Thursday, March 28, 2024

What Are High Blood Glucose Levels

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Carbohydrates And Blood Sugar

How to bring down high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)

When people eat a food containing carbohydrates, the digestive system breaks down the digestible ones into sugar, which enters the blood.

  • As blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that prompts cells to absorb blood sugar for energy or storage.
  • As cells absorb blood sugar, levels in the bloodstream begin to fall.
  • When this happens, the pancreas start making glucagon, a hormone that signals the liver to start releasing stored sugar.
  • This interplay of insulin and glucagon ensure that cells throughout the body, and especially in the brain, have a steady supply of blood sugar.

Carbohydrate metabolism is important in the development of type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body cant make enough insulin or cant properly use the insulin it makes.

  • Type 2 diabetes usually develops gradually over a number of years, beginning when muscle and other cells stop responding to insulin. This condition, known as insulin resistance, causes blood sugar and insulin levels to stay high long after eating. Over time, the heavy demands made on the insulin-making cells wears them out, and insulin production eventually stops.

Is It Safe To Sleep With High Blood Sugar

Glucose levels that are occasionally a little high at night generally dont pose serious, immediate health concerns. Most people with diabetes cannot avoid some high glucose levels. However, frequent or long-term highs particularly extremely high levels can be dangerous. It is important for people with diabetes to reduce high blood sugar as much as possible for two key reasons:

  • Frequent hyperglycemia can lead to major health complications caused by damage to blood vessels and nerves, which can affect your eyes, heart, kidneys, and other organs. This occurs when glucose levels are too high over a long period of time.

  • Very high glucose levels can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis . This occurs mainly in people with type 1 diabetes and can be life-threatening. For more information on DKA, read Ketosis vs. Ketoacidosis: Whats the Difference.

  • Great Bedtime Snacks For People Living With Diabetes

    For some people, a healthy bedtime snack helps to prevent glucose swings during the night. By eating a small snack that is full of protein and healthy fats , your body may be better able to avoid an overnight high but if you take insulin, be sure to cover the carbohydrates in your snack even if it only requires a small dose of insulin.

    Here are some snack ideas:

    • Plain nuts or seeds try eating a small handful

    • Raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, or tomatoes, with a small amount of hummus or peanut butter

    • Plain yogurt, and you can add berries or cinnamon

    Remember, a bedtime snack is only helpful for some people. To see if it works for you, youll have to carefully monitor your glucose before bed, during the night, and when you wake up.

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    High Blood Glucose Level Or Hyperglycemia

    Both persons with and without diabetes may experience hyperglycemia, which happens when your blood sugar level exceeds the recommended range.

    Your blood sugar can increase when you consume too many calories or forget to take your medications. Additionally, it may increase if you experience an injury, a disease, surgery, or an infection. Your blood sugar can increase even under emotional stress.

    Usually, it develops gradually over a few hours to days. However, skipping an insulin dose might result in a sharp increase in blood sugar levels.

    Your body will adapt to a blood sugar level if it remains above the target range for weeks. You might not be experiencing as many signs of elevated blood sugar.

    You probably will have enough time to treat high blood sugar so that you can avoid a high blood sugar emergency unless you dont constantly monitor your blood sugar or recognise the symptoms of high blood sugar.

    I Feel Fine So I Dont Need To Test My Levels

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    Zanini points out that having high blood glucose can come as a surprise to anyone. âIt’s possible they didn’t notice any symptoms or were simply feeling ‘more tired than usual,ââ she says. âIt’s easy to attribute being tired to many other things. . .so this is why regular physicals with your healthcare provider are important.â The bottom line? Listen to your body, take note of symptoms as they arise, and consider monitoring your continuous glucose values.

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    Managing Blood Sugar Levels

    must check their blood sugar levels daily with a glucose meter. This device takes a drop of blood, usually from a finger, and displays the sugar level within a few seconds.

    People with type 1 diabetes will need to take insulin as their doctor recommends, usually several times a day.

    Those with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes may need to change their diet and exercise habits. They may also need to take oral medications or insulin.

    Various strategies hyperglycemia.

    People should:

    • Check their blood sugar levels as their doctor advises and take the correct amount of insulin if they have type 1 diabetes.
    • Speak with a doctor or dietitian about which foods to eat or avoid, how much to eat, and how often.
    • Take precautions to avoid infections, for example, through regular handwashing, as illness, such as a cold, can trigger an increase in blood sugar levels.
    • Plan their food intake and exercise to balance blood sugar levels.
    • Minimize stress as far as possible, for example, through exercise, getting enough sleep, and stress-reducing activities such as meditation or yoga.

    Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can occur when a person:

    • has certain medical conditions
    • does a lot of exercise
    • skips meals or eats too little

    It can also be a side effect of diabetes medicines. Taking too much insulin can result in low blood sugar levels.

