A Doctor Explains What High Blood Sugar Can Do to Your Brain

From verywellhealth.com

A lot of people connect blood sugar with metabolic health and diabetes, but there’s less discussion about blood sugar and your brain. So we spoke to our chief medical officer, Sohaib Imtiaz, MD, about how poor blood sugar regulation affects the brain and what we can do now to protect it in the long term.

Severe blood sugar fluctuations over time can have lasting effects on your cognitive health.  FatCamera / Getty Images

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Q: Why is managing your blood sugar so important for brain health?

Imtiaz: Your brain is actually the most metabolically demanding organ in the body. Even though it accounts for about 2% of your body weight, it consumes about 20% of your basal metabolic energy, and its primary fuel is glucose (sugar).

When you have diabetes or insulin resistance (a condition wherein your cells stop responding efficiently to the hormone that regulates blood sugar), it has a significant impact on your brain.

Some researchers have actually started calling Alzheimer’s disease “type 3 diabetes.” It’s an informal term, not an official diagnosis, but it captures just how important insulin signalling is in the brain.

Q: Is it just high blood sugar that is the problem?

Imtiaz: The constant swinging between high and low blood sugar readings, known as “glycaemic variability,” may be the biggest problem for brain health.

Ideally, your blood sugar should be between 70 and 180 mg/dL. Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) occur when your glucose levels fall outside of the normal range.

Both high and low blood sugar contribute to cognitive dysfunction through different mechanisms.

Chronic hyperglycaemia causes inflammation in the brain and leads to a progressive decline in your brain cell connections, resulting in cognitive impairment. It also contributes to the loss of white matter in the brain, which can eventually lead to vascular dementia.

Since the brain relies so heavily on glucose, hypoglycaemia can disrupt brain functioning. Repeated episodes lead to structural brain changes affecting the brain’s prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for decision-making, and your hippocampus, the brain’s memory centre.

This is why it’s so important to work toward maintaining steady blood sugar levels rather than just aiming to keep it low.

Q: What are the top three simple habits you’d recommend to keep your blood sugar in check for better brain health?

Imtiaz: First, make balanced meals. Be sure to include protein, vegetables (fibre), and some healthy fat, such as olive oil, alongside carb-heavy foods. Fibre and fat are key to lowering glucose spikes from carbs.

Second, don’t sit down after you eat. Try to get up and walk around for a few minutes. It will help stabilize your blood sugar.

Third, get good sleep. When you’re sleep-deprived, you have a lot more blood sugar spikes the following day—even if you eat foods that don’t typically affect your blood sugar.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-blood-sugar-affects-brain-health-12007894 

Why brittle diabetes is hard to control and what can help stabilise blood sugar

From healthshots.com

Brittle diabetes is a severe and unpredictable form of diabetes that makes blood sugar control extremely challenging. Endocrinologist explains its causes, symptoms and modern treatment options

For most people living with diabetes, managing blood sugar is about routine, eating right, taking insulin or medicines on time, and staying active. But for some, blood sugar levels refuse to cooperate despite doing everything by the book. This condition is known as brittle diabetes, or labile diabetes, and it can make everyday life exhausting and unpredictable. Though not an official medical diagnosis, brittle diabetes is a term doctors use to describe diabetes that is extremely difficult to control. It is characterised by sudden and frequent fluctuations between very high and dangerously low blood glucose levels.

Endocrinologist and diabetologist Dr Piyush Lodha tells Health Shots that these fluctuations can significantly affect quality of life, often leading to repeated hospital visits, anxiety and physical fatigue. Understanding why this happens is the first step toward better management.

                           Brittle diabetes causes sudden highs and lows in blood sugar. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

What is brittle diabetes?

Brittle diabetes refers to diabetes, most commonly type 1, but sometimes type 2, that is unusually unstable. “In brittle diabetes, blood glucose levels fluctuate unpredictably, causing extreme highs and lows despite proper insulin use and lifestyle measures,” explains Dr Lodha. The term was first introduced in 1934 and has since been used to describe cases in which daily life is repeatedly disrupted by hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia. 

