Hyperglycemia is defined as elevated levels of sugar, or glucose, in the blood. It happens when the body doesn't make or utilize enough insulin. This hormone aids in the absorption of glucose for usage as energy by cells.
Diabetes may be indicated by high blood sugar levels. If a diabetic can not control their blood sugar levels, they can develop a severe complication known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
If a person does not receive treatment for ketoacidosis, they may develop a diabetic coma, which is a potentially fatal consequence of diabetes.
This article discusses how to recognize hyperglycemia, how to manage it, and the various causes and complications.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HYPERGLYCEMIA?
Knowing the early signs of hyperglycemia is especially crucial if you have type 1 diabetes. If hyperglycemia in persons with type 1 diabetes is not managed, it can progress to ketoacidosis, a condition in which harmful acids called ketones accumulate in the blood. This is a life-threatening disorder that can result in coma or death.
The following are early signs of hyperglycemia:
- High blood sugar levels.
- Headache
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Increase in thirst and/or hunger.
Other symptoms include:
- Cuts and sores that heal slowly.
- Loss of weight.
- Infections of the vagina and skin.
- Tiredness (feeling weak, fatigued).
Ketoacidosis symptoms include:
- Coma
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Dehydration
- Unusual sweet-smelling breath
- Deep laborious breathing, often known as hyperventilation
- Rapid heartbeat
CAUSES OF HYPERGLYCEMIA IN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES
1. The insulin or oral diabetic medication dose you are now taking is not the most beneficial for your needs.
2. The dawn phenomenon (a rush of hormones produced by the body every morning between 4 and 5 a.m.) is influencing you.
3. Your body isn't making the best use of its natural insulin (type 2 diabetes).
4. You're on steroids
5. The amount of carbohydrates you eat or drink is not proportional to the amount of insulin your body can produce or the amount of insulin you inject.
6. You are experiencing emotional stress as a result of family conflicts, emotional problems, school or work stresses, and so on.
7. You're not as active as normal.
8. You are under physical stress as a result of illness, a cold, the flu, an infection, and so on.
Other potential causes
- Trauma or surgery.
- Several drugs (such as diuretics and steroids).
- Gestational diabetes occurs in 4% of pregnancies and is caused by reduced insulin sensitivity
- Pancreatic diseases like pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis.
- Endocrine conditions like Cushing syndrome, that cause insulin resistance.
HYPERGLYCEMIA TREATMENT
A diabetic can take actions to limit, avoid, and treat blood glucose increases. These stages are as follows:
- Monitoring of blood sugar levels: A person who has been diagnosed with diabetes must track their blood sugar levels as prescribed by their doctor. This assists in detecting hyperglycemia before it becomes an issue.
- Exercise: Excess glucose in the blood is used up during physical activity. However, if a person has severe hyperglycemia and has ketones in their urine, they should avoid activity. Exercise causes fat breakdown and may hasten ketoacidosis.
- Managing stress: High amounts of stress can have an effect on hormones and blood sugar levels. It is critical for diabetics to discover ways to manage stress, such as by prioritizing sleep and experimenting with relaxation techniques such as meditation.
- Medication modifications: If a person's blood sugar levels stay elevated, a doctor may advise them to change the timings or types of medication and insulin they take.
- Dietary modifications: Controlling portions at mealtimes and snacking less, as well as monitoring carbohydrate quality and quantity, helps keep the amount of glucose in the body at a manageable level. A licensed dietician can assist a person in gradually and healthfully adapting their diet.
Diabetes management is a continuous and, in many cases, lifetime endeavor. Typically, a doctor will be able to examine a person's self-monitored data, identify problems, and assist folks in finding ways to avoid extreme surges.
HOW CAN I AVOID HYPERGLYCEMIA?
1. Exercise can assist in lowering blood sugar levels. Create a daily activity plan with your healthcare practitioner.
2. Consume alcohol in moderation. Alcohol can produce dangerously low blood sugar levels, but it can also cause dangerously high blood sugar levels. Determine how much is safe to drink with the help of your physician.
3. Avoid smoking.
4. If you have a meal plan, stick to it. Learn how carbohydrates affect your blood sugar and collaborate with your diabetes care team to develop the optimal meal plan for you.
5. Keep a healthy weight.
CONCLUSION
Hyperglycemia is defined as high blood glucose levels caused by insufficient or ineffective insulin, a poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Hormone surges caused by stress and the dawn phenomena might also result in hyperglycemia.
Frequent urination, strong thirst, and elevated blood sugar levels while self-monitoring are symptoms. If high blood glucose is not treated, a person may develop ketoacidosis, a deadly buildup of waste products that can lead to diabetic coma.
Diabetes medication modifications, exercise, and eating less during meals are all part of the treatment. Wearing a medical ID is critical for diabetics because it can affect other medications.