Diabetes-Hyperglycemia

by Dan Solomon

Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)-The Bad Guy

Here’s what you need to know about hyperglycemia. High blood glucose happens when the body has too little insulin or when the body can’t use insulin properly.

Hyperglycemia is one of the major causes of complications with diabetes.
Hyperglycemia happens! Everyone is going to cheat on their diet, get busy and not exercise on a particular day, or forget to take their medication.
Check blood glucose levels. Levels >240mg/dl is hyperglycemia.
Identify the symptoms of hyperglycemia so you can treat it quickly.

High blood glucose
High levels of sugar in the urine
Frequent urination
Headaches
Increased thirst
Blurred vision
Fatigue

When high, lower your blood glucose level by exercising, unless feeling faint or ill.

Causes of hyperglycemia

Here are a few things that can cause high blood sugar levels.

Not enough insulin. (Type 1)
You have insulin in your body, but is not as effective as it should be. (Type 2)
You ate too much or exercised less.
Stress-work, family, sick, etc…

If your blood glucose level is consistently too high, then you need to start making some changes. Also talk to your doctor. They might recommend the following.

Meal Plan Help: A healthy diet and proper meal planning can help you avoid hyperglycemia. Avoid processed and refined sugars, limit carbohydrates, high quality proteins and fats, vegetables and some fruits.

Exercise: Doing a little bit everyday will help keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Medication Adjustment: Your doctor may adjust your insulin (or glucose-lowering medication) dose or when you take it to help prevent hyperglycemia.

An important side note. If you develop hyperglycemia and/or ketones are present in your urine, DON’T exercise. Hyperglycemia and/or ketones in the urine mean exercise will cause your blood glucose to rise higher.

Preventing Hyperglycemia
The easiest way to prevent hyperglycemia is to control them! Remember, you are in control.