    Symptoms of low blood sugar may include:

    • feeling weak or shaky
    • fast heart rate, or palpitations
    • consult doctor regularly

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    People with diabetes will often experience high blood glucose levels . If it is short lasting and you have type 2 diabetes it is not a great concern. If it continues over a few days, or blood glucose levels get higher and higher, then see your GP for advice. There may be an underlying illness that needs to be treated.

    If you have type 1 diabetes then you need to be a little more cautious as you risk ketones developing if your blood glucose levels are too high. It is recommended to keep your glucose in your target range.

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    High Blood Glucose: Diabetic Ketoacidosis

    If your insulin level is too low, your blood glucose could become so high that it is unsafe. You might develop a serious problem called diabetic ketoacidosis . This usually happens in people with Type 1 diabetes and those with glucose levels over 500.

    If you have DKA, chemicals called ketones start to make a lot of acid in your body. The acid and high blood glucose can make you very sick. You might also become dehydrated . You can prevent DKA by carefully giving yourself the correct insulin dose every day.

    If you have any of the following symptoms of DKA, get to your local emergency department right away. You need to be treated with insulin and fluids that are given to you through an IV :

    • Dry mouth, eyes or skin
    • Feeling very weak or tired
    • Fruity-smelling breath
    • Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting

    Type 1 Diabetes And High Bgls Can Be Serious

    How to Manage High Blood Sugars

    If you have type 1 diabetes, blood glucose levels above 15mmol/L can be very serious. Your body will try to get energy from fat stores and as a result produce ketones, which in large amounts are toxic. Dont wait for symptoms! Try and work out the cause/s, and bring your blood glucose levels back into range. Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator for advice and have a sick day plan ready.

    If your blood glucose levels are higher than 15mmol/L for six hours or more, you have elevated ketones, and/or you feel unwell, start your sick day plan. This fact sheet explains, when to follow them, what to include, tips on staying well and when to seek urgent medical help.

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    Make Physical Activity Part Of Your Daily Routine

    Set a goal to be more physically active. Try to work up to 30 minutes or more of physical activity on most days of the week.

    Brisk walking and swimming are good ways to move more. If you are not active now, ask your health care team about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you. Learn more about being physically active with diabetes.

    Following your meal plan and being more active can help you stay at or get to a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese, work with your health care team to create a weight-loss plan that is right for you.

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    What Causes Hyperglycemia

    A number of things can cause hyperglycemia:

    • If you have type 1, you may not have given yourself enough insulin.
    • If you have type 2, your body may have enough insulin, but it is not as effective as it should be.
    • You ate more than planned or exercised less than planned.
    • You have stress from an illness, such as a cold or flu.
    • You have other stress, such as family conflicts or school or dating problems.
    • You may have experienced the dawn phenomenon .

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    Pearls And Other Issues

    Patients with severe hyperglycemia should be assessed for clinical stability including mentation and hydration. Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state are acute, severe disorders related to hyperglycemia.

    Patients confirmed with type 2 diabetes are faced with a life-long challenge to maintain euglycemia. This is not an easy undertaking and is also prohibitively expensive. Patients must be educated that making changes in their lifestyle can markedly improve their prognosis.

    Check Your Blood Glucose Levels

    Is a one

    For many people with diabetes, checking their blood glucose level each day is an important way to manage their diabetes. Monitoring your blood glucose level is most important if you take insulin. The results of blood glucose monitoring can help you make decisions about food, physical activity, and medicines.

    The most common way to check your blood glucose level at home is with a blood glucose meter. You get a drop of blood by pricking the side of your fingertip with a lancet. Then you apply the blood to a test strip. The meter will show you how much glucose is in your blood at the moment.

    Ask your health care team how often you should check your blood glucose levels. Make sure to keep a record of your blood glucose self-checks. You can print copies of this glucose self-check chart. Take these records with you when you visit your health care team.

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    Fasting Blood Sugar Test

    This test can be done in the lab or the healthcare providers office with a simple finger stickor your doctor may prescribe a meter and have you test regularly at home.

    A fasting blood sugar level indicates what your blood sugar is when you havent eaten for at least 8 hours. For adults without diabetes, a normal fasting blood sugar is less than 100 mg/dL. A fasting blood sugar level of 100-125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes, and 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.

    Youre Hungrier Than Usual But Losing Weight

    Many people with uncontrolled high blood sugar find that theyre hungrier than usual, which signals a symptom called polyphagia, MedlinePlus notes. And although youre eating more, you may be losing weight for no apparent reason if your blood sugar levels are too high, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Since your body is not getting energy from the preferred source, glucose, it has to turn to muscle and fat, Zanini explains. When your body starts breaking down muscle and fat for energy, you experience unintentional and unhealthy weight loss. In addition to these changes in weight and appetite, you may notice weakness in your muscles and experience more frequent falls, Emanuele adds.

