High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia) Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

High blood sugar – Hyperglycemia – occurs when the glucose levels in the blood and body are too high. We need a certain amount of glucose to ensure that our vital organs work correctly, but too much can cause some health problems. Glucose is one of the body’s main energy supplies, and is very important. It is vital to the operation of the liver, in particular, and the muscles. In this article we will look at the problems associated with high blood sugar, what causes high blood sugar, high blood sugar symptoms and what can be done to treat the condition. Let’s start by examining the symptoms:

Symptoms

It is possible that someone who is suffering from Hyperglycemia may not display any symptoms, however it is worth knowing that the condition itself can be symptomatic of diabetes. The following are the most common hyperglycemia symptoms:

• Thirst
• Frequent urination
• Dry mouth
• Night-time urination
• Blurred vision
• Dry skin
• Itchiness
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Hunger and increased appetite

Any of the above can be indicative of high blood sugar, and should be investigated thoroughly. By not dealing with the problem quickly it can lead to dehydration, and this leads to further symptoms such as difficulty breathing, drowsiness, general confusion and – in an advanced state – coma.

What Is High Blood Sugar?

High blood sugar, or Hyperglycemia, is a condition in which the body produces too much glucose. The blood carries essential glucose to the vital organs, and an excess of glucose may affect the production of insulin, an essential hormone that is also involved in energy levels. If there is too much glucose in the blood the body may stop producing insulin. This can lead to further complications.

Causes

There are many possible high blood sugar causes, with some more common than others. Let’s have a look at each category:

• Insulin: not producing enough insulin is one cause of high blood sugar; food, insulin and exercise need to be correctly balanced, and this is especially so in cases where the patient is diabetic.
• Carbohydrates; carbohydrates are a form of sugar, and it is quite possible to eat too many. This form of high blood sugar can occur very quickly after eating.
• Stress: hyperglycemia is often found in people suffering from stress.
• Poor exercise: the body needs to exercise to keep its systems working.
• Infections and Illness: blood sugar levels can rise very quickly in people who are ill, an in those who are recovering from surgery.
• Certain medication: some drugs can cause high blood sugar, steroids especially.

The above are the main causes of hyperglycemia, and if symptoms are detected they will likely stem from one of the causes on that list.

Treatment

1: Self-Care at Home: High blood sugar can be treated at home and quit successfully. However, it is best to seek medical diagnosis. You can help your cause by looking at the following:

• Check your blood sugar levels with a readily available meter
• Take all diabetes medication as instructed
• Eat regular, balanced meals
• Take regular exercise
• Have a diet planned by a dietician
• Seek advice on medication you are taking

2: Medical Treatment: Medical treatment of hyperglycemia takes the following forms:

• The administering of medicine or a change to a medicine regime
• Illnesses can be the root cause, so should be treated accordingly
• Further medications for diabetics

High blood sugar is a treatable condition and one that is not uncommon, so medical help is almost certain to assist with the condition.

Prevention

With high blood sugar there are ways to prevent suffering and they are easy to carry out: have a look at the following:

• Take diabetes medication as prescribed
• Follow a suitable diet plan
• Keep your exercise and diet well balanced
• Understand the problem of diabetes and how to manage it

It is important that diabetics keep on top of the problem in order that it does not become exaggerated.

High Blood Sugar: How To Bring It Down?

The methods of bringing down high blood sugar are similar to those that prevent or treat it: you should take exercise, eat less sugary foods, balance your diet and inject insulin as prescribed. Keep off caffeine and drink plenty of water, and check that it is not your regular medication that is causing the problem. It pays to be sensible when dealing with diet related illnesses, and this can be treated as such.

What Is Considered High Blood Sugar?

This depends on the individual, as our bodies are different. Blood sugar is measured in milligrams per decilitre – or mg/Dl, and it is a standard that if blood sugar levels rise above 240mg/Dl then you are suffering from hyperglycemia. It is always worth getting a medical diagnosis to make sure you are correct.

We hope this article has helped you to understand the condition that is high blood sugar, and the symptoms that come with it. You should also have learned how to control the condition, prevent it, and how it is treated.