Did you know Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia affect more people than those diagnosed with diabetes?

The American Diabetes Association defines hyperglycemia as high glucose or high blood sugar that occurs when the body does not have enough insulin and cannot use it appropriately.  People who have impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes) have a fasting blood glucose range of 100mg/dL to 125mg/dL. To be considered hyperglycemic, blood glucose levels are more than 180mg/dL one to two hours after eating.

• High blood sugar
• Increased urination
• Increased thirst
• High levels of glucose/sugars in urine 

Hypoglycemia is defined by the CDC as blood sugars dropping below 70mg/dL and is most common in individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (Diabetes.org, 2021). There are 3 levels:

Level 1- Glucose (sugar) levels less than 70mg/dL

Level 2- Glucose (sugar) levels less than 54mg/dL

Level 3 "severe hypoglycemia"- Glucose (sugar) levels extremely low that physical/mental functioning is weak and you may become unconscience and require medical attention.

• Increased heart rate
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Nervousness or Anxiety
• Hunger
• Irritability or confusion

• Having type 1 diabetes and not taking enough insulin- Your body cannot process the sugars in your blood because insulin is not being used.
• Having type 2 diabetes and the body not effectively using the insulin.
• Consuming and exercising more than planned-Excessive physical activity increases more sugars in the body to use as an energy source.
• Bodily stressors such as the flu or common cold-Your body releases adrenalin to fight illnesses and increased adrenalin causes an increase of blood sugar levels.
• Everyday stress (drama, family conflicts, school)- Increased cortisol hormones causes the body to decrease insulin secretion.
• A surge of hormones in the body (commonly produces between the hours of 4 am and 5 am).

• Taking an excessive amount of insulin- This can cause the cells in your body to absorb too much sugar in your blood. 
• Low intake of carbs -If you do not consume enough carbs blood sugars will drop significantly.
• Wrong timing of insulin intake- Your blood sugars can drop severely if you do not take insulin on a consistent schedule.
• Amount and timing of physical activity- Physical activity/exercise can make the body more insulin resistant. It is recommended to check your blood sugars prior, during, and after a workout.
• Alcohol consumption- Alcohol causes an increase in insulin secretion which can then turn into low blood sugar levels.
• Hot or humid weather- Excessive sweating causes the body to lose large amounts of fluids which results in dehydration and low blood sugars.
• Poor eating habits- Not consuming enough carbs can result in a drop in blood sugars. 
• Menstruation- During menstruation, estrogen and progesterone hormones are at their peak levels which causes insulin resistance in the body and low blood sugar levels.