How Is It Treated
If you have diabetes and notice any of the early signs of high blood sugar, test your blood sugar and call the doctor. They may ask you for the results of several readings. They could recommend the following changes:
Drink more water. Water helps remove excess sugar from your blood through urine, and it helps you avoid dehydration.
Exercise more. Working out can help lower your blood sugar. But under certain conditions, it can make blood sugar go even higher. Ask your doctor what kind of exercise is right for you.
Caution: If you have type 1 diabetes and your blood sugar is high, you need to check your urine for ketones. When you have ketones, do NOT exercise. If you have type 2 diabetes and your blood sugar is high, you must also be sure that you have no ketones in your urine and that you are well-hydrated. Then your doctor might give you the OK to exercise with caution as long as you feel up to it.
Change your eating habits. You may need to meet with a dietitian to change the amount and types of foods you eat.
Switch medications. Your doctor may change the amount, timing, or type of diabetes medications you take. Donât make changes without talking to them first.
If you have type 1 diabetes and your blood sugar is more than 250 mg/dL, your doctor may want you to test your urine or blood for ketones.
Managing Stomach Viruses The Flu And Repeated Vomiting
If you are a person with type 1 diabetes and you get a stomach virus that causes you to repeatedly vomit which means you are unable to keep food or water down you need to visit an emergency room immediately. If you have a glucagon kit, consider using it to prevent severe low blood sugar until you are being cared for in an emergency room.
Symptoms Of High Blood Sugar
Depending on the cause of your high blood sugars, the symptoms could develop quickly or gradually.
People with undiagnosed type 1 diabetes will develop nearly all of the symptoms of high blood sugar very quickly, over the course of a few weeks, because their blood sugar levels are rising rapidly while insulin production is declining rapidly.
People with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes may not notice these symptoms for months or years because gradually increasing insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction can take a long time to become severe enough to produce noticeable symptoms.
Earlier symptoms:
Visit your local emergency room immediately if you are experiencing any of these severe symptoms.
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Support Groups And Counseling For High Blood Sugar
You or family members may wish to join a support group with other people to share your experiences. The American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation are both excellent resources. Your health care provider will have information about local groups in your area. The following groups also provide support:
American Association of Diabetes Educators100 W Monroe, Suite 400Chicago, IL 60603
How To Test For Ketones
You can use a urine test strip or blood ketone meter and ketone test strip to test for ketones at home. Testing either urine or blood is important, but when possible, a blood test is preferred because it gives you and your care team more precise information about your ketone levels. Because urine may have been in the bladder for some time, the results from these tests may show levels that are either higher or lower than the ketone levels that are actually circulating in your body. It is also very important to know that urine test trips degrade over time, so if you are using this method, you need to look at expiration dates carefully.
Your diabetes care team can give you specific directions about when you should check for ketones, but in general, you should check for them when your blood glucose is 240 mg/dL or higher. You should also check for ketones if you notice any of the DKA symptoms listed above or if you are sick it is possible to have ketones while your blood glucose levels are within range .
At-home urine test strips will change color to show the level of ketones in the urine. They typically report results as negative, trace, small, moderate or large. Blood ketone meters will provide a number that indicates the ketone levels. The following ranges are generally used:
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Youre Having Often Headaches Or Youre Lightheaded
Do you have some headaches or any type of head issues/pain? Did you know that dehydration can cause headaches and that it is worth checking out beforehand, and while it is still early in the process? These migraines or headaches can only get worse in time, so heads up, literally! Do not think that caffeine or ibuprofen will sort out all of your issues and headaches in the long run.
How Does Hyperglycemia Happen
Insulin is a hormone that lets your body use the sugar in your blood, which comes primarily from carbohydrates in the food that you eat. Hyperglycemia happens when your body has too little insulin to use the sugar in your blood.
People with type 1 diabetes can have episodes of hyperglycemia every day. Although this can be frustrating, it rarely creates a medical emergency. Not taking enough insulin can lead to hyperglycemia .
Other things that can cause hyperglycemia include:
- Caffeine
- Having trouble seeing or concentrating
- Experiencing stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Having sweet-smelling or fruity breath
- Cuts or sores that do not heal, infections, and unexplained weight loss may also be signs of long-term hyperglycemia.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should check your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is very high, you should also test for ketones in either your blood or urine.
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Symptoms And Signs Of High Blood Sugar
Other symptoms and signs of high blood sugar include:
Nose spray. Some nasal sprays have chemicals that trigger the liver to make more blood sugar.
Severely elevated blood sugar levels can result in a medical emergency . This can occur in both people with type 1 and those with type 2 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes may develop diabetic ketoacidosis , and those with type 2 diabetes can develop hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome . These so-called hyperglycemia crises are serious conditions that can be life threatening if not treated immediately. Hyperglycemic crises cause about 2,400 deaths each year in the U.S.
