High blood sugar levels can be caused by a variety of factors in people with diabetes, including food and physical activity, illness, and medications. Skipping doses of medication or not taking enough medication to lower blood sugar can also lead to hyperglycemia.
If you have hyperglycemia, it’s important to treat it right away to avoid serious health complications. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about hyperglycemia in diabetes.
Early Signs and Symptoms
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a serious problem that can occur in people with diabetes. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
The good news is that hyperglycemia can be treated and controlled. Recognizing the early symptoms of hyperglycemia is crucial to getting treatment right away.
The early symptoms of hyperglycemia can include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to check your blood sugar levels right away. If your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, you may need to adjust your diabetes treatment plan.
If you have diabetes, it’s important to keep your blood sugar levels under control. Working with your healthcare team, you can develop a treatment plan that works for you.
Later Signs of Hyperglycemia
If hyperglycemia isn’t treated, it can cause toxic acids, called ketones, to build up in the blood and urine. This condition is called ketoacidosis. Symptoms include:
Fruity-smelling breath
Dry mouth
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Shortness of breath
Confusion
Loss of consciousness
Causes of Hyperglycemia
The body breaks down carbohydrates into sugar molecules, one of which is called glucose. Glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream and provides the body with energy. Most of the body’s tissues cannot use glucose without the help of insulin, which is a hormone made by the pancreas.
Diabetes makes it difficult for the body to process insulin, which can lead to a variety of health problems. Your pancreas may not be able to produce insulin, as in type 1 diabetes, or your body may be resistant to the effects of insulin, as in type 2 diabetes.
Long-Term Complications
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels can help prevent a number of diabetes-related complications. Here are some long-term effects of hyperglycemia in diabetes:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Teeth and gum infections
- Damage to the blood vessels of the retina that could lead to blindness
- Poor blood circulation or damaged nerves in your feet leading to serious skin infections, ulcerations, and even amputation
- Nerve damage
- Kidney damage or kidney failure
- Bone and joint problems
Emergency Complications
1) Diabetic Ketoacidosis
If you have diabetes, it means that your body is not able to produce enough insulin, or not able to use insulin properly. This causes your blood sugar levels to become too high, and your body will start to break down fat for energy.
2) Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
This condition is a result of the body not being able to use insulin properly. This can cause blood sugar levels to become very high, and the body will not be able to use either glucose or fat for energy.
Final Thoughts on Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is a very serious condition that can lead to many other health problems. It is important to talk to your doctor if you think that you may have this condition, so that you can get on the right treatment plan.
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