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Hyperglycemia Side Effects

Foods that contain sugar or carbohydrates provide your body with the blood glucose necessary for survival. Your pancreas secretes a hormone called insulin that bonds with the blood glucose. The blood glucose is then utilized as food for the brain and energy for the body. Hyperglycemia occurs when the body contains too much blood glucose.

  1. Blood Glucose Levels

    • Normal blood glucose levels range from 70 mg/dl to 120 mg/dl (milligrams of glucose to deciliters of blood). Hyperglycemia occurs when the blood glucose level exceeds 120 mg/dl. A blood glucose level below 70 mg/dl results in hypoglycemia. Both conditions carry serious health risks.

    Causes

    • Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) are the most common causes of hyperglycemia. According to the American Diabetes Association, 8 percent of the United States population suffers from some type of diabetes.

      Many other factors, such as stress from severe illness, pancreatic cancer, kidney or liver disease, infection, eating a meal high in sugar or carbohydrates or strenuous exercise can also cause episodes of hyperglycemia.

    Side Effects

    • Hyperglycemia may cause kidney disorders, kidney failure, loss of vision, damage to the cardiovascular system, complications to other internal organs and heart or blood circulation problems. Untreated hyperglycemia can also cause a condition known as ketoacidosis which can result in coma or death.

      A study conducted by the University of Virginia Health System disproved the long-held belief that hyperglycemia carried only long-term health risks. The results of the study showed that blood glucose levels higher than 270 mg/dl may result in temporarily diminished brain functions. Some of the test subjects experienced trouble with their verbal skills, reaction time to multiple-choice questions and mental mathematical capabilities during hypoglycemic episodes.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of hyperglycemia include excessive thirst and urination, unusual weight loss without dieting, feeling tired or lethargic, blurred vision or numbness in the fingers or toes.

      A blood test using a glucose meter informs you very quickly of your blood glucose level. Your doctor may also order a fasting blood sugar test (FBS) or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to diagnose possible diabetes. If you suffer from persistent hyperglycemia, you should have a blood test performed by a laboratory to determine your A1C level. The A1C test tells you your average blood glucose level control over the previous few months.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for persistent hyperglycemia includes a low-carbohydrate, low-sugar diet, exercise regimen and medication. Medication may be oral or injected, such as insulin. Consult your physician for the proper treatment.

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