Hyperglycemia is a condition in which blood sugar (glucose) in the body is at higher levels than normal. Normally, the body uses sugar (glucose) to digest food and produce energy, and this glucose is transported to the cells in the blood and used to produce energy. However, in some conditions, such as diabetes or as a result of metabolic problems, higher than normal levels of blood glucose can cause hyperglycemia.
Hyperglycemia can lead to long-term health problems. In particular, if left untreated, it can cause cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, eye problems, nerve damage and other complications. Therefore, it is a condition that needs to be taken seriously and treated.
What are the Symptoms of Hyperglycemia?
Symptoms of hyperglycemia may present with different symptoms from person to person and vary in severity, but common symptoms may include
Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia): In this condition, the body produces excessive amounts of urine as it tries to get rid of excess sugar. This can lead to thirst and cause the person to constantly want something to drink.
Frequent Urination (Polyuria): High blood sugar levels can cause the kidneys to produce more urine. This can lead to the need to urinate frequently.
Excessive Hunger (Polyphagia): When the body's cells receive insufficient sugar, a person may feel constantly hungry and have a constant desire to eat.
Fatigue and weakness: High blood sugar levels can negatively affect energy production and make a person feel tired and sluggish.
Blurred Vision: It can cause swelling of the eye lens, which can lead to blurred or impaired vision.
Dry Skin: High blood sugar levels can cause dry skin.
Weight Loss: Forms of diabetes, such as type 1 or type 2, can lead to weight loss in the body because cells do not get enough energy.
Nausea and Vomiting: When the elevation reaches severe levels, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may occur.
What Causes Hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia, which can occur for a variety of reasons, is usually associated with diabetes, but many other causes other than diabetes can also lead to this condition. Here are some of the common causes of hyperglycemia:
Diabetes: The most common cause is diabetes. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Both types can cause uncontrolled and high levels of blood sugar.
Stress: Physical or emotional stress can cause stress hormones to be released in the body, which can lead to high blood sugar.
Improper Diet: A high-carbohydrate or high-sugar diet can cause blood sugar to rise rapidly.
Lack of Physical Activity: Not exercising regularly can prevent the body from using insulin more effectively and cause blood sugar to spike.
Medications: Some medications, especially corticosteroids, can raise blood sugar.
Other Health Problems: Other health problems such as thyroid problems, liver disease, pancreatic problems and hormonal imbalances can also lead to this condition.
Diabetes Complications: Diabetes can be difficult to manage and failure to control blood sugar regularly can trigger diabetes complications.
Diabetes Treatment: Incorrect doses or misuse of insulin or oral antidiabetic drugs used to treat diabetes can be the cause.
Non-Diabetes Diseases: Some diseases can affect the pancreas' production of insulin, which can lead to hyperglycemia. For example, conditions such as pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis can lead to such problems.
How is hyperglycemia treated?
Treatment for hyperglycemia mainly aims to address the underlying cause. Treatment is usually administered in the following ways:
Diabetes Management: This condition is often a symptom or complication of diabetes. If you have diabetes, you should follow the recommendations of your doctor or diabetes specialist to manage your blood sugar. This may include regular and correct use of insulin or oral antidiabetic medicines.
Diet Control: Diet is important for managing blood sugar. A person with diabetes or suffering from hyperglycemia should follow a healthy diet to help stabilize blood sugar. This may include eating a balanced intake of carbohydrates, preferring foods with fiber, and avoiding confectionery and high glycemic index foods. A nutritionist or dietitian can help you create an appropriate diet plan.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can help the body use insulin better and can help regulate blood sugar. However, you should do your exercise program under the supervision of your doctor or health care professional.
Medicines: Medicines may be needed to manage diabetes or this condition. If you have diabetes, it is important to take insulin or antidiabetic medicines regularly as recommended by your doctor.
Stress Management: Stress can raise blood sugar. You can use relaxation techniques, meditation or breathing exercises to manage stress.
Treatment of Underlying Causes: If there is another health problem causing this condition (for example, thyroid problems, pancreatic disease), this underlying cause may need to be treated.
Doctor Follow-up: Managing diabetes or high blood sugar requires regular follow-up. It is important to monitor blood sugar and have regular check-ups at the frequent intervals recommended by your doctor.
How to Prevent Hyperglycemia?
You can take the following measures to reduce or prevent the risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar):
Eat a Healthy Diet: A balanced and healthy diet can help you keep blood sugar under control. It is important to consume carbohydrates in a balanced way, prefer high-fiber foods and avoid confectionery and processed foods. A nutritionist or dietitian can help you create a diet plan that is right for you.
Emphasize Physical Activity: Regular physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity in the body and help regulate blood sugar. Walking for at least 30 minutes a day or following another exercise program can be beneficial. However, it is important to get a doctor's approval before starting physical activity, especially if you have chronic health problems.
Keep Weight Under Control: Being overweight can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Staying within a healthy weight range and losing weight when necessary can help regulate blood sugar.
Manage Stress: Stress can raise blood sugar. Learning and regularly practicing stress management techniques can reduce this risk.
Use Medicines and Medical Treatment Regularly: If you have diabetes or another medical condition, you should regularly use the medicines and treatment recommended by your doctor. Using your medicines properly ensures blood sugar control.
Don't Neglect Health Checks: Regular health checks are important to detect the risk of high blood sugar early. Monitoring blood sugar levels and following your doctor's advice can help you detect potential problems early.
Limit Alcohol and Smoking: Limiting alcohol consumption and not smoking is part of a healthy lifestyle and can positively affect blood sugar control.
Know Your Family History: Family history can affect your risk of diabetes. If family members have a history of diabetes, you may need to be more careful.