Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycaemia

Question 1

What is hypoglycemia?

Answer 1

Low blood glucose levels (below 4)

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels drop abnormally low.

Question 2

What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Answer 2

• Headache
• Hungry
• Confused
• Dizzy
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Grumpy

These symptoms indicate the body’s response to low blood sugar levels.

Question 3

What is hyperglycemia?

Answer 3

Condition when blood glucose level rises abnormally high

The normal fasting blood glucose level is between 4 - 6.

Question 4

What causes hyperglycemia?

Answer 4

• Blood glucose levels rise sharply after high GI meals
• Inadequate insulin injections or medication
• Too little exercise
• Sustained stress

High GI foods cause rapid glucose absorption, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

Question 5

Define glycaemic index.

Answer 5

A way of classifying carbohydrates by how quickly they release glucose into the blood

Glycaemic index is crucial for understanding how different foods affect blood sugar levels.

Question 6

What is the glycaemic index grouping for high GI foods?

Answer 6

70 or higher

High GI foods cause quick increases in blood glucose levels.

Question 7

What are examples of high GI foods?

Answer 7

• Potatoes
• Cake
• Pumpkin

These foods can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

Question 8

What is the glycaemic index grouping for intermediate GI foods?

Answer 8

55-69

Intermediate GI foods cause a moderate increase in blood glucose levels.

Question 9

What are examples of intermediate GI foods?

Answer 9

• Rye
• Bread
• Beetroot
• Bananas

These foods provide a balanced increase in blood sugar levels.

Question 10

What is the glycaemic index grouping for low GI foods?

Answer 10

55 or less

Low GI foods release glucose slowly into the blood.

Question 11

What are examples of low GI foods?

Answer 11

Various fruits and whole grains

Low GI foods help maintain stable blood sugar levels and keep you full longer.

Question 12

What is glycaemic load?

Answer 12

Estimates how quickly a food causes blood sugar to rise based on GI and total carbohydrates per serving

Glycaemic load provides a more comprehensive picture than GI alone.

Question 13

True or False: High GI foods are always unhealthy.

Answer 13

False

Many fruits have a high GI but low glycaemic load, making them healthy options.

Question 14

What are key prevention strategies for hypoglycemia?

Answer 14

• Eat low GI foods for meals and snacking
• Eat small regular meals
• Don’t skip meals
• Exercise regularly

These strategies help maintain stable blood glucose levels.

Question 15

What is the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia?

Answer 15

Hypoglycemia is low blood glucose levels; hyperglycemia is high blood glucose levels

Understanding these conditions is crucial for diabetes management.

Question 16

What should Nita do to manage her hypoglycemia?

Answer 16

Eat both low and high GI foods

Combining low and high GI foods can help maintain energy levels for longer periods.