Brittle diabetes is relatively rare but serious. Research published in Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity (2023) suggests that about 12 out of every 10,000 adults with diabetes experience this condition. While it can affect older adults, studies show it is most commonly seen in younger people aged 15 to 30 years, according to findings in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 

Symptoms to watch out for

The main sign of brittle diabetes is erratic blood sugar. Low blood sugar may cause shaking, sweating, confusion, dizziness, mood changes, or even fainting and seizures in severe cases. High blood sugar, on the other hand, can lead to excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, dry skin, blurry vision and nausea. These symptoms may appear suddenly and without an obvious trigger.

What are the ‘hidden’ triggers of blood sugar swings?

If you are following your plan but your numbers are still haywire, an underlying condition might be to blame:

1. Digestive tissues: Conditions like Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) or Celiac disease make nutrient absorption unpredictable, causing insulin and food to mismatch in the bloodstream.
2. Hormonal surges: Stress-related hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can interfere with insulin function, causing rapid, unexpected rises in glucose.
3. Psychological stress: Severe anxiety or depression can physically alter how your body processes sugar, making mental health support a critical part of treatment.

Treatment and management options

While brittle diabetes is challenging, modern medical advances are helping patients find stability:

1. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM): These devices provide real-time data, helping to catch a swing before it becomes an emergency.
2. Insulin pumps: These allow for more precise, minute-by-minute insulin delivery compared to traditional injections.
3. Pancreas transplants: In severe, life-threatening cases, a transplant may be considered. Research in diabetes care reports high success rates in stabilising blood glucose levels with this procedure.

In addition, a consistent diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes, combined with regular physical activity, can support better glycaemic control.

https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/self-care/brittle-diabetes-cause-unstable-blood-sugar/

Doctors Reveal 11 Silent Signs of High Blood Sugar You Should Never Ignore

From aol.com

When you eat, your body converts carbohydrates into glucose—a “vital fuel for the body,” says Chhaya Makhija, M.D., endocrinologist at Unified Endocrine and Diabetes Care. That glucose is released into your bloodstream. And insulin helps it move into your cells, where it gets used as energy. But when that final step doesn’t happen, glucose can build up in your bloodstream—causing you to have high blood sugar and experience hyperglycaemia symptoms, which may be indicators of diabetes.

“High blood sugar—also called hyperglycaemia—means there’s too much glucose in your bloodstream,” says Lisa Shah, M.D., a physician who specializes in metabolic health. This typically happens because your body doesn’t produce insulin (type 1 diabetes), doesn’t produce enough insulin (type 2 diabetes), or isn’t able to use insulin effectively (prediabetes and type 2 diabetes), she explains. But you can experience hyperglycemia even if you don’t have diabetes.

Meet the experts: Chhaya Makhija, M.D., CEO, founder, and endocrinologist at Unified Endocrine and Diabetes Care; Lisa Shah, M.D., physician, executive vice president, and chief medical officer at Twin Health; Akhil Shenoy, M.D., endocrinologist, internal medicine physician, and medical adviser at Aeroflow Diabetes.

When left untreated, high blood sugar can make you feel tired, weak, and dehydrated—and lead to potentially life-threatening complications, like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)—more on these below. But you may not experience any symptoms at first, says Akhil Shenoy, M.D., endocrinologist and internal medicine physician. “Hyperglycemia doesn’t always feel obvious right away,” Dr. Shah explains. “The symptoms can be gradual and vague.”

Because of this, experts recommend routine screening—especially if you have risk factors for diabetes. Even if you don’t, you should keep an eye out for the following high blood sugar symptoms and get to a doctor if you experience several of them at once.

                                            11 Subtle Signs of High Blood Sugar Jajah-sireenut - Getty Images

High blood sugar symptoms

Frequent urination

Constantly running to the toilet? Hyperglycaemia may be to blame. “When [your] blood sugar is high, your body works hard to bring it back into balance,” Dr. Shah says. Your kidneys go into overdrive trying to flush out that extra sugar. “Since the kidneys cannot simply push out solid sugar cubes, [they] draw water to go along with the sugar, leading to excessive urination,” Dr. Shenoy explains.

