Also known as High blood glucose or High blood sugar
ABOUT THE DISEASE
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar is a condition in which an excessive amount of glucose circulates in the blood plasma. It is commonly seen in people who have diabetes or prediabtes.
SYMPTOMS
- • Frequent urination
- • Increased thirst
- • Blurred vision
- • Fatigue
- • Headache
- • Fruity-smelling breath
- • Nausea and vomiting
- • Shortness of breath
- • Dry mouth
- • Weakness
- • Confusion
- • Coma
- • Abdominal pain
CAUSES
Hyperglycemia is usually caused by low insulin levels.
In Diabetes, the effects of insulin on body is diminished, either because pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or because body is resistant to the effects of insulin (type 2 diabetes). As a result, glucose tends to build up in the bloodstream (hyperglycemia) and may reach dangerously high levels if not treated properly.
It may also occur in those suffering with Cushing`s syndrome, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, pheochromocytoma, hyperthyroidism, due to certain medications(like prednisone, estrogen, betablockers, oral contraceptives) etc.
DIAGNOSIS
- Clinical Evaluation
- Blood sugar estimation
- Glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) test
TREATMENT METHODS
Treatment of hyperglycemia requires elimination of the underlying cause, such as diabetes, cushing’s syndrome, etc. Acute hyperglycemia can be treated by direct administration of insulin. Lifestyle modification and oral/injectible hypoglycemic therapy is advised in diabetes.
You may also like to learn about:
Diabetes mellitus
Hypoglycemia
Cushings syndrome
Pheochromocytoma
Hyperthyroidism
Prediabetes