Health4U

HYPERGLYCEMIA OVERVIEW

The human body naturally has sugar, or glucose, in the blood. The right amount of blood sugar gives the body’s cells and organs energy. Too much blood sugar is known as hyperglycemia.

The liver and muscles produce some blood sugar, but most comes from food and drinks that contain carbohydrates.In order to keep blood sugar levels within a normal range, the body needs insulin. Insulin is a hormone that directs the body’s cells to take up glucose and store it.If there is not enough insulin, or insulin does not work properly, blood sugar builds up. High blood sugar levels can cause health problems.

It  can affect people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes . There are two main kinds:

• Fasting Hyperglycemia. This is blood sugar that's higher than 130 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) after not eating or drinking for at least 8 hours.
• Postprandial or after-meal hyperglycemia. This is blood sugar that's higher than 180 mg/dL 2 hours after you eat. People without diabetes rarely have blood sugar levels over 140 mg/dL after a meal, unless it’s really large.

Frequent or ongoing high blood sugar can cause damage to your nerves, blood vessels, and organs. It can also lead to other serious conditions. People with type 1 diabetes are prone to a build-up of acids in the blood called ketoacidosis.

SYMPTOMS

Early signs include:

• Increased thirst
• Headaches
• Trouble concentrating
• Blurred vision
• Frequent peeing
• Fatigue(weak, tired feeling)
• Weight loss
• Blood sugar more than 180 mg/dL

CAUSES