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    Urgent Advice: Call Your Care Team Immediately Or Get Help From Nhs 111 If:

    You think you have high blood sugar and:

    • you’re feeling sick, being sick or have stomach pain
    • you’re breathing more quickly than usual or your heart is beating faster than usual
    • you feel drowsy or are struggling to stay awake
    • your breath has a fruity smell
    • you feel confused or have difficulty concentrating
    • you have a high level of ketones in your blood or pee

    These could be signs you’re becoming seriously unwell.

    You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

    Page last reviewed: 26 May 2022 Next review due: 26 May 2025

    Heart Circulatory And Nervous System

    How High Blood Glucose Levels Destroys These 4 Organs â Dr.Berg

    In many cases, it is seen that diabetic patients also suffer from cardiovascular diseases. Diabetes affects the patient’s heart and circulatory system. It alters the functioning of blood vessels which can weaken the heart. Also, because it is said to cause inflammation in vessels, it can lead to the thickening of the blood and causes blood clots.

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    If My A1c Is Normal My Glucose Is Good

    An A1C result thatâs below 5.7% is normal âs standards, but having a result below that number isnât the end of the story. Pregnancy, hemoglobin variants, anemia, liver disease, and certain medications can cause inaccurate A1C results.

    Additionally, the A1C test is measuring your average glucose value over the past 3 months, but averages inherently do not capture highs and lows. So, you could have a normal average while also having abnormal glucose spikes. The A1C test should only supplement your regular blood sugar testing, not replace it completely.

    Why The Test Is Performed

    Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of diabetes . More than likely, the doctor will order a fasting blood sugar test.

    The blood glucose test is also used to monitor people who already have diabetes.

    The test may also be done if you have:

    • An increase in how often you need to urinate
    • Recently gained a lot of weight

    SCREENING FOR DIABETES

    This test may also be used to screen a person for diabetes.

    High blood sugar and diabetes may not cause symptoms in the early stages. A fasting blood sugar test is almost always done to screen for diabetes.

    If you are over age 45, you should be tested every 3 years.

    If you’re overweight and have any of the risk factors below, ask your health care provider about getting tested at an earlier age and more often:

    • High blood sugar level on a previous test
    • Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher, or unhealthy cholesterol levels
    • History of heart disease
    • Member of a high-risk ethnic group
    • Woman who has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes
    • Polycystic ovary disease
    • Close relative with diabetes
    • Not physically active

    Children age 10 and older who are overweight and have at least two of the risk factors listed above should be tested for type 2 diabetes every 3 years, even if they have no symptoms.

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    Check Your Blood Sugar

    If you take medication that may cause low blood sugar , its highly advisable to check your blood sugar levels before you try to bring your sugar levels down.

    This is just in case your blood sugar is normal or low, which can be the case in some situations.

    Testing of blood sugar before bringing your levels down is particularly important if you take insulin.

    How To Test For Ketones

    How to convert AVERAGE BLOOD GLUCOSE into HBA1c

    You can use a urine test strip or blood ketone meter and ketone test strip to test for ketones at home. Testing either urine or blood is important, but when possible, a blood test is preferred because it gives you and your care team more precise information about your ketone levels. Because urine may have been in the bladder for some time, the results from these tests may show levels that are either higher or lower than the ketone levels that are actually circulating in your body. It is also very important to know that urine test trips degrade over time, so if you are using this method, you need to look at expiration dates carefully.

    Your diabetes care team can give you specific directions about when you should check for ketones, but in general, you should check for them when your blood glucose is 240 mg/dL or higher. You should also check for ketones if you notice any of the DKA symptoms listed above or if you are sick it is possible to have ketones while your blood glucose levels are within range .

    At-home urine test strips will change color to show the level of ketones in the urine. They typically report results as negative, trace, small, moderate or large. Blood ketone meters will provide a number that indicates the ketone levels. The following ranges are generally used:

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    Treating And Managing Hyperglycaemia

    If your blood sugar level is slightly high for a short time, emergency treatment wont be necessary. But if it continues to rise you may need to act fast to avoid developing diabetic ketoacidosis .

    If your blood sugar level is 15 mmol/l or more, you should check your blood or urine for ketones. If ketones are present, it is likely that you do not have enough insulin in your body. This means you may need to increase your dose or give yourself an extra dose. Talk to your diabetes team about how to do this if you are unsure.

    You should also try to drink plenty of sugar-free fluids to prevent dehydration. And if you are feeling unwell, especially if you are vomiting, you should follow any sick day rules you have been given and contact your diabetes healthcare team for advice.

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