High
blood sugar (hyperglycemia) in diabetes
What is hyperglycemia?
High blood sugar means your blood sugar is higher than
normal. Hyperglycemia can be serious if left untreated. If your blood sugar
gets too high over time (months or years), it can cause problems with your
heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels. Very high blood sugar can
cause life-threatening problems.
Causes?
You need sugar in your cells for energy, but too much sugar
in your blood is not good for your health. Insulin is a hormone made by the
pancreas, an organ located in the upper part of your abdomen. Your body uses
insulin to help move sugar from your blood into your cells. When your body
doesn't have enough insulin or has trouble using its own insulin, sugar can't
get into your cells and build up in your blood. High blood sugar remains the main
problem of diabetes.
Some of the reasons your sugar levels may be getting too
high are:
Not taking diabetes medicine when needed, or not taking the
right dose
Taking medications, such as steroids, for other medical
conditions
Consuming too many calories, eating too many carbohydrates,
such as foods that are mostly sugar or white flour, or drinking too many
high-sugar beverages
Not being physically active enough (exercise helps lower
your blood sugar)
stress
Being sick, including a cold, flu, tooth infection or
urinary tract infection, especially if you have a fever
Have a problem with the insulin you are taking - for example
you may need a different type of insulin or the insulin may not work because it
is not stored properly
Have a problem with your insulin pump, if you're using it -
for example, the pump is off or the catheter has come out
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What are the symptoms like?
Usually, high blood sugar doesn't cause any symptoms,
especially if it's short-lived. However, if your blood sugar is very high and
stays high for a day or more, you may have symptoms.
Symptoms
may include:
Blurred eyes
Dry mouth
Increasing thirst
urinating a lot
Feeling tired
Very high blood sugar (600 mg/dL or more) can lead to coma
and even death.
How is it diagnosed?
Your blood sugar level can be measured with a blood test
that you can do at home or in your healthcare provider's office.
When you have diabetes, the commonly recommended blood sugar
levels are:
Morning fasting blood sugar test:
70 to 130mg/dL. (Fasting blood sugar testing should be done
before breakfast, after several hours without eating or drinking except water.)
Blood glucose test 1 to 2 hours after a meal:
less than 180 mg/dL
Blood sugar Hemoglobin A1C less than 7
Estimated mean blood glucose A1C (eAG)
--------------------------------------------------------
7,154 mg/dL
8183 mg/dL
9212 mg/dL
10.240 mg/dL
11,269 mg/dL
12,298 mg/dL
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How is it treated?
Very high blood sugar can be a medical emergency. Ask your
healthcare provider what very high blood sugar will mean for you. You may need
to stay in the hospital to get your blood sugar back to normal, to treat the
cause of your high blood sugar, and to treat any problems caused by high blood
sugar, such as such as dehydration.
High blood sugar caused by medication you're taking usually
goes away when you stop taking it. Never stop taking a medication without
talking to your healthcare provider. Your provider may change the type or
amount of medicine you take. Depending on the medication, it may take days or
even weeks for your blood sugar to return to the proper level.
How can I take care of myself?
Carefully follow your healthcare provider's instructions to
keep your blood sugar normal. This usually means you must:
Eat healthy as recommended by your healthcare provider. Ask
to be referred to a dietitian if you're not sure what to eat. Exercise as
recommended by your doctor at least 4-5 days a week.
Take the medicine exactly as directed, if any has been prescribed
for you.
Check your blood sugar regularly as recommended by your
doctor, and carry a blood sugar reading with you to each test. This helps your
provider adjust your medication.
Bring medical identification (such as a card or bracelet)
that shows you have diabetes. Ask your healthcare provider:
When to call in case of high blood sugar
How to take care of yourself if you're sick (Since blood
sugar can be higher if you're sick, ask your healthcare provider for a
"sick day plan.")
What symptoms or problems to look out for and what to do if
you have them
Make sure you know when you should come back to check. Keep
all appointments for provider visits or testing.
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