HIGH BLOOD GLUCOSE (HYPERGLYCEMIA)

What is hyperglycemia?

Hyperglycemia is the technical term for high blood sugar. It happens from time to time to all people who have diabetes. High blood sugar happens when the body has too little or not enough insulin or when the body can’t use insulin properly. If you have diabetes, you should ask your doctor how often you should test your blood and what your blood sugar levels should be. Hyperglycemia is a major cause of many of the complications that happen to people who have diabetes and can be a serious problem if it is not treated. For this reason, it is important to know what causes hyperglycemia, what its symptoms are and how to treat it.

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If you have type 1 diabetes

If you fail to treat hyperglycemia, a condition called ketoacidosis (diabetic coma) could occur. Ketoacidosis develops when your body doesn’t have enough insulin. Without insulin, your body can’t use glucose for fuel, so your body breaks down fats to use for energy. When your body breaks down fats, waste products called ketones are produced. Your body cannot tolerate large amounts of ketones and will try to get rid of them through the urine. Unfortunately, the body cannot release all the ketones and they build up in your blood. This can lead to ketoacidosis and needs immediate treatment. Symptoms include: shortness of breath, breath that smells fruity, nausea and vomiting, and a very dry mouth. Talk to your doctor about how to handle this condition.

What causes high blood sugar?

High blood sugar can occur if:

• You skip your medication or do not take the right amount.
• You are under stress.
• You are ill.
• You overeat or do not follow your meal plan.
• You exercise less than usual.

Symptoms of hyperglycemia If you have high blood sugar, you may have any of the following symptoms:

• Increased thirst.
• Blurred vision.
• Frequent urination.
• Tiredness or weakness.
• Headaches.
• Wounds that heal slowly.
• Ketones (type 1).

How do you treat hyperglycemia?

1. Test your blood glucose level often. This should be done every two to four hours if your blood glucose is high (more than 240 mg/dl).
2. Often, you can lower your blood sugar level by exercising. However, if you have type 1 and your blood sugar is above 240 mg/dl, or if you are sick, check your urine for ketones. If you have ketones, do not exercise. Exercising when ketones are present may make your blood sugar level go even higher. You’ll need to work with your doctor to find the safest way for you to lower your blood sugar level.
3. Continue taking your usual insulin shots or pills. DO NOT STOP TAKING YOUR INSULIN OR PILLS!
4. Call your doctor or nurse if your blood glucose level continuously remains high for more than 12 hours, or if you have ketones.
5. Cutting down on the amount of food you eat might also help. Work with your dietitian to make changes in your meal plan.
6. If exercise and changes in your diet don’t work, your doctor may change the amount of your medication or insulin or possibly the timing of when you take it.
7. Drink liquids without sugar— at least 8 ounces each hour.

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