Do you know the Signs of
High Blood Sugar? An important part of managing diabetes is recognising
when your blood glucose (sugar) becomes too high and knowing what to do about
it. In this article we will talk about what is too high a blood glucose level,
how this can happen, help you recognise the key symptoms of high blood glucose
and give some advice on what action you can take if it happens.
So what is too high a blood glucose? When blood glucose is higher
then 180 mg/dl (in US units) or 10mmol/L (in UK units) measured two hours after
food, then the blood glucose is too high. The technical term for this is hyperglycemia.
How is Hyperglycemia caused? Hyperglycemia is
often a result of when food, activity and medications are not balanced. Some of
the common reasons why this balance can be altered are: · Too
much food or the wrong type food · Not enough medication ·
Not enough insulin · Poor injection technique · Overuse
of injection sites · Infections or illness · Stress
· Increase in weight A common cause of hyperglycemia in diabetics
is missing dose of insulin or not taking enough. This is also the case with diabetic
oral medication. Eating too much can cause a rise in blood sugar levels.
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
In the early stages, there are likely to be
no symptoms at all and even when symptoms do arise they may come on so slowly
that they are not noticed. You may get some of following symptoms:
· More hunger or thirst then usual · Excessive urination
· Tiredness and lethargy · Frequent infections ·
Blurred vision If untreated, high blood glucose may result in diabetic
ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious condition due to a lack of insulin.
This causes the body to try to find energy from other sources as it cannot use
the glucose in the blood. Ketones and acid form as a result. The condition
is characterised by vomiting, drowsiness, smell of acetone (like pear drops) on
the breath and can result in coma. Monitoring
your blood glucose regularly may help you identify when your blood glucose
has become too high and recognising the warning signs will help highlight to you
that action needs to be taken. Use a glucose meter that keeps a record
of your readings such as the One
Touch Ultra Mini.
What to do if you experience Hyperglycemia Hyperglycemia can usually
be treated with either oral diabetic medications or insulin. If blood glucose
levels dont respond to insulin or medication, diabetics are advised to contact
their GP immediately. Remember: · Consult your doctor
· Continue with your diabetes treatment · Consume plenty of
fluids · Test your blood glucose levels every 2-4 hrs ·
Adjust your meal plan · Adjust your medication or insulin (only if
instructed by doctor to do so) As with many things in life, prevention
is better then cure. Be aware of the causes of hyperglycemia and do what you can
to prevent them.
Now you've read our article on high blood sugar we
would recommend you read our article on low
blood sugar. There is plenty of useful knowledge in the article. To
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