Hyperglycemia (cont.)
What Are the Symptoms of
Hyperglycemia in Diabetes?
It is important to know the early signs of
hyperglycemia. If hyperglycemia is left untreated, it may develop into an
emergency condition called ketoacidosis (if you have type 1 diabetes) or HHNS
(if you have type 2 diabetes).
Early signs of hyperglycemia in diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Blurred vision
- Frequent
urination
- Fatigue (weak, tired feeling)
- Weight loss
- Blood glucose more than 180
mg/dL
Prolonged hyperglycemia in diabetes may result in:
- Vaginal and skin infections
- Slow-healing cuts and sores
- Decreased vision
- Nerve damage causing painful cold or insensitive feet, loss of hair on the lower
extremities, and/or erectile dysfunction
- Stomach and intestinal problems such as
chronic constipation or diarrhea
How Is Hyperglycemia in Diabetes Treated?
If
you have diabetes and have any of the early signs of hyperglycemia, be sure to
test your blood glucose several times. You will need to have a record of several
blood glucose readings before you call your health care provider. He or she may
recommend the following changes:
- Drink more water. Water helps remove the excess glucose from your urine and
helps you avoid dehydration.
- Exercise more. Exercise will help to lower your
blood glucose. Caution: If you have type 1 diabetes and your blood glucose is
over 240 mg/dL, you need to check your urine for ketones. When you have ketones,
do NOT exercise. If you have type 2 diabetes and your blood glucose is over 300
mg/dL, even without ketones, do NOT exercise.
- Change your eating habits. You may
need to meet with the dietitian to change the amount and types of foods you are
eating.
- Change your medications. Your health care provider may change the
amount, timing, or type of diabetes medications you take. Do not make
adjustments in your diabetes medications without first talking with your health
care provider.
If you have type 1 diabetes and your blood glucose is more than
250 mg/dL, your doctor may want you to test your urine or blood for ketones.
Call your doctor if your blood glucose is consistently greater than 180 mg/dL
1-2 hours after a meal or if you have two consecutive readings greater than 300
mg/dL.
Next: How Can Hyperglycemia in Diabetes Be Prevented? »
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