Increased thirst

Your body is a system. So as your kidneys work to get rid of that extra glucose—and as you start peeing more—you’ll also get thirstier. “The brain senses high glucose and signals you to drink more water,” Dr. Makhija explains. You might catch yourself reaching for your water bottle more often. You might also experience dehydration symptoms, like weakness and dry mouth.

Fatigue

Hyperglycaemia can make you feel weak, exhausted, and unlike your usual self. “You might feel tired, fatigued, or sluggish,” Dr. Shah says. “You might feel foggy or have a hard time concentrating on something.” In general, you’ll just feel “off,” she explains. And as time goes on, you might notice more obvious high blood sugar symptoms, like increased thirst and urination.

Persistent hunger

When you have high blood sugar, glucose gets “stuck” in your bloodstream, Dr. Shenoy explains. “Meanwhile, the cells of the body—such as the brain, the heart, and the muscle cells—are not receiving the sugar that is needed for normal function,” he says. Your body may try to compensate by going into “starvation mode,” making you feel hungrier than usual.

Weight loss

High blood sugar can cause rapid, unexplained weight loss—for a couple of different reasons. When your body can’t rely on glucose for energy, it starts burning fat and muscle instead, per the Cleveland Clinic. “This is an unhealthy type of weight loss,” Dr. Shenoy explains. Urinating more and dehydration can also contribute to weight loss, Dr. Makhija adds.

Blurry vision

Prolonged high glucose may damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body—including your eyes. The macula (a part of the eye) can swell due to leaky blood vessels (known as macular edema), resulting in blurry vision. While diabetic retinopathy tends to happen after very long periods of high blood sugars, causing leaking blood vessels or new abnormal ones to grow, this tends to lead to blindness. Again, that’s the worst-case scenario, and it often takes a while to occur.

Hyperglycemia may make your vision blurry, simply because it makes you dehydrated. “Dehydration affects the eyes, particularly the retinas, which have a rich blood supply,” Dr. Makhija says. When you’re low on fluids, your eyes may get blurry. This is usually a temporary condition. “[But] if sugars remain high for many years, the eye can be permanently damaged,” Dr. Shenoy explains.

Frequent infections

Chronic high blood sugar “impairs the immune response,” making it harder for your body to fight off infections, Dr. Makhija explains. And being dehydrated all the time certainly doesn’t help, she adds. Because of this, you may find yourself getting sick more often—and staying sick longer than you normally would.

Slow-healing wounds

Since hyperglycemia impacts your immune response, it can also make it harder for your body to heal cuts and bruises. Chronic high blood sugar can also cause poor circulation and nerve damage, which can “reduce awareness of injury and delay healing,” compounding the problem, Dr. Makhija adds.

Fruity breath

Fruity breath isn’t merely a sign of high blood sugar—it’s a symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a dangerous hyperglycaemia complication. When your body starts burning protein and fat for energy, it releases ketones, Dr. Makhija explains. One of these ketones, acetone, can make your breath smell fruity or metallic—and it’s a warning sign you need to see a doctor ASAP. Untreated DKA can lead to death, so head to the emergency room, stat.

Confusion

High blood sugar can cause fatigue and brain fog. But if those symptoms become more severe—and you feel confused, disoriented, or delirious—you may need immediate medical care. These “changes in mental status” may be symptoms of DKA or hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS), potentially life-threatening hyperglycaemia complications, per Yale Medicine.

Upset stomach

Nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps are warning signs of DKA. When your body can’t rely on glucose for energy, it starts to burn fat and protein—and releases ketones in the process. As those ketones build up in your gastrointestinal tract, they can upset your stomach. “If you experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or mental fog, check your ketones and seek urgent care,” Dr. Makhija says. Ketone Sticks are over-the-counter test strips that detect ketones in the urine.

