediate depending on how much insulin was taken. In any circumstance, if you experience symptoms contact your medical health professional as soon as possible.
  
  

Symptoms: High Blood Sugar

• Symptoms of high blood sugar include the following: increased appetite, fatigue, frequent urination, weight loss, persistent thirst,and dry mouth. These symptoms are usually mild and do not need immediate medical attention. If the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or if they symptoms continue to worsen, seek medical attention.
  
  

Symptoms: Low Blood Sugar

• Symptoms of low blood sugar may include the following: constant sweating, weakness, feelings of anxiety, increased heart rate, irritability, headache and hunger pains. These symptoms are usually relatively mild and do not require immediate medical intervention. If the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or if they symptoms continue to worsen, seek medical attention.
  
  

Emergency

• The following symptoms may occur during episodes of either low or high blood sugar and require immediate emergency medical attention. They are: rapid weight loss, dizziness when you try to stand up, fainting, trouble breathing, becoming unconscious, or feelings of confusion. These can be signs of shock being brought on by your blood sugar levels.