Diabetic hyperglycemia is commonly associated with both types of diabetes, but what does it mean? The American Diabetes Association defines diabetic hyperglycemia as the technical term for high blood glucose. This occurs when the body does not have enough insulin or when pancreas malfunction stops the body from using insulin properly. The normal target range for blood glucose levels during a random check should be in the low to mid 100s. If a person’s blood glucose reads 200 mg/dl or higher, a diabetes diagnosis is likely to be the result. When spikes in blood glucose (or diabetic hyperglycemia) happen, the results can be devastating, even leading to death. In fact, diabetic hyperglycemia is the leading cause of complications associated with the disease. These can include eye and skin complications as well as problems with the legs and feet. Heart disease and high blood pressure are also risk factors associated with diabetic hyperglycemia. Hearing loss may also occur, as well as kidney problems, nerve damage, gum disease, gastroparesis, stroke and more. Diabetic hyperglycemia happens every once in a while to everyone who has the disease, but it can be lowered by taking the appropriate steps that are discussed later in this article.
Diabetic hyperglycemia is commonly confused with “hypoglycemia,” but there is a major difference between the two terms. Hypoglycemia describes the state of the body when blood glucose levels get too low. This can result in a state of confusion, dizziness and even fainting. Although diabetic hyperglycemia is different from hypoglycemia, both can pose a serious health threat and should be treated appropriately. Keeping blood glucose levels in the target range is the key to avoiding both.
Diabetic Hyperglycemia Symptoms and treatment
Because all diabetics will face diabetic hyperglycemia at some point in their lives, it is important to be able to identify and manage the symptoms. Diabetic hyperglycemia symptoms include high levels of sugar in the urine, the frequent urge to urinate, a feeling of unquenchable thirst and of course, a high blood glucose reading. Diabetic hyperglycemia symptoms are likely to present themselves when insulin levels are off. This varies depending on what type of diabetes a person has. With type 1 diabetes, hyperglycemia can happen when a person does not give themselves enough of the essential hormone insulin. In type 2 diabetes, a person may have an adequate amount of insulin that is not being effective in the body. Stress that results from an illness (such as a cold) can also trigger diabetic hyperglycemia symptoms. Having high stress levels in one’s life can also be a cause.
When a person experiences diabetic hyperglycemia, they must bring their blood glucose back into a healthy range. This can normally be achieved by exercising. Before a person who is experiencing diabetic hyperglycemia begins to work out, however, it is important that they check their urine for ketones. If ketones are present, exercise should not take places because they can cause a person’s blood sugar to rise even more. Ultimately, a healthcare provider is the best person to consult for the best and safest ways to bring down blood glucose levels because it can vary from patient to patient.
