Both diabetes and hypoglycemia are conditions which affect the blood glucose levels in the body. Typically, these levels would not be considered normal. Whilst they both affect the same part of the body, they possess many differences which contribute to a host of health problems.
1. Diabetes is a disease which affects insulin levels. There are many types, but typically people will suffer with Type 1 or Type 2.
Type 1 being a chronic condition whereby the pancreas fails to produce insulin or doesn’t produce enough.
Type 2 is the result of insufficient production of insulin, causing high blood sugar.
This means that the body cannot regulate the blood sugar levels.
Hypoglycemia is a condition where the body’s blood glucose levels become worryingly low. The body fails to release glucose from the liver to raise blood sugar levels. The most common cause is excessive intake from glucose lowering drugs. Although rare, this is a condition that can actually occur in people who do not already suffer with diabetes.
2.The symptoms of diabetes and hypoglycemia are quite different, although there are a few signs that could be confusing when trying to find a diagnosis.
With diabetes, a person may experience sudden, unexplained weight loss, blurry eyesight, increased night-time toilet trips and feel more tired than usual. Others have also experienced wounds and cuts that take a longer period of time to fully heal.
A person suffering with hypoglycemia can often experience a wide range of symptoms. These could include excessive sweating, light-headedness, increased heart rate and feelings of intense hunger.
Similar to the symptoms of diabetes, a person can also have blurred vision and tiredness, as well as feeling irritable and confused.
3.Living with diabetes is an ongoing battle for many. Aside from dietary changes to control blood sugar levels and ensuring that they stay hydrated, pharmaceutical interventions are often required.
Hypoglycemia can be dangerous if it is left untreated. The result can be life-threatening and could lead to injury if a person suffers with dizziness, blurred vision or confusion.
For certain types of hypoglycemia (fasting hypoglycemia), a person can use dietary therapy to improve their symptoms, although this is not always guaranteed. Frequent meals and snacks are often recommended to keep their blood sugar levels up.
A person who suffers regularly with severe hypoglycemic attacks, will often require help from their doctor.
4.There has not been any scientific evidence to suggest that you can prevent Type 1 diabetes. Although, many will say that the continuation of a healthy diet and exercise routine could lower a person’s chances.
However, there has been sufficient evidence that you can prevent or lower your chances of getting Type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a good diet and exercising regularly has been a suggestion for starting the journey.
As hypoglycemia is typically the result of insulin intake, a person should always follow the advice given by their doctor regarding their set meal plan. Many of these will be low in sugar and could include regular exercise intervals in-between eating.
If a person is already diagnosed with diabetes, reading up and researching about hypoglycemia could help to prevent issues in future. This will also help you to get to grips with your own body and the patterns of which it follows.