High blood sugar complications

Though high blood sugar starts subtly, it can cause serious complications if left untreated. “You may not feel symptoms in the early stages, but long-term high blood sugar can quietly cause irreversible damage,” Dr. Makhija says.

When glucose builds up in your bloodstream, it can damage your blood vessels—and subsequently your organs and nerves, Dr. Shenoy explains. Chronic high blood sugar can also lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS), two serious complications that can cause coma, organ damage, and death in severe cases.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of high blood sugar that’s especially common in people with type 1 diabetes, explains Dr. Makhija. When your body can’t rely on glucose for energy, it starts breaking down fat and protein instead. “A byproduct of this process is ketones, which are acidic compounds that build up in the blood and make it dangerously acidic,” Dr. Shah says.

Per the Cleveland Clinic and Yale Medicine, DKA symptoms may include:

• Frequent urination

• Increased thirst or dehydration

• Fatigue or weakness

• Persistent hunger

• Fruity breath

• Confusion

• Nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps

• Rapid heart rate

• Shortness of breath

• Fainting or coma

When left untreated, DKA may cause a range of dangerous complications, including organ damage, coma, and even death, per the Cleveland Clinic. “DKA is a life-threatening emergency and requires urgent treatment,” Dr. Makhija says.

Hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS)

Hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS) is another dangerous hyperglycaemia complication, but it’s more common among people with type 2 diabetes, Dr. Makhija explains. When your blood sugar stays high for too long, it can cause extreme dehydration and confusion—without the excess ketones you see in DKA, Dr. Shenoy says.

“HHS is similar [to DKA] in that blood sugar is extremely high, but your body produces enough insulin to prevent ketones from building up,” Dr. Shah says. “Instead, the problem is that the excess sugar makes your blood very concentrated. Your body then tries to dilute it by pulling water from elsewhere into the bloodstream, which exacerbates dehydration and throws off electrolyte balance.”

Per the Cleveland Clinic and Yale Medicine, HHS symptoms include:

• Frequent urination

• Increased thirst or dehydration

• Blurry vision

• Confusion

• Weakness, especially on one side of the body

• Fainting or coma

The bottom line

A routine blood test (or even a finger prick) can give your doctor insight into your levels. The good news, when caught early, there are many medications available (from Ozempic to full-on insulin) to help manage blood sugars. If you have the symptoms on this list or are simply concerned that your blood sugar is high, ask your healthcare provider about next steps. If you believe you are experiencing DKA or HHS, seek immediate treatment. In severe cases, these conditions may cause seizures, organ damage, coma, and death. “If symptoms escalate or you’re unsure, call 911 or go to the emergency room,” Dr. Makhija says. “DKA and HHS are not manageable at home.”

https://www.aol.com/doctors-reveal-11-silent-signs-181400119.html 

Diabetes In Summer Warning Symptoms: 7 Unusual Signs Your Blood Sugar Is Out of Control

From thehealthsite.com

Diabetes symptoms that appears during summer: Watch out for these 7 unusual symptoms that reveal your blood sugar is out of control. Don't ignore these hidden signs!

Diabetes Symptoms In Summer: As summer temperatures rise, our bodies react in more ways than we can ever think. But, for those who are living with diabetes or have high blood sugar levels, it may sound a bit off - but you are at high risk. The heat can silently amplify symptoms of high blood sugar, leaving you dealing with severe health issues. From severe summer fatigue, to excessive thirst -- your body may end up suffering a lot when you leave your blood sugar levels unchecked.

The first step to counter these problems, you must know what happens in the body when the blood sugar levels go out of control. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 7 unusual yet important signs that your blood sugar levels might be too high this summer, even if you are feeling mostly fine. Whether you have diabetes, prediabetes, or are simply health-conscious, these red flags should not be ignored. Early recognition can help prevent more serious health issues and keep you feeling balanced, energetic, and safe all season long.

