Information about diabetes should include understanding and treating hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, that many people with diabetes will experience from time to time. Left untreated, hyperglycemia can be life-threatening.
Each time the blood sugar level climbs over 180mg/dl (10mmol/L), it starts destroying body parts reached by blood vessels loaded with sugar. So it’s best to keep the blood sugar level below 109.8mg/dl (6.1mmol/L) before food and below 140.4mg/dl (7.8mmol/L) after food. It’s also important to recognize the danger signs of hyperglycemia and treat it promptly.
Causes of Hyperglycemia in Diabetes
Hyperglycemia happens when the body has too little insulin or when the body can’t use insulin properly. Although all diabetes treatment plans are developed to help prevent hyperglycemia, occasional bouts of high blood sugar are common.
Often, over-eating or eating the wrong foods, lack of physical exercise, not taking diabetes medication, problems with the insulin or using expired insulin, infections and illness as well as increased stress can lead to hyperglycemia.
Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
The best way to treat this condition is to catch it early. So pay attention to the early signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia. These include:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst and dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue or feeling weak
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
Overtime, untreated hyperglycemia can cause vaginal and skin infections, delay healing in cuts and sores as well as damage nerves, blood vessels and various organs.
It may also force the body to break down fats instead of sugar for energy, producing waste products known as ketones. This can lead to a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (diabetic coma). When ketoacidosis sets in, the patient often has shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, a very dry mouth and breath that smells fruity.
Hyperglycemia Treatments
Treat hyperglycemia as soon as it is discovered. If the blood sugar level is higher than 240mg/dl (13.3mmol/L), check the urine for ketones. If no ketones are detected in the urine, you can treat hyperglycaemia on your own by:
- Taking diabetes medication as prescribed. If you have frequent hyperglycemia spells, the doctor may change the medication or adjust the dosage or timing of the medication.
- Eating less and eating healthily. Avoid sugary food and beverages.
- Drinking lots of water to remove excess sugar from the urine and to avoid dehydration.
- Exercising more. However, be very careful. Do not exercise if there are ketones in the urine as exercise can push the blood sugar level even higher in such a situation.
If the blood sugar level shoots past 300mg/dl (16.7mmol/L), see your doctor immediately. Your body may have started the changes that can lead to ketoacidosis. Medical help is needed to safely lower the blood sugar level.
All people with diabetes should constantly watch out for hyperglycemia. Learn to recognize its signs and symptoms. Also, monitor the blood sugar level regularly. This is the best way to tell if the blood sugar level is safe or otherwise. Once detected, treat hyperglycemia to avoid more severe complications.
To read more diabetes-related article, check out also Fitness Guide for People with Diabetes and Diabetes and Easy Exercise Ideas.
References:
Mayo Clinic Website - Hyperglycemia
WebMD Medical Reference - Hyperglycemia
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