Hyperglycemia Explained: What to Do When Your Blood Sugar is Too High

Hyperglycemia, often referred to as high blood sugar, is a common concern for people with diabetes. Understanding what causes it, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing how to effectively manage it are crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing serious complications. This article will break down everything you need to know about hyperglycemia, including practical steps you can take to bring your blood sugar back to a healthy range. Top 7 Breakfast Ideas To Prevent Mid Morning Blood Sugar Spikes

What is Hyperglycemia?

Simply put, hyperglycemia occurs when there's too much glucose in your blood. Glucose is your body's primary source of energy, and it comes from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose enter your cells to be used for energy.

When you have diabetes (either type 1 or type 2), or other conditions affecting insulin production or sensitivity, glucose can't enter your cells as efficiently. This leads to a buildup of glucose in your bloodstream, resulting in hyperglycemia. Understanding the nuances of blood sugar levels is crucial for diabetes management.

Causes of High Blood Sugar

Several factors can contribute to high blood sugar levels. Identifying these causes is the first step in preventing future episodes. Here are some common culprits: What Is The A1C Test A Simple Guide To Understanding Your Hba1C Results

• Missed or Insufficient Insulin or Oral Diabetes Medications: If you take insulin or oral medications to manage your diabetes, missing a dose or not taking enough can lead to hyperglycemia. Always adhere to your prescribed medication schedule.
• Dietary Indiscretions: Consuming meals high in carbohydrates or sugary drinks can quickly raise your blood sugar levels. Pay close attention to portion sizes and carbohydrate content.
• Inactivity: Physical activity helps your body use glucose for energy. Lack of exercise can result in higher blood sugar levels. Aim for regular physical activity, even if it's just a short walk.
• Illness or Infection: When you're sick, your body releases hormones to fight the illness, which can also increase blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar more frequently when you're not feeling well.
• Stress: Similar to illness, stress can trigger the release of hormones that raise blood sugar. Practice stress-management techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can concentrate glucose in your blood, leading to higher readings. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Certain Medications: Some medications, like corticosteroids, can increase blood sugar levels as a side effect. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
• Dawn Phenomenon: For some, blood sugar levels rise in the early morning hours due to hormonal changes. This is a common phenomenon, especially in people with type 1 diabetes.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

Recognizing the symptoms of hyperglycemia is key to taking prompt action. The symptoms can vary in severity depending on how high your blood sugar is and how long it has been elevated. Common symptoms include:

• Frequent Urination: The body tries to get rid of excess glucose through urine, leading to increased trips to the bathroom.
• Increased Thirst: Due to fluid loss from frequent urination, you may experience intense thirst.
• Blurred Vision: High blood sugar can affect the lens of the eye, causing temporary blurred vision.
• Fatigue: Cells not getting enough glucose for energy can leave you feeling tired and weak.
• Headache: High blood sugar can sometimes cause headaches.
• Dry Mouth: Dehydration from increased urination can lead to a dry mouth.
• Slow-Healing Cuts or Sores: Elevated blood sugar can impair the body's ability to heal.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: In severe cases, the body may start breaking down muscle and fat for energy, leading to weight loss.
• Increased Hunger: Despite eating, your body may not be able to use glucose effectively, resulting in increased hunger.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to check your blood sugar levels promptly.

How to Check Your Blood Sugar

Monitoring your blood sugar is essential for managing diabetes. Here’s how to do it correctly:

1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need a glucose meter, test strips specific to your meter, a lancing device, and alcohol swabs.
2. Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to ensure accurate results.
3. Prepare the Lancing Device: Insert a new lancet into the lancing device. Adjust the depth setting according to your skin thickness.
4. Clean Your Finger: Swab the side of your fingertip with an alcohol swab and let it dry completely.
5. Puncture Your Finger: Use the lancing device to prick your finger.
6. Apply Blood to the Test Strip: Gently squeeze your finger to obtain a small drop of blood and apply it to the test strip.
7. Insert the Test Strip into the Meter: Insert the test strip into your glucose meter.
8. Read Your Blood Sugar Level: The meter will display your blood sugar level in a few seconds.
9. Record Your Results: Keep a log of your blood sugar readings to track patterns and share with your healthcare provider.