7 Warning Signs of High Blood Sugar You Should Never Ignore In Summer

Is your blood sugar levels way too high compared to what is recommended? Watch out for these warning signs in your body, especially during the summer months:

Unexplained Irritability or Mood Swings

It is one of the most common things to experience extreme fatigue and tiredness when the temperature around you is too high- in medical terms, this is what is called summer fatigue. While this is a common problem for many, the problem arises when this fatigue hits you every single day. High blood sugar doesn't just affect your body it can impact your brain too. In the summer heat, if you are feeling unusually cranky, anxious, or short-tempered without a clear reason, it could be more than just the weather.

Sweating Less Than Usual Despite Heat

While excessive sweating is a sign of something unusual happening within your body, experts also say that its not good for your health when you sweat less. Sweat is the body's natural way of cooling down, but high blood sugar can interfere with your body's ability to regulate temperature properly.

Why it happens: Nerve damage caused by prolonged hyperglycaemia (autonomic neuropathy) can affect your sweat glands, making it harder to sweat normally, even in hot temperatures.

Persistent Daytime Drowsiness

Summer heat naturally saps energy, but if you are witnessing an extreme drop in energy levels and feeling excessively tired after a full night's rest, it could be your blood sugar. Yes, you read that right! High blood sugar levels can make you feel tired and exhausted.

As experts explain, high glucose levels make your blood thicker, causing sluggish circulation and poor oxygen delivery to muscles and the brain. This leads to fatigue.

Recurring Gum Infections or Mouth Sores

The next warning sign that you should never ignore at any cost is recurring gum infections. As per studies, summer drinks, ice cream, and cold sodas are tempting, but sugar and heat together can spell trouble for oral health if blood sugar is high. These foods are high in glucose levels, which weakens the immune system and fuels bacterial growth in the mouth, making you more prone to gum inflammation or sores.

Unusually Blurry Vision

The next warning indicator that shouldn't be ignored is -- blurry vision or not having proper vision. While temporary eye strain is common in summer, it could also be a sign of blood sugar imbalance. This mainly happens due to the fact that when there is too much glucose in your body, it can cause the lens of the eye to swell, leading to blurry vision or difficulty focusing. Heat-induced dehydration can worsen this effect.

Leg Cramps or Tingling at Night

Muscle cramps are often mistaken as a sign of body weakness, arthritis, etc. But did you know that feeling tingling, burning, or cramps in your legs and feet at bedtime could be an indicator that your blood sugar levels are too high? It's easy to blame this on dehydration, but don't overlook the diabetic link.

Poor circulation and nerve damage from high blood sugar (diabetic neuropathy) can cause strange sensations in the limbs often worse in summer when circulation is taxed by heat.

Frequent Urination At Night

Many people associate frequent urination with summer dehydration or drinking too much water before bed but this could be a red flag. Excess glucose in the bloodstream pulls water from your cells, causing your kidneys to work overtime. You may wake up several times to urinate.

All the above warning signs mentioned above indicate that your blood sugar levels have gone out of control, and that you are on the verge of developing diabetes. It is important to fix this problem as uncontrolled or unchecked blood sugar levels can lead to kidney damage and severe heart health issues. "If you notice more than two of these symptoms consistently, it's wise to check your blood sugar levels and consult your healthcare provider. Uncontrolled hyperglycaemia can lead to serious complications if left untreated."

https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/diabetes-in-summer-warning-symptoms-7-unusual-signs-your-blood-sugar-is-out-of-control-1209662/

Hyperglycaemia Episodes: A Glance at the Short and Long-Term Effects

From verywellhealth.com

Also Known as High Blood Sugar

Hyperglycaemia is high blood glucose (sugar) levels. It is common in people with diabetes but can occur in people who have not been diagnosed with diabetes. It can develop slowly with no obvious symptoms.

This article describes symptoms of hyperglycemia and how to test for and manage high blood glucose levels. It also reviews hyperglycemia complications and prevention of hyperglycemia episodes. 

Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health

Symptoms of a Hyperglycaemia Episode

Depending on the cause of your hyperglycaemia, you may not experience physical symptoms for months or years. This is because hyperglycemia can develop and progress slowly over time.

Other times, as with type 1 diabetes for example, symptoms can develop a lot quicker—in a matter of weeks.