Over time, hyperglycemia can lead to damage to organs and tissues. Long-term hyperglycemia can impair the immune response, leading to poor healing of cuts and wounds. It can also cause nerve damage, vision problems, and damage to the blood vessels and kidneys .
Symptoms Treatments And Prevention
Hyperglycemia means high glucose in the blood . Your body needs glucose to properly function. Your cells rely on glucose for energy. Hyperglycemia is a defining characteristic of diabeteswhen the blood glucose level is too high because the body isn’t properly using or doesn’t make the hormone insulin.
Eating too many processed foods may cause your blood sugar to rise.
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Continue Reading Top 16 High Blood Sugar Signs
2 # Blurred Vision:
Dont overreact and go buy a pair of glasses if you begin to have temporary blurred vision.
In most cases, its high blood sugar, which causes the lens in the eyes to swell up.
Recognize any of these signs? Think you might have diabetes? Well, keep reading till the end, because after we give you signs that mean your blood sugar is too high, well fill you in on some symptoms of diabetes you should look out for!
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3 # Difficulty Concentrating:
When the body is lacking insulin, its unable to remove glucose from the bloodstream into the cells.
This doesnt allow the body to properly function. This is why you feel tired and cant concentrate properly.
High blood sugar levels can dehydrate you because the body is trying to remove excess glucose through urination.
4 # Dry Mouth:
Because of the high glucose levels in your blood and saliva, which are caused by high blood sugar levels, your mouth becomes dry.
5 # Impotence:
This issue which only refers to men stems from problems that are caused by poor long-term blood sugar control.
This damages the nerves and the blood vessels.
Risk Factors For High Blood Sugar
Doctors do not know exactly what causes diabetes. Some factors may increase the risk, however.
Type 1 diabetes
Researchers believe certain genetic or environmental factors may make people more likely to get type 1 diabetes.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases say certain genes play a role, and other factors such as viruses and infections may have an impact.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation say that there is nothing a person can do to prevent type 1 diabetes. Eating, exercise, or other lifestyle choices will not change the outcome.
Type 1 diabetes usually begins during childhood or early adulthood, but it can happen at any age.
Type 2 diabetes
The following risk factors may make developing type 2 diabetes more likely:
- having certain genes
People who have high blood sugar should discuss their target levels with their doctor.
They may need regular testing to keep these within a healthy range. Each person is different and levels can vary between individuals.
To find out their blood sugar levels, the person may need to fast for 8 hours, 2 hours after a meal, or at both times.
Some people may also take a glucose tolerance test, in which they drink a sugary liquid and have a blood test after.
The American Diabetes Association recommend a pre-meal blood sugar level of 80130 milligrams per deciliter . Around 1 to 2 hours after the beginning of a meal, blood sugar should be less than 180 ml/dL.
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How To Prevent High Blood Sugar Levels In Diabetics
Managing your blood sugar levels is one of the most important things you can do as a diabetic. Fortunately, this is easy to do by taking your medication correctly and making some simple lifestyle changes.
Eating too many carbohydrates is one of the main culprits of high blood sugar. As well as avoiding sweets, soda, desserts and baked goods, watch out for starchy foods such as pasta, potatoes and grains. Talk to your health care provider about how many carbs you should be eating with each meal, and which foods you should avoid.
As well as paying attention to what you eat, you should also be mindful of your drinking habits. Stay well hydrated at all times, but stick with sugar-free beverages such as water or unsweetened tea. Alcohol should only be drunk in moderation.
Regular exercise is another important way to keep your blood sugar levels under control. However, you should avoid exercising if you have the signs of DKA as physical activity can make this condition worse.
Finally, check your blood glucose levels daily and keep an accurate record of your results. Be sure to get your HbA1c readings done regularly too, as these will help you to monitor your blood sugar over time.
If your blood sugar levels are consistently high, you may need to adjust your medication or dosage. Make an appointment with your physician to discuss this as soon as possible.
Diabetes Medication That Can Help You Control Your Blood Sugar
If youve been diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor will likely discuss medication options to help bring your blood sugar down. If you have prediabetes, on the other hand, youll probably rely on diet and lifestyle changes to help stabilize your numbers, though in some cases, you may need medication, Dodell says.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is treated with emergency insulin and fluids administered intravenously. But the goal with blood sugar control is to prevent this type of medical emergency from happening in the first place. If your blood glucose readings are consistently higher than usual, you may not be getting enough insulin. Talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage. You should also tell them about any other prescription or over-the-counter medication you take, as these could affect your blood sugar, too. Corticosteroids for inflammation are just one example.
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How Do You Treat Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia treatment involves medication to lower blood glucose levels. Doctors prescribe various oral medicines to accomplish this in people with . Insulin is necessary for people with and sometimes for people with type 2 diabetes.
