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Hyperglycemia is a condition that develops in diabetics when their blood sugar levels rise above normal. This is easy to treat, but must be remedied quickly as it can become serious if left untreated.

CAUSES OF HYPERGLYCEMIA

Hyperglycemia occurs when diabetics eat too much, do not take enough insulin, get to little exercise, suffer from infection, illness, dehydration or emotional stress or are recovering from surgery. It can also occur as a side effect of medication, such as prednisone or antibiotics, or from using expired medication (efficacy tends

to decrease after the expiration date).

SYMPTOMS OF HYPERGLYCEMIA

The onset of high blood sugar is usually slow. The time it takes to come on depends on the person and the cause. If the cause is eating too much, the blood sugar will be higher in a few hours. If the cause is infection or illness, it will usually take several hours to days before the blood sugars are high.

Symptoms include a dry mouth, thirst, frequent urination, urination during the night, blurry vision, fatigue or drowsiness, weight loss and increased appetite.

If the hyperglycemia becomes severe, the symptoms which may develop in addition include difficulty breathing, dizziness on standing up, rapid weight loss, increased drowsiness and/or confusion, unconsciousness and coma.

TREATMENT OF HYPERGLYCEMIA

If your blood sugars are above your target range, test four times a day before meals and at bedtime. You may also need to test your urine for ketones.

Following your diet plan is very important. If you have not been following your diet, try to get back on it. Check your blood sugars to find out if being back on your diet plan brings your blood sugars down. If your blood sugars stay high even when you follow your diet plan, call your doctor or nurse.

If symptoms of high blood sugar occur or your blood sugars stay high for two or three days, call your doctor or nurse. High blood sugars may be a sign that you have an infection or illness that needs to be treated. High blood sugars may be a sign that you need a change in the way your diabetes is treated.

If blood sugars get very high or if you have moderate or large amounts of ketones in your urine, you may need to be admitted to the hospital. High blood sugars can cause loss of body fluids. You may need to have fluids and body salts by vein to replace those you have lost. If you have an infection or illness, it may need to be treated in the hospital too. During an illness, you may need to take insulin or the dose you are on may need to be increased.

WHEN TO CALL A DOCTOR

1. If you have symptoms of high blood sugar or your blood sugars stay high for two to three days.

2. If you have moderate or large ketones in your urine.

PREVENTING HYPERGLYCEMIA

1. Follow your diet plan. If you think that your diet plan is not right for you, call your doctor or your dietitian.

2. Check your blood sugars as directed by your doctor or nurse. If you are ill, you will need to check your blood sugar at least four times a day.

3. If you have symptoms of high blood sugar or your blood sugars stay high for two to three days, call your doctor or nurse. If you have moderate or large ketones in your urine, call your doctor or nurse.

4. If you are on an oral agent or insulin, be sure to take the doses your doctor has told you to take.

5. Follow sick day guidelines when you have a brief illness (24 hours or less).

6. Get regular exercise.

7. Stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee, as these can cause dehydration.

Learn more about this author, Ruth Moran.
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