Symptoms of hyperglycaemia may include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Increased hunger
• Blurry vision
• Tingling in the hands and feet
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue
• Sores or cuts that do not heal or that heal very slowly
• Headache

What Is Hypoglycaemia?

While hyperglycaemia is when blood glucose levels are too high, hypoglycaemia is the opposite—when blood glucose levels are too low. For most people with diabetes, this is a blood glucose level lower than 70 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL).

You are more likely to experience hypoglycaemia if you have diabetes or take medication that can lower your blood glucose. Other risk factors for hypoglycaemia include being over age 65 or having other health conditions, such as kidney disease, heart disease, or cognitive impairment.

Why Do Some People Have Hyperglycaemia?

In addition to having diabetes, hyperglycaemia has many other risk factors. A risk factor is not necessarily a cause but may contribute to the development of hyperglycaemia.

Risk factors for hyperglycaemia are similar to those for type 2 diabetes. They include:

• Being overweight or having obesity
• Being 35 years old or older
• Having family members with diabetes
• Not being physically active on a regular basis
• Having prediabetes (when glucose levels are high but not high enough to be considered diabetes)
• Having had gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy) or giving birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more

Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed more often in the United States in people who are Black, Native American, Asian American, Latinx, or Pacific Islander.

There are several causes of hyperglycaemia, which include:

• Insulin resistance (when your cells don’t respond properly to insulin)
• Reduced or lack of insulin production by the pancreas
• Eating lots of highly processed foods with refined carbohydrates and saturated fats
• Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics (water pills), some psychiatric medications, and certain human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatments
• Genetic mutations
• Hormonal diseases, such as Cushing’s syndrome or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Damage or removal of the pancreas
• Stress

How to Know If You Have Hyperglycaemia 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of hyperglycaemia, you should get your blood glucose levels tested. 

People with diabetes often have a home blood glucose monitor, also called a blood glucose meter or glucometer. This is a small device into which you insert a single-use test strip. Using a lancing device, you prick a clean fingertip and place a tiny drop of blood onto the test strip. Most glucometers display results within seconds. 

Alternatively, you can get your blood glucose levels checked by a healthcare provider. They can determine if you have hyperglycemia and/or diabetes. For diabetes to be diagnosed, blood glucose levels must be:

• 126 mg/dL or greater while fasting (not eating for at least eight hours)
• 200 mg/dL or greater without regard to when you last ate

With or without diabetes, in general, hyperglycemia is regarded as too high when it is 160 mg/dL or greater than your personal blood glucose target. Ask a healthcare provider any questions you have about your personal blood glucose target.

If your blood glucose is 240 mg/dL or greater and you take insulin, check your urine with a urine ketone test kit. If ketones are present, follow your "sick day" rules (these rules are a course of action people with diabetes establish with their healthcare provider) or contact a healthcare provider if you are unsure what to do.

Hyperglycaemia Treatment and Management

Several different approaches are used to treat and manage hyperglycaemia. The base treatment includes lifestyle modifications, such as:

• Modifying your diet: This may include increasing the amount of vegetables and fruits, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats while also decreasing refined grains, saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.
• Staying hydrated: Water is the best source of hydration for your body. Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages, such as regular soda, juice, regular sports or energy drinks, or flavoured coffee or tea drinks.
• Increasing physical activity: Regular exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity and decrease blood glucose levels. However, if you have ketones in your urine, do not exercise, as this may raise your blood sugar levels.
• Getting enough sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.
• Managing stress: This can be done through meditation, yoga, or relaxation techniques

If lifestyle modifications alone are not enough to manage your hyperglycaemia, medication may be considered. Several different classes of medications are used to lower blood glucose levels. They may be oral (pills), injectable/infusion, and/or inhalable medication.

Whether your treatment plan includes lifestyle modifications alone or includes medication(s), it is important to adhere to it. Getting your blood glucose levels in a normal range is vital to help prevent complications from occurring.

