What are the Risks of Hyperglycemia?

Hyperglycemia is when the blood glucose levels or blood sugar levels in your body are too high. Glucose comes from the foods we eat and is our body's main source of energy. This sugar, or glucose, is produced, stored and carried to each cell of the body through the bloodstream. Hyperglycemia is usually seen in diabetics who have problems producing insulin, which allows the glucose to enter the body's cells. Too much glucose is unhealthy and can place you at risk for other health problems.

Prolonged Hyperglycemia

• People with prolonged hyperglycemia are at risk for slow-healing sores and cuts, skin infections and intestinal or stomach problems like diarrhea and chronic constipation. Gender risk factors are vaginal infections in women and erectile dysfunction in men. Nerve damage, altered mental state, restlessness and paralysis, decreased vision, poor circulation and hair loss on the lower extremities can also arise from prolonged hyperglycemia.

Diabetic Hyperosmolar Syndrome

• Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome can occur in individuals with type 2 diabetes when their blood glucose level is more than 600mg/dL for a prolonged period of time. Blood becomes thick like syrup and the increased sugar travels from the blood to the urine. This starts a filtering process in which a large amount of urine is passed, resulting in extreme dehydration and possible loss of consciousness.

Diabetic Coma

• Another risk factor of hyperglycemia is a diabetic coma. This can occur when hyperglycemia is left untreated or blood sugar reaches dangerous levels. However, a diabetic coma can also happen if you suffer from hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. Symptoms of a diabetic coma are shortness of breathe, increased thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination and nausea. A diabetic coma can be fatal.

Symptoms

• Hyperglycemia doesn't have to be uncontrolled or untreated. It can be caught early and treated, resulting in blood sugar levels coming back to normal. The symptoms of hyperglycemia include weight loss, increased thirst, headaches, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, fatigue and frequent urination. A blood glucose level higher than 180mg/dL is another sign of hyperglycemia

Causes

• There are several reasons for hyperglycemia. The biggest reason is neglecting to take medicine like insulin or oral glucose-lowering pills. Another cause is increased stress. Decreased activity, illness, strenuous physical activity and infections are other factors that can cause an increase in blood sugar. Hyperglycemia can also be caused by the amount of carbohydrates or calories consumed.