This article will define hyperglycemia, and review its symptoms and complications. Tips on treatment and prevention are also discussed.
What Is Hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia is elevated (hyper) blood sugar (glycemia). Cells throughout your body need sugar for energy. But when levels of glucose in the blood are high, it can cause health problems like heart disease and damage to the nerves, eyes, and kidneys.
In the United States, almost 1 in 10 people have diabetes, with the majority having type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can take years to develop. Since it may not cause any symptoms in the early stages, many people are unaware of having the condition.
Symptoms
Mildly elevated blood sugar levels may not cause any symptoms. However with higher levels, symptoms can include the following:
Increased thirstIncreased urinationFatigueBlurred vision
If blood sugar becomes very elevated, two dangerous conditions can develop: hyperglycemia hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Signs of these potentially life-threatening conditions include the following:
Sweet-smelling breathNauseaVomitingAbdominal painRapid breathing or shortness of breathConfusion or coma
Risk Factors
There are many factors that can influence the development of diabetes and hyperglycemia, including:
Family history of type 2 diabetes Sedentary lifestyle Metabolic syndrome (abnormal cholesterol, abdominal fat, elevated blood pressure) History of diabetes in pregnancy (known as gestational diabetes)
Complications
Elevated blood sugar can damage organs throughout the body and increases the risk of the following:
Heart disease Stroke Kidney disease Eye damage, including diabetic retinopathy (damage to blood vessels in the eyes), glaucoma (peripheral vision loss), cataracts (blurry vision), and macular degeneration (vision loss) Nerve damage (neuropathy) Increased risk of infection Poor wound healing
Treatment
Treating high blood sugar in type 2 diabetes requires a combination of lifestyle, diet, and medication. Lowering blood sugar can decrease the risk of complications. Some people are even able to put diabetes into remission and come off blood sugar–lowering medication with these steps.
Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle can help lower blood sugar and control type 2 diabetes. This can include the following;
Weight loss if categorized as being overweight or having obesity Regular physical activity Staying hydrated Getting a good night’s sleep Managing stress Quitting smoking
Diet
Diet is a major contributor to blood sugar control, and fortunately, it’s something we have a great deal of control over to help get blood sugar under control.
For people with diabetes, eating meals with low glycemic load (low ability to raise blood sugar) can help prevent hyperglycemia. People with diabetes should consider the following when planning meals:
Reduce total carbohydrate intake. Avoid simple carbohydrates like pastries and white bread. Choose whole grains such as brown rice instead of white rice, whole wheat instead of white bread or pasta. Avoid sweet drinks like sodas and juices. Increase fiber intake. Decrease portion size.
Medication
If you have type 2 diabetes, your healthcare provider will recommend blood sugar–lowering medication to help get hyperglycemia under control. There are many different types of oral medications to lower blood sugar. Your healthcare provider will work with you to find a medication that you tolerate and is effective for you. It’s essential to adhere to the medication plan laid out by your healthcare provider and avoid missing doses.
If oral medications and dietary and lifestyle changes are not enough to bring blood sugar down, your healthcare provider may recommend injectable medications or insulin. If you are prescribed insulin, checking your blood sugar at home will be important.
In addition to the blood sugar–lowering medication, your healthcare provider may recommend other drugs to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and lower cardiovascular disease risk.
Prevention
You can think of blood sugar as a range form normal to prediabetes to diabetes. It can take years for diabetes to develop, but in the meantime with screening, you can uncover prediabetes and initiate changes to decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Lifestyle and dietary changes can also be implemented to prevent a diagnosis of diabetes. Additionally, when prediabetes is diagnosed and you are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, your healthcare provider may prescribe a medication called Glucophage (metformin).
Summary
Hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, is a part of type 2 diabetes that can result in complications affecting various organs and increased risk of heart disease. While you may not be able to control all risk factors for type 2 diabetes, you can help prevent it through a healthy lifestyle and diet. Treatment of diabetes involves the same steps as prevention, in addition to medication to lower blood sugar to prevent complications.
A Word From Verywell
A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can be overwhelming. Know that when it comes to controlling blood sugar, things are not entirely out of your control. You can help lower your blood sugar through a healthy lifestyle, a diabetes-friendly diet, and committing to an exercise regimen.
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