What to Do When Your Blood Sugar is High

If your blood sugar is high, don't panic. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do:

1. Check Your Blood Sugar Again: Verify the reading to ensure it's accurate.
2. Administer Insulin (If Prescribed): If you take insulin, administer a correction dose as instructed by your doctor. Make sure you know how much insulin to take for a given blood sugar reading.
3. Drink Water: Hydrate yourself with plenty of water to help flush out excess glucose.
4. Exercise (If Appropriate): If your blood sugar is only moderately high and you feel well enough, engage in light exercise, such as a walk. However, avoid exercise if your blood sugar is very high (above 250 mg/dL) or if you have ketones in your urine.
5. Monitor Your Blood Sugar Regularly: Check your blood sugar every few hours to see if it’s coming down.
6. Adjust Your Diet: Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Stick to complex carbohydrates and protein.
7. Contact Your Doctor: If your blood sugar remains high despite your efforts, or if you experience symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity-smelling breath), seek medical attention immediately.

Preventing Hyperglycemia: Long-Term Strategies

Prevention is key to avoiding hyperglycemia and maintaining good health. Here are some long-term strategies: What A Sudden Drop In Blood Sugar Feels Like And What To Do Immediately

• Follow Your Diabetes Management Plan: Work closely with your doctor or diabetes educator to develop a comprehensive management plan that includes diet, exercise, and medication.
• Monitor Your Blood Sugar Regularly: Consistent blood sugar monitoring helps you understand how different factors affect your levels.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit sugary foods and drinks.
• Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing weight if you're overweight or obese can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
• Manage Stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
• Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Lack of sleep can affect blood sugar levels.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• Attend Regular Checkups: See your doctor regularly for checkups and discuss any concerns you have about your diabetes management.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While you can often manage hyperglycemia at home, there are times when it’s important to seek medical attention. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Severe Hyperglycemia: Blood sugar levels consistently above 300 mg/dL.
• Symptoms of DKA: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity-smelling breath, rapid breathing, confusion.
• Signs of Severe Dehydration: Dizziness, lightheadedness, decreased urination.
• Loss of Consciousness:
• Seizures:

These symptoms could indicate a serious complication requiring immediate medical treatment.

Complications of Untreated Hyperglycemia

Left untreated, chronic hyperglycemia can lead to a range of serious complications affecting various parts of the body. These complications can significantly impact your quality of life and overall health. Some of the most common complications include:

• Cardiovascular Disease: High blood sugar damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
• Neuropathy (Nerve Damage): High blood sugar can damage nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet. It can also affect other organs, leading to digestive problems, urinary issues, and sexual dysfunction.
• Nephropathy (Kidney Damage): High blood sugar can damage the kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure.
• Retinopathy (Eye Damage): High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss and blindness.
• Foot Problems: Nerve damage and poor circulation increase the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and amputations.
• Skin Conditions: People with diabetes are more prone to skin infections, such as bacterial and fungal infections.
• Gastroparesis: Damage to the nerves that control the stomach can slow down digestion, leading to nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
• Cognitive Impairment: Studies have linked chronic hyperglycemia to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Blood Sugar Level Chart (HTML Table)

Understanding target blood sugar ranges is an important part of diabetes management. The following table provides general guidelines for blood sugar levels. However, your personal target range may vary depending on your individual needs and your doctor's recommendations.

Category	Target Range (mg/dL)
Before Meals (Fasting)	80-130
2 Hours After Meals	Less than 180
HbA1c (Average over 2-3 months)	Less than 7% (as recommended by the American Diabetes Association)

Note: These are general guidelines, and your target blood sugar ranges may vary. Always follow your doctor's specific recommendations. Factors such as age, overall health, and pregnancy can influence target ranges.

Conclusion

Hyperglycemia is a serious condition that requires careful management. By understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and taking proactive steps to manage your blood sugar, you can prevent serious complications and maintain a healthy life. Regular blood sugar monitoring, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and close collaboration with your healthcare team are all essential components of effective diabetes management. Remember to contact your doctor if you have any concerns or experience persistent high blood sugar levels. Taking control of your blood sugar is key to long-term health and well-being.

By Sanjeev Nanda, M.D.