Hyperglycemia Guidelines

Hyperglycemia is associated with diabetes and means high blood glucose level or high blood sugar. Hyperglycemia is a serious health condition, but proper monitoring of sugar levels can keep the blood sugar in check.

Causes

• Hyperglycemia may be caused by eating foods with too much sugar or carbohydrates, not getting enough exercise, stress, physical illness and not taking diabetic medication. Other symptoms may include strenuous activity, infection and not getting enough insulin from injections.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of hyperglycemia in diabetes includes increased thirst, fatigue, blurry vision, frequent urination, weight loss and a blood glucose reading more than 180. Symptoms of prolonged hyperglycemia include cuts and sores that heal slowly, skin infections, decreased vision and nerve damage that results in numbness in toes and feet.

Treatment

• Check your blood glucose level if you are experiencing hyperglycemia symptoms. You should check your urine for ketones, which are toxic acids, if glucose levels are higher than 240, according to the American Diabetes Association. You will need to consult with your doctor if ketone levels are high and discuss how to lower them. You can lower your blood sugar on your own if no ketones are present. Lowering blood sugar requires exercising, taking your medication and avoiding sugary processed foods such as bakery goods.
  Do not exercise if you have tested positive for ketones as exercise only increases blood sugar in this instance. Your doctor may want to change your insulin dosage if it appears you are not getting an adequate amount to keep blood sugar lower.

Considerations

• Drink plenty of fluids to flush out extra sugar in your bloodstream. Losing weight if you are overweight helps lower blood glucose levels. A dietitian can provide you with a meal plan that keeps blood sugar under control.

Prevention/Solution

• Keep a food diary that lists foods and the number of carbohydrates in them. Test your blood glucose regularly and get in touch with your doctor if you have several abnormal test results. Take your medication at the same time each day to keep the same amount of insulin in your body. Have a medical alert card with you in case of emergency. Leaving blood glucose levels high will result in nerve and organ damage, so keep track of blood sugar to prevent unhealthy medical conditions.