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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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