Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia generally refer to low blood sugar and high blood sugar respectively. Differences exist between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in terms of definition, causes, symptoms and other aspects.

1. Definition

Hypoglycemia refers to blood glucose levels below 2.8mmol/L, while hyperglycemia refers to blood glucose levels above 7.8mmol/L.

2. Etiology

Hypoglycemia is primarily caused by factors such as poor dietary habits, excessive fatigue, and prolonged intense physical activity, whereas hyperglycemia may result from excessive insulin secretion, excessive sugar intake, or genetic predisposition.

3. Symptoms

Patients with hypoglycemia may experience symptoms such as pallor, palpitations, sweating, dizziness, and in severe cases, even coma. Whereas patients with hyperglycemia may present with symptoms including polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria, and weight loss.

Additionally, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia differ in terms of treatment. Hypoglycemic patients can be treated with oral glucose solution or furosemide tablets under medical supervision. In contrast, hyperglycemic patients require medications like metformin hydrochloride tablets or glimepiride tablets as prescribed by a doctor. Patients are advised to maintain a balanced diet with proper nutritional combinations, avoiding excessive intake of sugar-rich foods such as candy and cake.