Hyperglycemia simply means high blood sugar. This is a condition that is so common in people suffering from diabetes. There are quite a number of factors that can contribute to this condition in different people. For instance, the food you take, your physical activities, and others might play a factor in the severity of the condition.
As said already, hyperglycemia affects quite a good number of people. However, the bad thing is that if this condition is left untreated then it might lead to some serious complications. Once you begin to see increased and enhanced hyperglycemia symptoms then know that the worst is on its way.
In some cases, the condition can become so severe in people warranting emergency medical care. For instance, if you do not treat this condition then it might lead you to a diabetic coma. That is just one bit to it. In the long-term persistent hyperglycemia might lead to other problems like having issues with your eyes, kidney, and even your heart.
This is exactly why it is essential to treat this condition when it appears. Failing to do so might lead you to some problems, in the end, not so good. There being a treatment for hyperglycemia, it is essential for you to seek treatment immediately you see symptoms of hyperglycemia.
The symptoms of hyperglycemia
One bad thing is that the signs of hyperglycemia are not so easy to see in the initial stages of the condition. In fact, you can only see these conditions once the glucose values go high significantly. In many cases, you can only see these signs once your glucose values are to the levels of above 180 to 200 milligrams per deciliter.
The symptoms of hyperglycemia might develop slowly over time becoming more pronounced in the end. Should the blood sugar levels go and remain high then chances are you might begin to see some pronounced symptoms of hyperglycemia. However, if you have had hyperglycemia for many years then you might not be able to see any symptoms of the same.
In fact, people with this condition never see any signs of hyperglycemia despite elevated blood sugar levels. However, this does not mean lack of symptoms signifies the absence of this condition, that is not the case. Whether there are symptoms or not, you will never be completely free of hyperglycemia unless and until you are declared so.
That said, there are some common signs that when seen then they could speak to the presence of hyperglycemia. Once you see these signs then better look for a doctor right away. Remember, treating this condition on time is very key and critical, and useful in the fight against this condition. Some of the signs of hyperglycemia include the following:
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Increased thirst
There could be some later signs of hyperglycemia
hyperglycemia comes at various stages which also come with various signs as well. For instance, if you have hyperglycemia that goes untreated it could become so worse. At such a point, you might be at a very high risk of suffering the severity of these conditions. Some of the later signs of hyperglycemia the following:
- Coma
- Fruity smelling breath
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Dry mouth
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
When is the right time to see a doctor when suffering from a hyperglycemia condition?
The truth of the matter is that a hyperglycemia condition is something that can easily be managed. With proper medication, you might be able to keep this condition down and well-controlled. However, there are some cases where it might become essential for you to move ahead and see a doctor.
For instance, if you are so sick but still cannot keep any foods and drinks down then you might need to see a doctor. The other case could be if your blood glucose levels are always way above 240mg/dl and also has ketones in your urine.
Also, if you are experiencing vomiting with diarrhea but still you are able to take some foods and drinks then see a doctor. A lot of fever which lasts more than 24 hours is also another one of the signs that perhaps you need to see a doctor.
The causes of hyperglycemia
Before looking into the whole concept of hyperglycemia, you need to understand how it comes about. Normally during the digestion process, the body breaks carbohydrates from foods which include bread and even rice. The carbohydrates are broken down into sugar molecules. One of these sugar molecules is very essential in providing your body with energy.
From here, this glucose is directly absorbed into the bloodstream and can also enter your tissues without the help of insulin. In the event that the blood sugar goes, it triggers the pancreas to release insulin. The role of insulin is to unlock your cells to allow glucose to enter and provide the required fuel for your cells to function in the right way.
Any extra glucose coming from this process is stored in your muscles as well as liver in glycogen form. This process is so essential as it helps to lower the glucose amount levels in your bloodstream preventing it from reaching any high dangerous levels. When the blood sugar goes back to its normal levels so does the release of the insulin levels.
In case you are diabetic then it means you have reduced insulin levels in your body. This in turn causes your body to produce lower levels of insulin which might cause an imbalance between the sugar and insulin levels. In such an event then you might find yourself suffering from hyperglycemia.
Conclusion
Hyperglycemia is a common condition in many people these days. The condition has become even more prevalent now given the issue of lifestyle among many others. In case you are diagnosed with this condition make sure you seek treatment well on time. Doing so will enable you to prevent the disease from hurting you even further.
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