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: 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. Your blood sugar may rise if you: Early signs include: Ongoing high blood sugar may cause: If you have diabetes and notice any of the early signs of high blood sugar, test your blood sugar and call the doctor. They may ask you for the results of several readings. They could recommend the following changes: Drink more water. Water helps remove excess sugar from
your blood through urine, and it helps you avoid dehydration. Exercise more. Working out can help lower your blood sugar. But under certain conditions, it can make blood sugar go even higher. Ask your doctor what kind of exercise is right for you. Caution: If you have
type 1 diabetes and your blood sugar is high, you need to check your urine for ketones. When you have ketones, do NOT exercise. If you have type 2 diabetes and your blood sugar is high, you must also be sure that you have no ketones in your urine and that you are
well-hydrated. Then your doctor might give you the OK to exercise with caution as long as you feel up to it. Change your eating habits. You may need to meet with a dietitian to change the amount and types of foods you eat. Switch medications. Your doctor may change the amount, timing, or type of diabetes medications you take. Don’t make changes without talking to
them first. If you have type 1 diabetes and your blood sugar is more than 250 mg/dL, your doctor may want you to test your urine or blood for ketones. Call your doctor if your blood sugar is running higher than your treatment goals. If you work
to keep your blood sugar under control -- follow your meal plan, exercise program, and medicine schedule -- you shouldn’t have to worry about hyperglycemia. You can also: Hyperglycemia means high levels of blood sugar, also known as blood glucose. Over time, it can cause major health complications in people with diabetes. Several factors can contribute to hyperglycemia, including dietary choices and a sedentary lifestyle. Regular blood glucose testing is crucial for people with diabetes. This is because many people don’t feel the effects of hyperglycemia. Fasting hyperglycemia vs. postprandial (after-meal) hyperglycemiaThe World Health Organization explains that “normal” blood sugar readings range between 70 and 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) while fasting, or not eating. Readings between 100 and 125 mg/dL classify as impaired fasting hyperglycemia. If you have two or more blood glucose tests performed in a fasting state that are at or above 126 mg/dL, you may have diabetes. On the other hand, high blood sugar after eating is called postprandial, or after-meal, hyperglycemia. Your readings within a couple of hours after eating reflect how your body reacts to the foods you consume. According to a 2018 study, regular high blood sugar readings after meals or snacks may be an early sign of type 2 diabetes. There is also a relationship between fasting hyperglycemia and postprandial hyperglycemia. In the same 2018 study, researchers explained that if a person has fasting hyperglycemia, they may also experience “markedly exaggerated” postprandial hyperglycemia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), target blood glucose levels for people with diabetes are typically:
Blood sugar levels that are higher than that may indicate uncontrolled diabetes. However, you may not feel the effects of hyperglycemia until your blood glucose levels are very high for an extended period of time. If you experience symptoms of hyperglycemia, it’s important that you check your blood glucose levels. Hyperglycemia symptoms that may develop over several days or weeks include:
The longer the condition is left untreated, the more severe it may become. Long-term effects of hyperglycemia include:
A number of things can contribute to hyperglycemia, including:
Dawn phenomenonYou may experience regular episodes of high blood sugar in the early morning hours between 3 and 8 a.m., before you have eaten anything, according to the American Diabetes Association. This is called the dawn phenomenon, and researchers say it’s important to note your levels during this period of time. Why? The dawn phenomenon occurs due to higher levels of hormones like cortisol and growth hormone. These hormones signal the liver to make more glucose, so you have the energy that helps you wake up. If your levels are high, it may be because you have diabetes or your diabetes is not well managed. The American Diabetes Association says that if you experience episodes of hyperglycemia in the mornings only occasionally, they may not affect your A1C, a kind of blood glucose test. If they become a frequent occurrence, your A1C levels may move higher, into a concerning range. Several treatments are available for hyperglycemia. Monitor your glucose levelsAn important part of managing your diabetes is checking your blood glucose levels often, such as before you eat, after you eat, or at bedtime. Then, record that number in a notebook, blood glucose log, or blood glucose tracking app so you and your doctor can monitor your treatment plan. Knowing when your blood glucose levels are getting out of your target range can help you get your blood glucose back on track before more significant complications arise. Get movingExercise is one of the best and most effective ways to keep your blood glucose levels where they should be and lower them if they get