Risk Factors for Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia is a condition that occurs when blood glucose levels get too high. Diabetic patients monitor blood sugar frequently to prevent the occurrence of hyperglycemia. Diet and lack of exercise can lead to this condition, which can be extremely serious if left untreated. Untreated hyperglycemia leads to ketoacidosis.

Diet

• Poor diet is one of the biggest risk factors for hyperglycemia. Diabetes requires the patient to follow a specific diet that keeps blood sugar levels low. Eating more food than what is on the diabetic diet plan can result in increased blood glucose levels and hyperglycemia. Foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates may also result in high blood sugar. Careful monitoring of glucose can alert the patient when levels are too high.

Lack of Exercise

• Exercising everyday helps keep blood sugar levels low. Diabetics must monitor the effect of exercise on blood glucose and schedule exercise around meals to keep levels within normal range. Too much exercise can result in hypoglycemia or low blood glucose levels. Eating a snack before exercise helps to keep blood sugar levels up. To prevent hyperglycemia, a moderate amount of exercise every day will help to counteract the effects of eating too much or consuming the wrong types of foods.

Medication

• Medications are often necessary to help the body to use and produce insulin, which regulates the glucose in the body and makes sure it uses it effectively. Some patients still have high levels of glucose in their blood after using medications. For these patients, a change in dosage may help.
  Medications are prescribed under a doctor's guidance and may need to be adjusted frequently to find the correct protocol for managing high glucose levels. The patient must also take the medications as prescribed in order for these drugs to be effective in controlling their disease.

Stress

• Stress has a dramatic impact on blood glucose levels and can result in hyperglycemia. Stress causes the body to store blood glucose to keep energy stores high. This prepares the body for attack whether from external forces or emotional stress. When someone is under constant stress, this level of glucose remains high and causes hyperglycemia. Diabetics are not able to regulate the glucose in their blood because of a lack of insulin production---or the body does not use insulin properly. Stress also causes some patients to eat a poorly and not get enough exercise.

Treatment

• Monitoring blood sugar levels is the most important aspect of diabetes treatment and management. The symptoms of hyperglycemia are frequent urination and increased thirst. Vision may also become blurred, and fatigue is common. These symptoms appear before blood sugar is checked. When blood sugar levels continue to rise with medications, it may be necessary to change the dosage or timing of the medication. It can take time to find the correct diet and medication that works for each individual suffering from hyperglycemia.