Hyperglycemia arises if there is excess sugar in the bloodstream. Once an individual has hyperglycemia for prolonged periods, it can damage the blood vessels, nerves and other bodily organs.
What are the causes?
- Skipping or not able to take insulin or oral glucose-lowering drugs
- Infection
- Eating the wrong foods
- Eating too much
Provide the individual with non-caffeinated or alcoholic beverages that do not contain any sugar. - Reduced activity level
- High-level of stress
Indications
It is vital to pinpoint the initial signs of hyperglycemia. If the condition is left untreated, it might progress into ketoacidosis which is an emergency condition.
The general indications include:
- Blurry vision
- Increased thirst and hunger
- Frequent urination
- Tingling sensation or numbness in the feet
Other early indications that might arise include fatigue, blood glucose level higher than 180 mg/dl, sugar in the urine, skin and vaginal infections, weight loss and slow-healing sores and wounds.
Management of hyperglycemia
If an individual show any of the initial indications of hyperglycemia, the following should be done:
- Test the blood glucose level
- Have the urine checked for the presence of ketones if diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and the blood glucose is higher than 250 mg/dl
- Provide the individual with non-caffeinated or alcoholic beverages that do not contain any sugar
- The individual should strictly follow his/her meal plan, medication regimen and exercise program.
- Consult the doctor if the blood glucose level is higher than 150 mg/dl for more than a week or if he/she had 2 consecutive readings higher than 300 mg/dl
If an individual had hyperglycemia for extended time, damage is likely to occur to the blood vessels nerves as well as other bodily organs.