The human body has an efficient system that is designed to balance blood sugar levels, so that after consuming sugar from food, insulin is secreted – a hormone that helps cells absorb the glucose that is converted into energy. This condition is typical in healthy people, but falls and sugar rises are not the exclusive domain of diabetics. These states of out-of-balance are called hyperglycemia (when the sugar index rises) and hypoglycemia (when the sugar index falls). Here is everything you need to know about the symptoms, causes and how to avoid these conditions.
The Health Basket Committee recently approved the Libre Freestyle device also for type 2 diabetics who need insulin injections on a daily basis. The device helps monitor sugar levels continuously and without punctures. The device helps diabetics control balanced sugar levels, test the effect of their daily diet and lead a healthier and better lifestyle alongside diabetes.
Prof. Julio Weinstein is the director of the diabetes research unit at Wolfson Hospital and a senior diabetes physician at the DMC Center for the Treatment of Diabetes with the symptoms of hyperglycemia, making things right, explaining what to watch out for and what is important to know.
Hyperglycemia (high diabetes levels)
A state of hyperglycemia occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or the use of insulin is disrupted and ineffective. We are determined to increase sugar levels especially after a meal rich in glucose and especially sweet.
Symptoms of hyperglycemia may not appear until blood sugar levels rise above 200 mg even at this level, the symptoms may not appear immediately or at all. A person may suffer from hyperglycemia even if they have not experienced prominent symptoms for years. More.
The causes of hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia usually occurs in people with pre-diabetes or diabetes. Causes of hyperglycemia in people with diabetes include:
- Eating in greater quantities than the body requires for its energy needs
- Lack of adequate physical activity
- Stress at work, in life and in relationships, which can release hormones that maintain high blood glucose levels.
- A disease, such as the flu, that can lead to stress that causes an increase in blood sugar
- A deficient condition in a diabetes medicine, such as insulin
Untreated severe hyperglycemia can cause a life-threatening condition. If a person with diabetes does not take steps to control blood sugar levels, the cells become less sensitive to insulin. In addition, as a result of the imbalance can be caused by ketotic acidosis due to very high sugar values which cause the body to use the fat stores for energy consumption, which causes an increase in the level of acidity in the body and can lead to diabetes complications. Therefore, it is recommended to use a ketone meter that checks the level of ketones in the blood and can prevent such complications.
Hyperglycemia in people undiagnosed with diabetes is known as non-diabetic hyperglycemia. It can occur in sick or severely injured people, when the body responds to extreme stress with hormonal changes that affect blood sugar levels. In addition, it can also occur in people with pancreatic problems and hormonal disorders.
Hyperglycemia symptoms may include:
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Excessive thirst
- Intense, unusual hunger
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Weight loss
- tiredness
- nervousness
Hyperglycemia in diabetics usually occurs when glucose levels are higher than 130 mg before eating a meal or more than 180 mg two hours after the start of a meal. Diabetics are required to monitor themselves and regularly to detect glucose levels before they reach a stage where they are already feeling the symptoms.
Hyperglycemia with diabetes
Most people experience an increase in blood sugar levels after eating an unusually large, high-carbohydrate meal. People who experience consistent hyperglycemia may have problems with low insulin levels or ineffective insulin use caused by diabetes.
Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that allows cells to use glucose to create energy and function properly. When insulin levels are low or ineffective, diabetes can develop.
There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not use insulin effectively. As a result, high levels of glucose remain in the blood.
People who are overweight or obese and do not exercise enough may have high blood sugar levels. It can reduce the effectiveness of insulin due to higher sugar levels than it can process, leading to type 2 diabetes.
Prof. Weinstein concludes: Hyperglycemia is a high blood glucose level that can occur as a result of insufficient or ineffective insulin, diet and sedentary lifestyle. Hormone increases due to stress and the dawn phenomenon can also lead to periods of hyperglycemia.
Symptoms include frequent urination, severe thirst and high blood sugar during self-monitoring. If a person does not treat high blood sugar levels, he may develop ketoacidosis, a dangerous accumulation of waste products that can lead to diabetic coma.
Treatment includes adjustments to diabetes medications, exercise and eating less during meals. Carrying a medical ID card is essential for people with diabetes, as it can affect the quality of care they receive in medical emergencies.