Hyperglycemia Symptoms and Treatments

Hyperglycemia simply means high levels of blood sugar. Every individual who eats develops high blood sugars but in most cases this is a transient episode. Our body immediately releases insulin which pushes the sugars into the liver where it is converted into glycogen. However, there are some individuals who are unable to release insulin or do not have insulin and the high levels of blood sugars persist. Diabetes is a disorder where blood sugars stay high.

Other causes of hyperglycemia include eating too much sugary foods or not exercising at all. People who are ill or have an infection also tend to develop high sugars but this does resolve once health is restored. Individuals who are diabetic and do not take their medications on time also tend to have high blood sugars. Sometimes the body does not make enough insulin or that the body develops a resistance to the insulin. In any case, when high levels of glucose or hyperglycemia occur the symptoms include:

Increased urination
Frequent urination at night
Increased thirst
Dry mouth
Blurry vision
Excess fatigue

In other cases when blood sugars remain high, one may even develop diabetic ketoacidosis. The body starts to make ketones from the high sugars which has a characteristic breath and can be life threatening. Anytime you suspect hyperglycemia, check the blood sugars. There are many portable machines for home use which one can use to check blood sugars. The best way to lower high sugars is to take medications as prescribed, start to exercise and avoid sugary foods.

When blood sugars drop in the body, this is known as hypoglycemia. The condition is commonly associated with diabetes and can present with confusion, lethargy, blurry vision, seizures, tremor, sweating, anxiety, hunger and fast heart beats. One can even go into a coma if the condition is not promptly treated. Hypoglycemia tends to occur if one has not eaten for long periods, taken too much insulin or diabetic medications, been drinking excessive alcohol, has a cancer of the pancreas or has a critical illness involving the liver.

The diagnosis of hypoglycemia can be made from blood tests. If the condition is ignored it can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness and even death. The initial treatment of hypoglycemia is to consume some orange juice or eat a candy. Diabetics are always encouraged to have sugar tablets on them. In severe cases one may need intravenous glucose drips. Individuals prone to repeat hypoglycemic attacks needs to have a glucose monitoring machine and a home glucagon kit. In rare cases, a tumor may be the cause of hypoglycemia and may require surgery.

Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are preventable disorders. If one is a diabetic it is important to follow the doctors instructions and have a glucose home monitor. All individuals prone to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia should consider wearing a bracelet, carry sugar pills and a glucagon kit in case of an emergency.