Hyperglycemia - Control & Treatment in Type 2 Diabetes

If you have Type 2 Diabetes you could be at risk of hyperglycemia, or high levels of glucose in the blood, a serious condition for diabetics. There are many symptoms & risk factors that diabetics should be aware of so that proper control and treatment, if necessary, can be done.

Symptoms

Signs will vary from person to person but can include:

Increased thirst (which can result in more frequent urination);
Increased hunger (even if you just ate) - diabetics are unable to properly absorb the glucose in the blood;
Headaches;
Weight loss;
Fatigue or lack of energy;
Problems concentrating;
Blurred vision;
Wounds that heal slowly;
Dry mouth;
Itchy skin;
Impotence in men and vaginal infections in women.

Causes

Diabetics may develop high blood glucose due to many causes. These include skipping or forgetting to take your insulin or your medication; overeating; eating a meal with too many carbohydrates; a decrease in exercise or overly-strenuous physical exercise; illness or stress; or infections.

Blood Glucose Levels

Fasting hyperglycemia is the amount of glucose in the blood after fasting for 8 hours. Blood sugar levels: 90-130 mg/dL

Postprandial or after-meal hyperglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than 180 mg/dL. If you consistently have these types of blood sugar levels and have not yet been diagnosed as diabetic, be aware that you may be at high risk for developing the disease.

Acute hyperglycemia can be a medical emergency. The body attempts to get rid of excess blood sugar through increased urination - leading to dehydration and may even lead to a serious condition called ketoacidosis. Untreated, it can result in death.

Treatment, Prevention, and Control

High blood sugar can lead to nasty complications. Diabetics can manage their blood sugar levels with these tips:

Monitor blood glucose levels regularly. This will alert you to high (or low) blood sugar levels.
Drink lots of water so that you stay hydrated. Try to avoid beverages with alcohol or caffeine.
Take medications as prescribed, when prescribed.
Exercise! Regular exercise helps to control blood glucose levels.
Eat a healthy diet. Not sure what you need? Ask your doctor or get a referral to a dietitian or nutritionist. Some diabetics use the glycemic index to help them plan the foods to include in their meals.
Visit your doctor regularly and bring up any new concerns. Make sure to mention if you have been repeatedly experiencing symptoms of hyperglycemia.

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