Diabetes And Hyperglycemia - High Blood Sugar (with glossary)

Find out about diabetes and hyperglycemia and everything it entails...

Hyperglycemia means there is too much sugar in the blood.  High blood sugar is one of the signs of diabetes and over time high bllo glucose can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes and blood vessels.

Some of the causes of high blood glucose are:

a) eating too much food
b) not taking enough insulin (by injection)
c) not taking enough oral medication (pills)
d) being sick
e) being under stress
f) not taking any insulin
g) not taking oral medications
h) skipping usual exercise routines

High blood glucose is difficult to detect without testing the blood sugar with a blood glucose testing meter.  TESTING IS VERY IMPORTANT.

If the blood sugar is high here are some symptoms that might be present:

a) headache
b) blurry vision
c) thirst
d) hunger
e) upset stomach
f) frequent urination
g) dry, itchy skin
h) fruity smell on breath
 

SLIDING SCALE

If you are taking insulin your doctor may have been given a set of instructions called a "sliding scale".  If not, then it might be a good idea to make a request for one.  A sliding scale gives you a list of different insulin and/or oral medication doses to take if your blood sugar falls between certain ranges.
 

BLOOD SUGAR LOWERING TECHNIQUES

You may also discuss these blood sugar lowering techniques with your doctor:

a) a small extra dose of Regular insulin (short-acting)
b) a walk or some other exercise
a) making your next meal or snack smaller
 

If your blood sugar is 240 or over DON't attempt to exercise and be sure to test your urine for ketones.  Ketones are made when your body burns fat instead of glucose for energy.  If high blood sugar goes untreated ketones can damage your body.  You can test for ketones using strips you can purchase at a pharmacy.  If ketones are found CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO A HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM.
 

GLOSSARY

Ketone bodies (ketones)

Ketones are chemicals the body makes when there isn't enough insulin in the blood.  Ketone bodies can poison and kill body cells.  Two symptoms that indicate the presence of ketones are a fruity breath odor and a rapid pulse.  If a diabetic thinks they have ketones they should contact their doctor immediately since it can lead to coma and death.