too high. If you’re on medications that increase insulin, talk with your doctor to determine the best times to exercise. If you have complications such as nerve or eye damage, ask your doctor which exercises might suit you best. An important note: If you have had diabetes for an extended period of time and are on insulin therapy, talk with your doctor to see if there are any exercises you should limit when your blood glucose levels are high. For example, the American Diabetes Association says that if your blood glucose level is above 240 mg/dL, your doctor may have you check your urine for ketones. Don’t exercise if you have ketones. According to the Diabetes Research Institute, your doctor may also tell you not to exercise if your blood glucose is above 250 mg/dL even without ketones. Exercising when ketones are in your body may cause your blood glucose level to rise even higher. While it’s rare for those with type 2 diabetes to experience this, it’s still best to be cautious. Analyze your eating habitsWork with a dietitian or nutritionist to construct a nutritious, interesting selection of meals that can help you manage your carbohydrate intake and prevent higher blood glucose levels. Diet plans you may want to explore include:
Evaluate your treatment planYou doctor may reevaluate your diabetes treatment plan based on your personal health history and your experiences with hyperglycemia. They may change the amount, type, or timing of your medication. Don’t adjust your medications without first talking with your doctor or diabetes educator. Untreated and chronic hyperglycemia can cause both minor and serious complications. Complications include:
Skin complicationsYou may experience a variety of skin issues when blood sugar levels are high. For example, your skin may be dry and itchy or you may find skin tags on your groin, armpit, or neck. Whether you’re diagnosed with diabetes, prediabetes, or you don’t have a diagnosis, you may encounter these skin issues and others, including:
Hyperglycemia may make it hard for the body to heal itself, leading to open sores, wounds, ulcers, and skin infections. You may notice these issues particularly on the feet. Nerve damageHigh blood sugar may also lead to diabetic neuropathy, which is a form of nerve damage. There are four different types:
According to the CDC, damage to the nerves develops slowly and may present as tingling, numbness, weakness, or sensitivity. You may also experience impaired function (for example, bladder leakage) or severe pain. Eye complicationsHyperglycemia can lead to issues with vision, including blindness, if not addressed promptly. You may not notice any issues with your vision right away, but high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to swelling or blurry vision. Possible issues include:
HHSHHS is a rare condition that appears most often in older adults with type 2 diabetes. It may be accompanied by a trigger, such as an illness. When blood glucose levels are high, the kidneys excrete sugar into the urine, taking water with it. This causes the blood to become more concentrated, resulting in high sodium and blood glucose levels. Without treatment, HHS may lead to life threatening dehydration and even coma. A few lifestyle changes may help prevent you from developing hyperglycemia. Try the tips below:
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of DKA or HHS, like:
Contact a doctor if your blood glucose readings are consistently high, whether in a fasting state or after meals. As well, let your doctor know if their recommended lifestyle measures are not making a difference in your readings. Make an appointment if you notice new or worsening issues with your vision or skin, or if you suspect you have nerve damage or other health issues that relate to high blood sugar. To prepare for your appointment:
You probably won’t feel the effects of hyperglycemia right away. Over time, though, it can cause noticeable symptoms, such as thirstiness and excessive urination. If the hyperglycemia isn’t properly treated, you can even develop DKA or HHS. Both of these conditions are considered medical emergencies. Know the symptoms of hyperglycemia and these related conditions, and make it a habit to regularly check your blood glucose levels. Good diabetes management and careful monitoring of your blood glucose levels are both very effective means for preventing hyperglycemia or stopping it before it gets worse. Read this article in Spanish. What does type 2 diabetes mellitus with hyperglycemia mean?Type 2 diabetes with hyperglycemia occurs when a person's blood sugar elevates to potentially dangerous levels that require medical treatment. A person living with type 2 diabetes can experience either hyperglycemia, which means an elevated blood glucose level, or hypoglycemia, which refers to a low level.
What are 4 symptoms of hyperglycemia?What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia?. High blood sugar.. Increased thirst and/or hunger.. Blurred vision.. Frequent urination (peeing).. Headache.. What are the symptoms of a hyper in type 2 diabetes?Common symptoms include:. feeling very thirsty.. peeing a lot.. feeling weak or tired.. blurred vision.. losing weight.. Is hyperglycemia common in type 2 diabetes?High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is a major concern, and can affect people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes .
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