Have you ever felt shaky, dizzy, or extremely tired and wondered if it could be related to your blood sugar levels?
Many people with diabetes face these symptoms but don’t always know whether their blood sugar is too low or too high. These two conditions-hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia-can feel quite different but are often confused with one another.
In this blog, we’ll explain what these two conditions mean in simple words, how to spot the signs, how they’re different from each other, and most importantly-how to manage them naturally. We’ll also talk about how food, lifestyle, and some natural remedies can help keep your blood sugar balanced.
What Are Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia?
Let’s break it down.
Hypoglycemia
This is when your blood sugar is too low, usually below 70 mg/dL.
It can happen suddenly and make you feel unwell very quickly.
Hyperglycemia
This is when your blood sugar is too high, usually above 130 mg/dL when fasting, or over 180 mg/dL after meals.
It develops slowly and may not show signs right away.
Understanding the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia is important, especially if you or a loved one is living with diabetes.
Why Does Blood Sugar Go Up or Down?
Your body uses sugar (glucose) from food for energy. But to do that properly, it needs a hormone called insulin. When there’s a problem with insulin-either too much or too little-your sugar levels can go out of balance.
Here’s what might cause each condition:
Causes of Hypoglycemia (Low Sugar):
- Skipping meals
- Eating too little
- Taking too much insulin or medication
- Doing heavy exercise without enough food
- Drinking alcohol without eating properly
Causes of Hyperglycemia (High Sugar):
- Eating too much, especially sugary or starchy foods
- Missing a dose of insulin or medicine
- Stress or illness
- Lack of physical activity
Symptoms: How to Know What’s Happening
Signs of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia):
- Feeling shaky or weak
- Sweating a lot
- Feeling very hungry
- Dizziness or confusion
- Fast heartbeat
- Mood changes (anxiety or irritation)
- Blurry vision
- Fainting (in extreme cases)
These symptoms come quickly and need to be treated immediately.
Signs of High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia):
- Feeling very thirsty
- Frequent urination
- Feeling tired or drowsy
- Blurry vision
- Dry mouth or skin
- Headache
- Slow healing of cuts or wounds
- Fruity-smelling breath (in very high sugar levels)
These symptoms build up slowly over time and may go unnoticed at first.
So, What’s the Real Difference?
Let’s simplify the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia:
| Factor | Hypoglycemia (Low Sugar) | Hyperglycemia (High Sugar) |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Sugar Level | Below 70 mg/dL | Above 130 mg/dL (fasting) |
| Symptoms | Fast, sudden | Slow, build-up |
| Feeling | Shaky, dizzy, hungry | Thirsty, tired, frequent urination |
| Cause | Too little food or too much insulin | Too much food or missed medication |
| Emergency? | Yes, needs fast action | Yes, but over time |
| Fix | Eat sugar quickly | Control diet, take medicine, hydrate |
How to Handle Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
If you feel the signs of hypoglycemia, act quickly.
What to Do:
1. Eat or drink something sweet, like:
- A spoonful of honey
- Half a banana
- A few raisins
- A small glass of fruit juice
- Glucose tablets (if you have them)
2. Rest and check your sugar again after 15 minutes.
3. Follow up with a balanced meal that includes:
- A small bowl of millet khichdi
- A slice of multigrain roti with A2 ghee
- Some soaked almonds or walnuts
4. Avoid skipping meals in the future. Keep healthy snacks like dry fruits or jaggery bites handy.
How to Handle High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)
If your sugar levels are too high, your goal should be to bring it down gently and safely.
What to Do:
1. Drink lots of water. It helps flush out extra sugar from your body.
2. Get some light exercise, like walking for 15–30 minutes-unless your sugar is dangerously high.
3. Eat fiber-rich foods, such as:
- Foxtail millet
- Ragi dosa or porridge
- Raw vegetables
- Chia or flax seeds
4. Avoid sugary or processed foods. Instead, use natural sweeteners like jaggery or raw honey in small amounts.
5. Use natural remedies like:
- Triphala to improve digestion and cleanse the system
- Fenugreek (Methi) seeds to support sugar balance
- Ashwagandha to reduce stress that can spike sugar
- Amla powder for vitamin C and antioxidant support
Final Thoughts:
Understanding the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia is more than just medical knowledge-it’s a way to take care of yourself or your loved ones better.
Here's what you need to remember:
- Hypoglycemia happens fast and needs quick sugar
- Hyperglycemia builds slowly and needs careful management
- Both can be controlled with the right food, habits, and support
- A natural, veg-based lifestyle can make a big difference in daily sugar control
You don’t need to give up on taste or tradition to stay healthy.
Explore the world of plant-based, sugar-friendly foods. From millets to herbal powders, we’ve got everything to support your journey to balanced living.
