Hyperglycaemia
Overview
Hyperglycaemia is a higher than normal high level of glucose in the blood. It is generally only seen in people with type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent diabetes). In this condition, which affect 1% of the population, the body produces little or no insulin. Insulin is essential for the building up of importent large molecules, such as protein and fats, from small molecules such as glucose and amino acids. The condition requaries life-long treatment, constant checking of the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood, and a regular watch for complications.
Hyperglycaemia can happen after you have eaten a big meal or when you are ill. Hyperglycaemia is not usually a serious conditionif the elevationin blood sugar is brief, but extremely high blood sugarscan become a medical emergency if not recognized and treated appropriately.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hyperglycaemia are the same as those of untreated diabetes. They do not appear suddenly, but over a period of time such are : constant thirst and dry mouth, weigh loss, genital itching, frequent urination, tiredness and weakness, blurred vision, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet, cuts and bruises that are slow to heal.
Causes
The following can cause of hyperglycaemia : emotional stress, change in medication, wrong (or missed dose) of insulin, less exercise than usual, change in eating habits, illness such as cold or throat infection.
Treatment
Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin injections and diet and exercise control. Adjusting the levels of insulin in the blood and drinking fluids will help to bring glucose levels down.
Hyperglycaemia is rare in people with type 2 diabetes, but when it does occur it is a serious medical emergency that requariesurgent treatment.
Prevention
People with type 1 diabetes need to control their blood glucose levels by maintaining the right combination of diet and insulin injections (or tablets).
It is important not to miss or after your dose of insulin and to maintain your fluid and food intake. It is also important that you test your blood glucose levels regularly.
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