Diabetes and Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia occurs when people with diabetes have too much sugar in their bloodstream.
Hyperglycemia should not be confused with hypoglycemia, which is when blood sugar levels go too low. You should aim to avoid spending long periods of time with high blood glucose levels.
What is Hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia, the term for expressing high blood sugar, has been defined by the World Health Organisation as:
- Blood glucose levels greater than 7.0 mmol/L
(126 mg/dl) when fasting
- Blood glucose levels greater 11.0 mmol/L
(200 mg/dl) 2 hours after meals
Although blood sugar levels exceeding 7 mmol/L for extended periods of time can start to cause damage to internal organs, symptoms may not develop until blood glucose levels exceed 11 mmol/L.
What causes hyperglycemia?
The underlying cause of hyperglycemia will usually be from loss of insulin producing cells in the pancreas or if the body develops resistance to insulin.
More immediate reasons for hyperglycemia include:
- Missing a dose of diabetic medication, tablets or insulin
- Eating more carbohydrates than your body and/or medication can manage
- Being mentally or emotionally stressed (injury, surgery or anxiety)
- Contracting an infection
What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia?
The main 3 symptoms of high blood sugar levels are increased urination, increased thirst and increased hunger.
High blood sugar levels can also contribute to the following symptoms:
- Regular/above-average urination
- Weakness or feeling tired
- Loss of weight
- Increased thirst
- Vision blurring
Hyperglycemia is the name given for high blood glucose levels. Diabetes UK lists a value of over 8 mmol/L, taken at least 2 hours after the last meal, as being higher than normal. The Mayo Clinic notes that the signs of high blood sugar may not appear until blood sugar level's rise above 11 mmol/L.
Signs that your blood sugar is high can include feeling thirsty, needing to urinate often, feeling tired and lethargic, feeling hungry despite having eaten recently and not being able to think as clearly as usual.
If blood glucose levels rise without being adequately treated, the following symptoms may develop: fruity smelling breath - if ketone levels rise as well, nausea or even. coma. There are a range of factors that can bring on high blood sugar levels.
The American Diabetes Association list the following reasons:
- Insufficient diabetes medication to cope with carbohydrate intake
- Not taking part in exercise that had been planned
- Suffering from illness or an infection
- Going through stress
Non-strenuous activity, such as walking, can help to decrease blood sugar levels. People taking insulin may need to increase their insulin dosage. Adjustments to insulin should only be done with your health team’s approval. If you are unsure, contact them first.
If you frequently get high blood sugar levels, arrange to discuss with your doctor how to manage your blood glucose.
Is hyperglycemia serious?
Hyperglycemia can be serious if:
- Blood glucose levels stay high for extended periods of time - this can lead to the development of long term complications
- Blood glucose levels rise dangerously high - this can lead to short term complications
In the short term
Short term complications of very high blood sugar levels include ketoacidsosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome.
In the longer term
Ketoacidosis is extremely serious. Ketoacidosis mainly affects people with type 1 diabetes and can be a problem if insulin doses are missed or during periods of illness.
In type 2 diabetics, hyperglycemia will usually develop more slowly, but if blood glucose levels continue to rise, it can lead to a dangerous state known as hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome.
How to avoid and deal with hyperglycemia?
Testing blood sugar levels will help in managing hyperglycemia. People who take insulin may be able to take additional insulin. However, only take additional insulin if your doctor is happy for you to do so, as miscalculations could lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Diabetes UK advise people with type 1 diabetes to test for ketones if blood glucose levels rise above 15 mmol/l or the signs of ketoacidosis appear. Contact your health team if high levels of ketones are present.
If blood glucose levels remain high for long periods of time, contact your health team for advice.