High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)
What is hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia means high blood sugar. A blood sugar level of more than
115 mg/dl before breakfast (fasting) is high. If your blood sugar testing
before meals is often more than 140 then it is too high. If your A1c is
more than 8%, then your blood sugar is staying too high too much of the time.
An adjustment in your overall diabetes treatment plan is needed.
What causes high blood sugar?
All the things that increase blood sugar can cause your blood sugar to go too
high. Skipping your diabetes medication, less activity than usual or
eating more than you usually do will cause your blood sugar to go too high.
Stress or other illness can also cause your blood sugar levels to go up.
How will I feel when my blood sugar is too high?
Most of the time you will not feel anything special if your blood sugar is
high. Sometimes you may feel like when you first found out you had
diabetes. You might
- go to the bathroom more often
- feel weak and tired
- have blurry vision
- have a dry mouth
- be extra thirsty
If your blood sugar has been high for a few days you may feel extra hungry or
even dizzy. If it goes higher you may be confused. This can be an
emergency situation and you need to see a doctor right away. Very high
blood sugar can cause you to pass out just like very low blood sugar.
How can hyperglycemia be treated?
If your blood sugar is too high, think back about what has happened and how
it could have been prevented. Blood sugar might be higher when you are
stressed, or not on your usual schedule, or not using your meal or exercise plan
faithfully. Once you get back on your plan, your blood sugar levels should
get back in your goal range.
If your fasting (before-breakfast) blood sugar stays at 140 or more or if
you are feeling symptoms of high blood sugar, call the doctor. Your
treatment plan may need to be adjusted. If your blood sugar is rising
more each day for several days, drink plenty of extra water and call for an
appointment to see the doctor.
How can I tell the difference between high and low blood sugar?
Usually only some diabetes pills or insulin shots will cause low blood
sugar reactions. If you are not on medications for diabetes then most
likely any symptoms you feel will be from high blood sugar.
The best way to tell the difference is to test your blood sugar level.