Hyperglycemia: High Blood Sugar

By: vitalethics

Hyperglycemia is a condition that occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood. It is typically caused by diabetes, although it can be attributable to other causes such as medications, eating disorders, stress, and illnesses in a few cases. Hyperglycemia is a very high glucose level generally determined by blood sugar tests. It is caused by a lack of insulin or the body's inability to successfully utilize the insulin it has.

The classic symptoms of hyperglycemia are extreme hunger and thirst as well as frequent urination. People with hyperglycemia always seem to be hungry and thirsty even if they appear to be eating and drinking enough. Other signs may also be present, such as a dry mouth, cuts that don't heal well, and fatigue. People who exhibit these symptoms can undergo blood and urine tests to determine their blood sugar level and find out if they are hyperglycemic. If hyperglycemia is confirmed, the next step is determining the cause. In most cases, it will be diabetes.

Nerve damage as well as damage to the organs can occur as a result of hyperglycemia. For this reason, it is important for diabetics to recognize the symptoms of hyperglycemia and treat them accordingly. Hyperglycemic episodes can usually be treated with insulin. Diabetics are usually trained by their doctors on how to control hyperglycemic situations and carry insulin with them for first aid. Exercising, drinking more water, and eating less carbohydrates are other ways to help bring blood sugar levels down. People who experience repeated hyperglycemia may also have their diabetes medication adjusted by their doctor.

Hyperglycemia that is not controlled can lead to more serious conditions such as a diabetic coma. A person in a diabetic coma is in an unconscious comatose state because their body could not deal with the extremely high levels of blood sugar associated with hyperglycemia. Thankfully this is easy to treat so if you see someone with hyperglycemia or diabetes who appears to be unconscious, get them to the emergency room immediately for first aid. The treatment in these cases is intravenous fluids to help rehydrate the body as well as insulin to help the blood sugar be processed more effectively. As soon as the blood sugar levels return to normal, the person will regain consciousness. If left untreated, brain damage or death could occur so the best thing to do in these cases is seek medical help right away.

Hyperglycemia is a serious condition but it is possible to control it. Much is known about this condition and there are medicines and glucose monitors that help keep the risks of emergency low. With proper knowledge of the symptoms and first aid treatment, hyperglycemia can be managed quite well.

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Michael Morales is an EMT-Paramedic and program director for Vital Ethics, providing basic CPR/AED/First Aid training to organizations and advanced life support training and certification programs to health care professionals. www.vitalethics.org/ www.vitalethics.org/learninglinks.html www.vitalethics.org/class.html

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