Diabetes and Hyperglycaemia
Hyperglycaemia occurs when a diabetic has too much sugar in their bloodstream. Hyperglycaemia usually occurs when diabetes is not being strictly controlled, although it can happen to almost any diabetic.
How does hyperglycaemia occur?
Hyperglycaemia occurs when the cells in the pancreas have either been destroyed or are not functioning properly. Insulin therefore does not do its job of helping glucose to move about the bloodstream and into the cells of the body. Unlike hypoglycaemia, where blood sugar gets too low, hyperglycaemia is when blood sugar levels get too high.
How is hyperglycaemia caused?
Hyperglycaemia is usually caused by diabetics missing one or more doses of insulin, or taking too little insulin. Other risk include missing oral diabetes tablets. Sometimes, diabetics can be using an incorrect insulin injection technique and cause hyperglycaemia.
Eating too much, particularly carbohydrates, can also cause a rise in blood sugar levels. Failure to exercise also reduces the functioning of insulin. Being mentally or emotionally stressed can increase the release of glucose into the bloodstream. Being physically stressed (injury, surgery, infections etc.) can cause extra glucose to be made by the body.
What are the symptoms of hyperglycaemia?
High blood sugar levels can increased urination and thirst. Diabetics with hyperglycaemia commonly report feeling tired.
Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) symptoms include:
- Regular and above-average urination
- Weakness or feeling tired
- Loss of weight
- Increased thirst
- Vision blurring
Is hyperglycaemia serious?
Hyperglycaemia can happen quickly, and lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is extremely serious, learn more here. For type 2 diabetics,. Hyperglycaemia usually develops more slowly, but can still lead to dehydration and, eventually, coma.
How to avoid and deal with hyperglycaemia?
Diabetics usually have to test their own blood sugar levels, and if they find indications of hyperglycaemia it can usually be treated with either oral diabetic medications or insulin. If blood glucose levels don’t respond to insulin or medication, diabetics are advised to contact their GP immediately.
