ABSTRACT – Hyperglycemia refers to high sugar or glucose level in the blood. It affects those who have diabetes,...
Hyperglycemia
Blood sugar control is at the center of any diabetes treatment plan. High blood sugar, or Hyperglycemia, is a major concern, and can affect people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes . There are two main kinds:
Fasting hyperglycemia. This is blood sugar that’s higher than 130 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) after not eating or drinking for at least 8 hours.
Postprandial or after-meal hyperglycemia. This is blood sugar that’s higher than 180 mg/dL 2 hours after you eat. People without diabetes rarely have blood sugar levels over 140 mg/dL after a meal, unless it’s really large.
Frequent or ongoing high blood sugar can cause damage to your nerves, blood vessels, and organs. It can also lead to other serious conditions. People with type 1 diabetes are prone to a build-up of acids in the blood called ketoacidosis.
If you have type 2 diabetes or if you’re at risk for it, extremely high blood sugar can lead to a potentially deadly condition in which your body can’t process sugar. It’s called hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS). You’ll pee more often at first, and then less often later on, but your urine may become dark and you could get severely dehydrated.
It’s important to treat symptoms of high blood sugar right away to help prevent complications.
Causes
Your blood sugar may rise if you:
Skip or forget your insulin or oral glucose-lowering medicine
Eat too many grams of carbohydrates for the amount of insulin you took, or eat too many carbs in general
Have an infection
Are ill
Are under stress
Become inactive or exercise less than usual
Take part in strenuous physical activity, especially when your blood sugar levels are high and insulin levels are low
Symptoms
Early signs include:
Increased thirst
Headaches
Trouble concentrating
Blurred vision
Frequent peeing
Fatigue (weak, tired feeling)
Weight loss
Blood sugar more than 180 mg/dL
Ongoing high blood sugar may cause:
Vaginal and skin infections
Slow-healing cuts and sores
Worse vision
Nerve damage causing painful cold or insensitive feet, loss of hair on the lower extremities, or erectile dysfunction
Stomach and intestinal problems such as chronic constipation or diarrhea
Damage to your eyes, blood vessels, or kidneys
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