Diabetes FAQ » Diabetes Articles » Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) and diabetes mellitus usually go “hand in hand.” Persistent hyperglycemia will lead to diabetes since the uncontrolled high sugar levels remain in the bloodstream and continue damaging the body. The symptoms of hyperglycemia are much the same as in diabetes mellitus. Such symptoms are exhibited in headaches, blurred vision, fatigue, and with a blood sugar glucose testing of over 180 mg/dl (milligrams/deciliter). Then there are three other symptoms (known as the hyperglycemic triad) that are usually associated with chronic hyperglycemia: polyphagia (frequent, excessive hunger); polydipsia (excessive thirst); and polyuria (frequent, excessive urination). The following are also symptoms of both: poor healing of wounds; dry mouth; dry, itchy skin; and deep, rapid breathing. Some effects of prolonged hyperglycemia on a diabetic are skin infections, vaginal infections, erectile dysfunction (or any sexual problems for both men and women), stomach pain, and chronic diarrhea or constipation.

In hyperglycemia, the body attempts to reduce the high blood glucose levels by drawing water out of the cells and into the bloodstream, trying to dilute the sugar and expel it in the urine. Therefore, people who have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes will always be thirsty, drink as much water as they can, and frequently urinate as their bodies attempt to excrete the extra glucose. In doing this, the body has created high levels of glucose in the urine. Even with this excess amount of glucose being eliminated, the body cells are still depleted and send out signals for the body to consume more food, resulting in the individual growing extremely hungry. In order for the starved cells to receive their necessary energy, the body will convert proteins and fats to glucose.

Because of this conversion, the breakdown of proteins and fats for energy results in ketones (acid compounds) forming in the blood. If continued unchecked, the ketones will increase and begin to build up in the blood, causing a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis. This condition will result in such symptoms as severe dehydration, increased confusion, fruity breath, increased sadness and excessive anxiety, and impaired reason. Furthermore, if left untreated, ketoacidosis can be fatal, leading to coma and ultimately, death. For this reason, the primary care provider will order an urinalysis as a routine part of the diabetic patient’s examination.

Moreover, hyperglycemia can afflict the pregnant woman; and in this instance, the condition is known as gestational diabetes. Approximately 4 percent (about 135,000) of all pregnant women are affected by high blood glucose levels. The exact reasons for gestational diabetes are unknown; however, there are some indications that it derives from the placenta hormones which help in the development of the fetus. These same hormones will block the effectiveness of the insulin in the pregnant woman’s body, thus causing insulin resistance in the cells.

Hyperglycemia, if temporary, can be somewhat harmless and without symptoms. Blood glucose levels can rise without causing any lasting effects if these incidents are not often. However, if the hyperglycemia is above normal levels for long durations of time, some serious complications can develop. Some of these complications will include kidney damage, nerve damage, loss of vision, and cardiovascular damage. Diabetes mellitus has the same complications; and this is to be expected, since the mellitus often causes the chronic hyperglycemia. The best proactive measures to prevent the consequences of hyperglycemia are to adhere closely to the prescribed diabetic treatment and to make a definite practice of diabetes management.

Related Articles

• Blood Glucose
• Tips for Diabetics Concerning H1N1
• Tips Concerning Alzheimer’s Disease for Diabetics and their Caregivers
• What is gestational diabetes and how does it affect mother and child?
• Symptoms of Blood Sugars
• To the best of my knowledge I don’t have sugar diabetes, but I am thirsty all the time and I find that I am urinating a lot, do I just have a bladder infection or is it something else?
• Diabetes Pregnancy