COMPARISON

OF

HYPERGLYCEMIA

AND

HYPOGLYCEMIA

HYPERglycemia
Manifestations
Elevated blood glucose
Increase in urination
Increase in appetite followed by
lack of appetite
Weakness, fatigue
Blurred vision
Headache
Glycosuria
N/V
Abdominal cramps
Progression to DKA or HHS
Causes
Illness, infection
Corticosteroids
Too much food
Too little or no diabetes
medication
Inactivity
Emotional, physical stress
Poor absorption of insulin

Treatment
Get medical care
Continue diabetes medication as
ordered
Check blood glucose frequently
and check urine for ketones and
record results
Drink fluids at least on an hourly
basis
Contact health care provider
regarding ketonuria

HYPOglycemia
Manifestations
Blood glucose <70 mg/dL
Cold, clammy skin
Numbness of fingers, toes, or mouth
Rapid HR
Emotional changes
Headache
Nervousness, tremors
Faintness, dizziness
Unsteady gait, slurred speech
Hunger
Changes in vision
Seizures, coma
Causes
Alcohol intake without food
Too little food delayed, omitted,
inadequate intake
Too much diabetic medication
Too much exercise without adequate
food intake
Diabetes medication or food taken at
wrong time
Loss of weight without change in
medication
Use of -blockers interfering with
recognition of symptoms
(hypoglycemic unawareness)
Treatment
Follow the Rule of 15 (for BGM <70
mg/dL
o

Treat with 15 grams of

carbohydrate

Check blood glucose in 15 minutes

Preventative Measures
Take prescribed dose of
medication at proper time
Accurately administer insulin or
OAs
Maintain diet
Adhere to sick-day rules when ill
Check blood glucose as ordered
Wear diabetic ID w/ meds

Preventative Measures
Take prescribed dose of medication at
proper time
Accurately administer insulin or OAs
Ingest all recommended foods at
proper time
Provide adequate food intake needed
for calories for exercise
Be able to recognize and know
symptoms and treat them immediately
Carry simple carbs (hard candies,
glucose tablets)
Educate family and caregiver about
symptoms and treatment
Check blood glucose as ordered
Wear diabetic ID w/ meds