Diabetes patients have hyperglycemia, often known as high blood sugar. People with diabetes who have hyperglycemia may be affected by a number of things. They consist of things like diet and exercise, health issues, and diabetes-unrelated drugs. Hyperglycemia can also result from skipping dosages, not using enough insulin, or taking insufficient amounts of other blood sugar-lowering drugs.
Treatment of hyperglycemia is crucial. Hyperglycemia can worsen and lead to major health issues that necessitate emergency care, including a diabetic coma, if it is left untreated. Even mild hyperglycemia that persists can cause issues with the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and nervous system.
Symptoms
Blood sugar (glucose) levels exceeding 180 to 200 mg/dL, or 10 to 11.1 mmol/L, or the symptoms of hyperglycemia usually don’t appear until they are high.
Hyperglycemia symptoms appear gradually over days or weeks. The severity of the symptoms may increase the longer blood sugar levels are elevated. However, despite having high blood sugar levels, some patients with type 2 diabetes who have had it for a long time may not exhibit any symptoms.
Early warning indicators
Early signs of hyperglycemia can be recognised, making it easier to diagnose and treat. Beware of:
- Often urinating
- Heightened thirst
- Distorted vision
- Feeling flimsy or unusually exhausted
Additional symptoms and signs
If hyperglycemia is left untreated, harmful acids known as ketones may accumulate in the blood and urine. Ketoacidosis is the name of this condition. These signs include:
- A fruity breath scent
- Mouth ache
- Continent pain
- Nausea and diarrhoea
- Breathing difficulty
- Confusion
- Consciousness loss
Causes
The body converts meal carbs like those in bread, rice, and pasta into sugar molecules during digestion. Glucose is the name of one of the sugar molecules. It is one of the body’s primary sources of energy. After you eat, glucose is absorbed and immediately enters your bloodstream; however, without the assistance of insulin, it is unable to penetrate the cells of the majority of bodily tissues. A hormone produced by the pancreas is insulin.
The pancreas releases insulin as the blood glucose level increases. Insulin allows glucose to enter the cells by opening them. This gives the cells the fuel they require to function properly. The muscles and liver store extra glucose.
By doing this, the blood glucose level is reduced and kept from rising to dangerously high levels. The pancreas produces less insulin as the blood sugar level returns to normal.
Diabetes significantly lessens the physiological effects of insulin. This might be the case if, like in type 1 diabetes, your pancreas is unable to generate insulin. Or, as in type 2 diabetes, it could be due to your body’s resistance to the effects of insulin or insufficient insulin production.
Glucose tends to accumulate in the bloodstream of diabetics. Hyperglycemia is the name given to this disorder. If not treated properly, it could rise to dangerously high levels. In order to lower blood sugar levels, medications such as insulin are employed.
Prevention
In order to maintain your blood sugar levels in a healthy range:
Adhere to your meal plan for diabetes. Be consistent with your meal and snack schedule if you use insulin or an oral diabetic treatment. Your diet needs to be balanced with how your body is using insulin.
Check your blood sugar levels. You may check and record your blood sugar level several times a week or several times a day, depending on your treatment plan. The only way to guarantee that your blood sugar level stays within your desired range is through careful monitoring. Make a note whenever your glucose readings fall or rise outside of the desired range.
Pay close attention to the instructions provided by your doctor for taking your medication.
If your physical activity changes, adjust your medication. The modification is based on the results of a blood sugar test as well as the nature and duration of the exercise. Consult your healthcare professional if you have any queries about this.
