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Define Hyperglycemia

High blood sugar (glucose) is a serious health problem called hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia is caused when too much sugar is circulating in the blood. Hyperglycemia is often caused by diabetes mellitus and is the most common characteristic of diabetes. Some medications can also increase your risk of developing hyperglycemia.

  1. Diabetic Hyperglycemia

    • In people with diabetes, fasting hyperglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels are greater than 90-130 milligrams per deciliter after an eight-hour fast. Hyperglycemia after a meal, or postprandial hyperglycemia, occurs when your blood sugar levels are 180 milligrams per deciliter on a usual basis.

    Non-Diabetic

    • If you do not have diabetes, postprandial (post-meal) sugar levels should not exceed 140 milligrams per deciliter. Occasionally this post-meal sugar level can reach 180 milligrams per deciliter if the meal was rather large in portion. As a non-diabetic, if you consistently have high sugar levels after a meal, you may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

    Constant Hyperglycemia

    • When a person frequently has elevated blood sugar, or has it for a long period of time, damage to blood vessels, nerves and organs may occur, especially if you also have diabetes. It is important, especially as a diabetic, to recognize the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia and to obtain early treatment before the condition gets worse.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of hyperglycemia include headaches, feeling very thirsty, weakness, tiredness, blurry vision, difficulty concentrating, urinating frequently, weight loss and/or blood sugar levels reaching more than 180 milligrams per deciliter. If you are experiencing long periods of hyperglycemia, you may experience decreased vision, chronic constipation or diarrhea, vaginal infections, skin infections, erectile dysfunction, lower extremity hair loss and nerve damage causing insensitive, cold or painful feet.

    Treatment

    • Treating hyperglycemia is vital to your health even if you are not a diabetic. Drinking water can help remove the extra sugar from your system and help you to avoid becoming dehydrated due to frequent urination. You may need to change the type or amount of foods that you are eating regularly to help lower your blood sugar levels. If you have type 1 diabetes and you have ketones in your urine, you should not exercise. If you have type 2 diabetes and your blood sugar level is over 300 milligrams per deciliter, you should not exercise. However, if you do not fall into either of these categories, exercising can help to lower your blood sugar.

    Prevention

    • Always follow your doctor's advice if you are at risk for hyperglycemia. Follow your diet and keep track of what you are taking in. Testing your blood sugar regularly can help to avoid a prolonged battle with hyperglycemia. Following your medication schedule and exercise programs can also help lower your risk. Keep a record of your food intake and your blood sugar readings to share with your physician.

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