If you bite into an apple or take a bite of pasta, it provides your body the energy and nutrients it requires to be healthy. The most essential ingredient is glucose. It's a kind of sugar. It's the primary energy source and is transported through the bloodstream to the cells in your body. Usually, our bodies can control glucose levels and ensure they don't go excessively high or low. However, sometimes, like in those with Diabetes and other conditions, the body can't regulate these levels effectively. The level of blood glucose becomes excessively high. Hyperglycemia can be a problem for all ages. It can trigger a range of symptoms that include extreme hunger, thirst, or fatigue, as well as an increased desire to urinate in more significant amounts than usual. If it is not treated for a long time, it could cause severe problems like eye damage, kidney issues, and heart disease, among other topics. There are treatments available that can reduce hyperglycemia and regulate blood glucose levels.
Is hyperglycemia a condition?
Hyperglycemia is a disorder in which the blood glucose level is higher than usual. It is sometimes referred to as “high blood sugar.” It typically affects those with diabetes mellitus, but it can also be seen in people who do not have Diabetes.
Glucose is the primary power source for the cells within our bodies. It is derived from the food we eat, mainly carbohydrates. Once food is digested, it breaks into various parts, including glucose. The intestines absorb glucose, which flows into the bloodstream and circulates through the body.
The body uses an insulin hormone to transfer glucose from the blood into the cells, reducing the amount of glucose in the blood and supplying cells with fuel.
Hyperglycemia may occur when the body cannot make enough insulin or fails to react appropriately. In both instances, glucose remains in the blood rather than being delivered to cells, and as a result, blood glucose levels remain higher. If more glucose enters the bloodstream—if you consume a lot of carbohydrates, for instance—the blood glucose levels rise higher.
In some instances, patients with Diabetes who suffer from hyperglycemia might suffer from a condition known as Diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA). In this case, cells are unable to access glucose. Instead, the body obtains energy by breaking down fats. The process creates compounds known as ketones. They build up in blood vessels, causing it to turn acidic. DKA is a serious condition that can be fatal. (DKA is typically linked to type one Diabetes; however, it can also occur in those who have type 2 diabetes as well.)
In those suffering from the type 2 form of Diabetes, extremely high blood sugar levels can result in a potentially fatal condition known as hyperosmolar hyperglycemic status (HHS), which can lead to severe dehydration and changes in mental health.
What is the cause of hyperglycemia?
The most common cases of hyperglycemia are those with Diabetes. When you have type one Diabetes, the body fails to produce enough insulin. The body produces enough insulin when it's type 2, but cells don't respond appropriately. This is referred to as insulin resistance.
For those with Diabetes, hyperglycemia is caused through:
- Consuming too many carbohydrates
- Not enough exercise
- Insufficient insulin medication (for type-1 Diabetes) or other medicines that regulate blood glucose levels.
It can occur due to:
- Medicines such as corticosteroids, beta-blockers, diuretics containing thiazide, and antipsychotics
- Specific ailments can have an impact on the pancreas, which produces insulin.
- Medical conditions that may cause insulin resistance, for example Cushing's syndrome, and
- acromegaly
- Pregnancy
- Stress
What are the risk factors that could lead to hyperglycemia?
Certain conditions or factors could increase the risk of developing hyperglycemia, such as:
- Being overweight or obese
- Family with a history of type 2 diabetics
- Personal experience with gestational Diabetes
- Diabetic (when the levels of blood sugar are high but not enough to warrant a diagnosis of Diabetes)
What are the signs of hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia symptoms include:
- Urinating in large quantities
- A lot of thirst
- Tired and exhausted
- Frequent hunger
- Dry mouth
- Weight loss
- Vision blurred
- Chronic infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, skin infections)
- Wounds (cuts or scrapes) that are healing slowly
In addition to the signs of hyperglycemia, those with DKA can also experience:
- Rapid, deep breathing
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Mental state changes
- Consciousness loss or in a coma
HHS can cause these symptoms:
- Dehydration
- Mental state changes
- Consciousness loss and coma
How can hyperglycemia be diagnosed?
A diagnosis of hyperglycemia generally is based on an examination of the medical history, physical exam, and blood tests.
The doctor will inquire about your symptoms, whether you have an ancestral experience of Diabetes, or any other risk factors associated with hyperglycemia. The doctor will also perform a physical examination.
In the end, however, blood tests that measure blood glucose levels are required to diagnose hyperglycemia definitively. To take a “fasting blood glucose” (FBG) test, you must avoid eating for eight hours before testing. Other blood tests might include the hemoglobin A1C (glycated blood hemoglobin test) and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
How can hyperglycemia be treated?
The treatment is based on the root cause of hyperglycemia. It could involve the following:
- Insulin. For people with type 1 diabetes, insulin is the primary cure for high blood sugar. Sometimes, it can also be utilized to treat patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Glucose-lowering medications. Many drugs like metformin are utilized to reduce blood sugar levels.
- Monitoring of glucose. Patients with Diabetes must monitor their blood sugar levels according to the guidelines prescribed by their physician.
- Lifestyle shifts. People living with Diabetes can lower the likelihood of developing hyperglycemia or manage existing hyperglycemia through regular exercise, consuming a nutrient-rich diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.
DKA and HHS are medical emergencies. They can be treated using intravenous fluids, electrolytes, and insulin.
What are the chances for those suffering from hyperglycemia?
In general, intermittent hyperglycemia does not result in permanent problems. If it persists, it may cause grave complications, including eye issues, nerve damage, kidney damage, and cardiovascular diseases.
However, with the proper treatment and frequent blood glucose level checks, individuals can lower their chances of having hyperglycemia, lessen their chances of grave complications, and lead well.
What is it that makes Yale Medicine unique in its treatment of hyperglycemia?
“The Yale Diabetes Center provides personalized care for adults suffering from hyperglycemia, whether it's temporary (such as a medication-induced) prediabetes, type one or two diabetes,” claims Beatrice Lupsa, MD, a Yale Medicine endocrinologist with a specialization in both types 1 and 2 type diabetes. “Our team includes endocrinologists, mid-level practitioners, and dietitians. Our multidisciplinary approach helps those with blood glucose issues have the self-management abilities and know-how to attain and maintain the best blood sugar control. We emphasize lifestyle interventions, which include a healthy diet and physical activity. Patients can access the most up-to-date medical care, treatments, and technology to avoid hyperglycemic issues and maintain good overall health.”