What is the difference between hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia?
These two words can often cause confusion. They are so similar in sound, yet are opposite in meaning. In derivation, hypo = low, and hyper = high, so hypoglycaemia means LOW blood sugar and hyperglycaemia means HIGH blood sugar. Hypoglycaemia. Technically, you are said to have hypoglycaemia if your blood glucose (BG) falls below 3.5mmol/L. However, some people experience a hypo at 5.0mmol/L and others only at 2.0mmol/L. Hypoglycaemia can be caused by: increased medication; missed meals or too little food; increased exercise levels; alcohol or stress. Symptoms are: sweating, headache, being irritable or aggressive (mood swings), confusion or lack of concentration, blurred vision and palpitations. Be aware that hypoglycaemia can also lead to unconsciousness and potentially coma. Action to take: Have a sugary drink or some glucose tablets; OR have a high carbohydrate meal or snack; AND check your BG levels to make sure they are coming back to normal. If the person with diabetes is unconsc