When blood sugar levels are dangerously high, treatment in the hospital is necessary. Doctors use IV fluids, electrolytes and insulin to safely lower blood glucose to a normal range.
High Blood Sugar Facts
- Low high blood sugar is abnormally high blood levels of insulin in the blood. Hyperglycemia is a hallmark sign of diabetes and prediabetes, and diabetes is the most common cause of it. Severely elevated glucose levels can result in a medical emergency like diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome .
- The primary symptom of hyperglycemia is excessive amounts of sugar in the urine. Other symptoms and signs of high blood sugar levels in the blood are blurred vision, hunger , and headaches.
- Other conditions that can cause high blood sugar are pancreatitis, Cushing’s syndrome, unusual hormone-secreting tumors, pancreatic cancer, certain medications, and severe illnesses.
- Insulin is the treatment for people with type 1 diabetes, and life-threatening increases in glucose levels. People with type 2 diabetes may be managed with a combination of different oral and injectable medications. Hyperglycemia due to medical conditions other than diabetes is generally treated by treating the underlying condition responsible for the elevated glucose.
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Signs That May Indicate You Are At Risk For Diabetes
**This article is a repost of an earlier written article. We are reposting because we believe the information is valuable and pertinent to many.**
According to the CDC, over 9% of Americans are living with diabetes. This illness is becoming increasingly common, with 1.5 million Americans being diagnosed with diabetes every year.
There are some serious complications that can come with having high blood sugar such as heart failure and stroke. However, diabetes can be managed with prescription medication, diet, and exercise to help you live a normal, healthy life.
How To Lower High Blood Sugar
With careful monitoring and control of your blood sugar levels, you can live a healthy life. There are a number of ways you can lower and prevent high blood sugar.
Learn to count carbohydrates: When you count carbs or keep track of what you are eating, you can control your blood sugar more efficiently. Set a maximum amount you can have each day for your meal,s and keep track to make sure you do not go past the limit. This helps to stabilize blood sugar and prevent dangerous spikes. Portion control is important too, so make sure your meals are not too large, as these can cause temporary spikes.
Try meal planning: To help keep track of your carbohydrate intake, start planning your meals. Based on the amount of carbohydrates you can have, plan meals accordingly, so you do not risk going above the set limit. When your meals are planned, you also avoid eating out or getting convenience food, which contains more sugar and fat, and will negatively affect your blood sugar.
Start a weight loss program: Obesity contributes to diabetes and impairs your bodys ability to process energy efficiently. Losing weight helps your body to use insulin more efficiently, and it reduces fat storage, which can trigger inflammation in the body.
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Youre Feeling Tingles In Your Hands Or Feet
Last, but not least, you might be feeling unusual tingles through your entire body, but mostly in your feet or arms. This is because high blood sugar can have an impact on your nerve system. Watch out for this sign, since it is an indicator of diabetes II.
How does the diagnosis look like?
If all of this sounds scary to you, just know that the actual diagnosis is not so scary, and that the process is not painful. Aside from some at-home kits that weve talked about earlier, you can also try out a couple of other methods, such as:
- Option 2: A random blood sugar test
- Option 3: The oral glucose tolerance test.
All three of these are easy to do, and will not take more than 24 hours to do and for you to get proper reading, and a feedback from your doctor.
All of these tests are actually quite easy to follow, do, and understand. So, are you ready to get yourself checked, and are you ready to take care of your body? Make sure that you are responsible, and always pay close attention to your body, its needs, as well as any new changes. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so think quick, and be efficient and effective!
Why Is High Blood Sugar So Dangerous
We know that hyperglycemia can cause cardiovascular problems and many others, but have you ever wondered why? Studies point to inflammation and other mechanisms of action mentioned above, but we also need to address glycation.
Glycation is defined as a natural process wherein the sugar in a persons bloodstream attaches to proteins and forms harmful new molecules named advanced glycation end products.
Besides proteins, glycation can involve lipids too. What is going on here? You see, the production of advanced glycation end products due to increased glycation are engulfed by macrophages and taken to the arterial wall where they contribute to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Higher glycation occurs with elevated blood sugar concentration, which can explain why hyperglycemia can cause problems such as heart attack and stroke. At the same time, glycated particles such as LDL or bad type of cholesterol are more susceptible to oxidation. As a result, oxidized LDL induces the atherosclerosis process.
What makes excess glycation so harmful? Well, glycated particles arent able to perform their functions adequately anymore. This also leads to apoptosis or cell death eventually.
Evidence shows that hyperglycemia increases intestinal lipoproteins and reduces HDL, which could be a consequence of hyperglycemia-induced glycation of lipoproteins, which decreases the uptake of lipoproteins due to classical LDL receptor.
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