If you are having trouble sticking to your treatment plan or are not tolerating a medication, talk with your healthcare provider. Regular follow-ups can allow adjustments in your treatment plan and increase your chances of successfully managing your hyperglycaemia.

Complications of Mismanaged Hyperglycaemia

Untreated hyperglycaemia may lead to extremely high blood glucose levels. This could result in potential complications that are acute (meaning they develop rather quickly) but serious.

Complications include:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), especially in people with type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes, in which the pancreas makes little to no insulin)
• Hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS), which usually occurs in people with type 2 diabetes who do not have their blood glucose levels under control

DKA develops when your body doesn’t have enough insulin to help glucose move from the blood into your cells for use as energy. When this happens, the liver breaks down fat and uses it for energy instead. This process creates acid byproducts called ketones.

These ketones can build up quickly to dangerously high levels in the body. Symptoms of DKA include increased thirst and urination, rapid and deep breathing, fruity-smelling breath, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

HHS is a life-threatening complication of type 2 diabetes in which there are extremely high levels of blood glucose without the presence of ketones. It usually occurs alongside dehydration, making the blood more concentrated than usual. This leads to symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, weakness, nausea, dry mouth, fever, and confusion.

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any symptoms of DKA or HHS.

Other complications of mismanaged hyperglycemia tend to take a lot longer to develop but are just as serious. Potential long-term complications of untreated hyperglycaemia include:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Kidney disease
• Foot problems
• Eye disease
• Gum disease and other dental problems
• Sexual problems or bladder problems
• Dementia

How to Stay Ahead of Hyperglycaemia Episodes

If you have risk factors for hyperglycaemia, it's important to note that some of them are non-modifiable, meaning you can’t change them, such as your age or genetic makeup. However, there are several modifiable risk factors—those you may be able to change—that are usually related to lifestyle.

The best way to stay ahead of hyperglycemia episodes is to stick to your treatment plan if you have one. Following a healthy, balanced diet and regularly engaging in physical activity are two of the most important things you can do to keep your body healthy and blood sugar levels in a normal range. If you take medication, make sure you are taking it as prescribed.

Find yourself a support person (or persons) who can help keep you accountable between visits with your healthcare team. Support people can also applaud your successes and be a sounding board for bouncing ideas off when you are struggling with something. 

Monitoring Glucose Levels 

Managing your blood glucose levels is often a joint effort between you and your healthcare team. While you are in charge of the day-to-day management of your glucose levels, your healthcare provider can recommend an individualized treatment plan to help keep your blood glucose levels within a normal range. 

This may include routinely self-monitoring your blood glucose levels at home. The first step is to purchase or get a prescription for a blood glucose monitor and test strips.

Your healthcare provider or a certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES) can teach you and/or a caregiver how to use it. They will instruct you on when and how often you need to test your blood glucose levels at home, such as when you first wake up before eating, two hours after a meal, or at bedtime. 

Depending on your diagnosis, you might qualify for a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This small, wearable device automatically checks your blood glucose levels throughout the day and night. Blood glucose levels are wirelessly sent to a separate receiver or smart device on which you can read the results.

Summary 

Hyperglycaemia is high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, blurred vision, and tingling in the hands and feet.

Hyperglycemia often occurs in people with diabetes but can also occur in people without diabetes. Causes of hyperglycemia include insulin resistance, lack of insulin production, certain medications, stress, and some medical conditions.

You can check your blood glucose level at home using a blood glucose monitor, and your healthcare provider can perform tests for hyperglycemia. Short-term complications of untreated hyperglycemia include diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS).

Long-term complications include heart disease and stroke, diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage), kidney disease, foot problems, eye disease, gum disease, and more.

Treatment for hyperglycemia may include lifestyle modifications such as following a nutrient-rich diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. It may also include medication(s) and self-monitoring of blood glucose levels at home. 

Regular follow-ups with your healthcare team are important in ensuring your treatment plan is working and still appropriate for you. Taking proactive steps today to prevent and manage hyperglycaemia will help you keep your blood glucose levels in a normal range and benefit your overall health for years to come.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/hyperglycemia-8604180