Hyperglycaemia
Hyperglycemia, or hyper as it is often called, occurs when the blood sugar level is too high typically above 15 mmol/l. In this section you can read about the symptoms of hyperglycemia and the precautions you must take to avoid it.
What is hyperglycaemia?
Hyperglycaemia occurs when blood sugar rises above normal level. It can happen after you've eaten a big meal or when you are ill. Hyperglycaemia is not usually a serious condition if the elevation in blood sugar is brief, but extremely high blood sugars can become a medical emergency if not recognized and treated appropriately. Furthermore, prolonged periods of even moderately elevated blood sugar can lead to serious diabetic complications. You can almost always lower your blood sugar by yourself.
High blood sugar
High blood sugar will make you thirsty, and you will have to urinate more often. You may also feel hungrier than usual. You'll often feel more tired and sleepy. You may have blurred vision and cramps in your legs. These symptoms are similar to the most common early signs of diabetes. You may have experienced some of them when your diabetes was first diagnosed.
If your blood sugar is high
Test your blood sugar. If it's high, your doctor may have recommended that you use a sick day regime. It's also a good idea to test your blood/urine for ketones. Ketones form if you lack insulin. Test your blood sugar again before your next meal and adjust your insulin dose, if the blood sugar reading shows that this is necessary.
Your blood sugar rises if you
Your blood sugar can easily rise if you take too little insulin or eat too much at mealtimes, especially if you eat food rich in carbohydrates. It can also rise if you are ill and have a fever, exercise less than usual, or are exposed to physical or emotional stress. Your blood sugar may also go up if you're about to have your menstrual period.
To avoid high blood sugar
Following a daily routine helps to avoid high blood sugar. You can often keep it in balance merely by keeping your insulin injections, meals and exercise routine on a regular schedule. On the other hand, if you test your blood sugar frequently and adjust the insulin dose according to how much and when you eat and exercise, you may be able to live a more flexible life.
When you are ill
It is particularly important to be aware of hyperglycemia, to test your blood sugar and to check for ketones, when you are ill. You may need more insulin to keep your blood sugar at its normal level, even if you eat less than usual. If there is not enough insulin to help sugar to enter cells, your body burns fat instead and your liver forms ketones. Never stop taking your insulin when you have a fever.
What you need when you are ill
What you need when you are ill is insulin, fluid and sugar - and someone to look after you. Remember to keep in touch with your doctor.
Sick day rules - extra insulin
Continue to take your normal dose of insulin when you're sick. You may even need extra insulin. Test your blood sugar and check for ketones every 3 hours. If you have been instructed on a sick day regime by your diabetes team, adhere to this or else contact a healthcare professional for advice.
Sick day rules - fluid & sugar
Drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water every 24 hours. Drink more if you are still thirsty. If you can't eat regular meals, have nourishing fluids. Most people can take soft drinks or soups even when they are too nauseated to eat solid foods. If you cannot even take fluids, then you will need to see your doctor.
If blood sugar keeps rising
If your blood sugar keeps rising, ketones will build up in your blood and ketoacidosis can develop. This is a serious condition that needs immediate medical help. If you have ketones while you are ill with a fever or vomiting, you should call your doctor immediately and be prepared to go to the hospital right away.
APP/KOL/AC 22/02/07