Hyperglycaemia is the medical term for when your blood sugar level is too high. It is a frequent problem if you have diabetes. It can also affect people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, as well as pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
It can sometimes affect people who do not have diabetes, but usually only people who are seriously ill, such as a recent stroke or heart attack, or having a severe infection.
Hyperglycaemia should not be confused with hypoglycaemia, which is when your blood sugar level drops too low.
Symptoms Leading to How You Feel When Your Blood Sugar is Too High
It is especially crucial to recognize the early signs of hyperglycemia if you have Type 1 diabetes. If hyperglycemia is left untreated and you have Type 1 diabetes, it can develop into ketoacidosis, where ketones, or toxic acids, build up in your blood. This condition becomes an emergency which can lead to a coma or death. Early symptoms of hyperglycemia include:
* High blood sugar.
* Blurred vision.
* Increased thirst or hunger.
* Frequent urination or peeing.
* A headache without obvious cause.
Additional symptoms can include:
* Fatigue, feeling weak or tired.
* Unexpected weight loss.
* Vaginal and skin infections.
* Slow-healing sores and cuts.
Symptoms of dangerous ketoacidosis, or toxic acids in your blood, are:
* Vomiting.
* Dehydration.
* Confusion and disorientation.
* Rapid heartbeat.
* Unusual fruity smell of the breath.
* Deep labored breathing or hyperventilation.
* Coma.
Is Hyperglycaemia Serious?
The goal of diabetes treatment is to keep the blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. But if you are dealing with diabetes, even if you are careful, you are likely to experience hyperglycaemia at some point. Therefore, it is important to be able to recognize and treat hyperglycaemia, as it will lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
Occasional mild episodes are not usually a cause for concern and can be treated easily or could return to normal on their own. Hyperglycaemia can be dangerous if your blood sugar levels become exceedingly high or stay high for longer periods.
High blood sugar levels can cause life-threatening complications:
* Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) – A condition caused by the body needing to break down fat as a source of energy, which can lead to a diabetic coma usually affecting people with Type 1 diabetes.
* Hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS) – Severe dehydration resulting from the body trying to get rid of excess sugar usually affecting people with Type 2 diabetes.
* Permanent damage to parts of the body- Regularly having high blood sugar levels for extended periods of time, over months or years, will result in permanent damage to parts of the body such as the nerves, eyes, kidneys, and blood vessels.
If you experience high blood sugar levels regularly, speak to your doctor. You might need to change your treatment plan or lifestyle habits to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
How Do You Prevent High Blood Sugar?
* Regular exercise to help lower blood sugar. Consult with your doctor to create a daily activity plan.
* Follow your meal plan. Learn how carbohydrates impact your blood sugar, and work with a provider to find the best meal plan for you.
* Maintain a healthy weight.
* Do not smoke.
* Limit drinking alcohol. Alcohol will raise blood sugar levels but can also cause the exact opposite and lower blood sugar levels. Consult with your provider to determine amounts that are safe to drink.