Hyperglycemia or rate High blood sugar is a condition when the level of sugar in the blood exceeds the normal limit. This condition often occurs in diabetics who no living a healthy lifestyle or not taking drugs according to doctor's recommendation.
Glucose or blood sugar is the main source of energy for the body. This substance can be obtained from food, such as rice, vegetables, or fruits. Under certain circumstances, the body can also produce sugar from stored energy reserves.
In order for blood sugar to be processed into energy, the body needs the hormone insulin to get blood sugar into its cells. If this process is disturbed, blood sugar levels can increase beyond normal limits.
Causes of Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is closely related to diabetes, although there is also hyperglycemia that is not caused by the condition. Basically, hyperglycemia can occur due to intake of too much sugar, the body produces excess blood sugar, or there is a disturbance in the process of converting blood sugar into energy.
The following are some of the conditions that can cause hyperglycemia:
- Suffering from type 1 diabetes, which is a condition when the body does not have enough insulin
- Suffering from type 2 diabetes, which is a condition that causes the body's cells to be insensitive to the hormone insulin (insulin resistance)
- Suffering from hormonal disorders that can lead to insulin resistance, such as Cushing's syndrome, hypothyroidism, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Are getting nutrition or sugar through an IV
- Rarely exercise
- Have an infection, including a cold, flu, or COVID-19
- Experiencing a lot of stress
- Using certain medications, such as diuretics or corticosteroids
- Have pancreatic disease, such as pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer
- After undergoing surgery or experiencing trauma, such as an injury or burn
Hyperglycemia risk factors
Hyperglycemia can be experienced by anyone, but it is more at risk for someone with the following conditions:
- Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
- Have excess weight
- Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Suffering from high cholesterol levels
- Have a history of gestational diabetes
Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
Symptoms of hyperglycemia usually appear when blood sugar levels rise significantly, usually above 180–200 mg/dL. These symptoms can develop slowly over a few days to weeks.
The longer blood sugar is at a high level, the more serious the symptoms can be. The following are symptoms that can occur due to high blood sugar levels:
- Frequent urination
- Easily thirsty and hungry
- Tired easily
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Difficult to concentrate
- Weight loss
- vaginal discharge
- Wounds are hard to heal
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you experience the above symptoms, especially if you experience:
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Fever for 24 hours
- Blood sugar level is unstable or exceeds 240 mg/dL, despite taking blood sugar lowering medication
In addition, immediately go to the emergency room or the nearest doctor if you experience:
- Fruity breath
- Stomach ache
- Nausea and vomiting until you can't eat or drink anything
- Hard to breathe
- dry mouth
- Weak and tired
- daze
- Loss of consciousness or fainting
Diagnosis of Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is generally a condition that accompanies a disease. Therefore, the doctor will perform a series of examinations to diagnose hyperglycemia as well as find out the cause.
At the beginning of the diagnosis process, the doctor will ask questions about the symptoms and complaints experienced, as well as the medical history of the patient and his family.
Next, the doctor will perform a thorough physical examination, as well as check blood sugar levels with the following tests:
- Glucometer
In this test, a blood sample is taken by inserting a small needle into the tip of the finger.
- Laboratory examination
In a laboratory examination, a blood sample is taken with a syringe through a vein in the arm or thigh.
Under normal conditions, blood sugar levels in the body are 70ꟷ99 mg/dL before eating, and less than 140 mg/dL after eating. A person can be said to have hyperglycemia if the examination shows blood sugar levels exceed 140 mg/dL.
After the patient has been confirmed to have hyperglycemia, the doctor will perform additional tests to find out whether the hyperglycemia is caused by diabetes or another condition. Additional tests that the doctor may perform include:
- Fasting blood sugar (GDP) test, to check blood sugar levels after the patient has fasted for 8 hours
- Oral glucose tolerance test, to check blood sugar levels after drinking fluids containing glucose
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test, to check the patient's blood sugar level in the last 3 months
Hyperglycemia Treatment
Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar can be overcome by changing a healthier lifestyle, such as:
- Doing physical activity and exercising regularly
- Increase intake of high-fiber foods, such as vegetables
- Reduce consumption of foods that are high in simple carbohydrates, such as white rice and bread
- Manage stress by doing meditation, such as yoga
- Drink more water to avoid dehydration
- Adequate and quality rest
- Adjusting the dose of insulin treatment, if you are on the medication
- Monitor blood sugar levels regularly to the doctor
If hyperglycemia is caused by certain diseases or conditions, treatment for these diseases also needs to be done. Diabetic patients, for example, need to undergo therapy with blood sugar-lowering drugs or insulin injections.
Hyperglycemia Complications
If left untreated, hyperglycemia can lead to the following complications:
- Cardiovascular disease, such as stroke
- Excess fat buildup in the liver (fatty liver)
- Nerve damage, such as peripheral neuropathy
- Kidney damage
- Eye disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy and cataracts
- Disorders of the teeth and gums
- Bacterial or fungal infections of the skin
In addition to the above complications, hyperglycemia can also cause diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmoral hyperglycemia syndrome which can be life-threatening.
Hyperglycemia Prevention
There are several things that can be done to prevent hyperglycemia, especially in people with diabetes, namely:
- Monitor blood sugar regularly to the doctor and be aware of symptoms of hyperglycemia
- Undergo treatment according to doctor's directions
- Maintain ideal body weight
- Eating a balanced diet
- Doing exercise regularly
- Stop smoking habit
- Limiting alcohol consumption
Hyperglycemia and COVID-19
It should be noted that hyperglycemia with or without diabetes can worsen the condition, and even increase the risk of death in someone who has COVID-19. Based on existing research, hyperglycemia can worsen the condition by affecting respiratory function.
Therefore, keep your blood sugar levels in check by always adopting a healthy lifestyle. It is also recommended to regularly monitor blood sugar levels, especially if you have diabetes.