Signs, Symptoms, And Treatment Of High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly to absorb glucose for energy. It is often considered an indication of diabetes, and therefore, requires immediate medical attention. 

What Are The Causes Of Hyperglycemia?

Some of the leading causes of hyperglycemia in people with diabetes include:

• Taking a less or insufficient dose of insulin or diabetes medication
• Eating more carbohydrates than your body requires 
• Being less physically active or not exercising
• Suffering from physical stress caused due to illness, cold, flu, infection, etc.
• Suffering from emotional stress caused due to work problems, family conflicts, etc.
• Taking steroids to manage other health conditions
• Getting affected by the dawn phenomenon ( a condition in which your body releases hormones around 4 am – 5 am in the morning and stimulates your liver to release glucose in the blood) 

Although it is rare, people without diabetes, especially those who are critically ill or injured, may also suffer from hyperglycemia. High levels of stress or hormonal changes can cause this condition. Pancreatic and hormonal disorders are also common causes of nondiabetic hyperglycemia. 

What Are The Risk Factors For Hyperglycemia?

Some factors can increase the risk of getting hyperglycemia, such as:

• Having type 2 diabetes or a family history of type 2 diabetes
• Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, hyperlipidemia and high blood pressure
• Having suffered from gestational diabetes in the past
• Being overweight or obese

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Hyperglycemia?

Some of the common symptoms of hyperglycemia include:

• Tiredness and fatigue
• Increased thirst 
• Excessive hunger
• Blurry vision
• Increased frequency of urination
• Headaches
• Unusual weight loss
• Irritability and anxiety
• Vaginal and skin infections

The symptoms of hyperglycemia may take years before they become noticeable. Most of the time, they are detected after the blood sugar levels have risen above 200 mg/dl. These symptoms also tend to get worse if they are not detected on time, making it important to prevent hyperglycemia at all costs.  

What Are The Complications Of Hyperglycemia?

If hyperglycemia is not treated on time, it can cause many serious health complications, such as: 

• Skin disorders, including bacterial and fungal infections
• Diabetes complications such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy and diabetic neuropathy
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Kidney failure
• Foot problems
• Bone and joint problems
• Teeth and gum problems

If hyperglycemia is present for a prolonged period of time, it can also cause two serious and life-threatening conditions, namely DKA and HHS.

• Diabetic Ketoacidosis or DKA: When the blood glucose does not reach the cells due to lack of insulin, the body starts breaking fat for energy. In this process, the body also produces toxic acids, called ketones, which tend to accumulate in the blood and give rise to DKA, a condition that can even lead to diabetic coma.
• Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome (HHS): It occurs when the body can produce insulin but not use it properly, elevating the levels of glucose in the blood. This excessive blood glucose is then eliminated by the urine, causing life-threatening dehydration.

How Can You Treat Hyperglycemia?

• One of the best ways to lower your blood sugar level is physical exercise. However, if you have blood sugar levels higher than 240 mg/dl, then you should check your urine for ketones. In case you have ketones, you should not exercise. 
• Reducing the amount of food you eat or carbs you intake can also help you treat hyperglycemia. Consult your doctor or dietitian and make a safe and healthy meal plan for hyperglycemia. 
• Your doctor may also change the doses of your medications or insulin to help you combat hyperglycemia better. They may also modify the type and timing of the medications.
• Stress management can also impact your blood sugar levels and help you treat hyperglycemia. You can manage your stress with relaxation techniques such as Yoga, meditation, etc. 

How To Prevent Hyperglycemia?

• Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and keep a record of the same. This record will help your doctor better assess your condition and prevent hyperglycemia.
• Eat according to the portion size and manage your carb intake. Always follow the meal plan given by your doctor or dietitian to stay in a healthy range of blood glucose levels.
• Take your diabetes medications on time and as prescribed by your doctor.
• Remain consistent with the amount of your food and the timings of your meals. 
• Alcohol can cause high blood glucose levels. Therefore, drink alcohol in moderation.
• Keep a medical ID or medical certificate with you all the time for emergency purposes.  

Takeaway:

The symptoms of hyperglycemia often take time before occurring. However, as soon as you detect any sign of hyperglycemia, you should consult your doctor immediately to treat it. If left untreated, hyperglycemia can cause many minor and major health complications, including DKA and HHS.  

References:

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323699
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373631
• https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/blood-glucose-testing-and-control/hyperglycemia
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9815-hyperglycemia-high-blood-sugar
• https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/hyperglycemia