Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a common complication for diabetics. The condition occurs when the body is unable to effectively use insulin to convert blood sugar into fuel, or the pancreas is not producing insulin at appropriate levels. The condition is diagnosed when blood sugar levels reach 200 mg/dL, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms and blood sugar levels can gradually increase over several days or weeks. Hyperglycemia left untreated causes long-term complications, including nerve damage, cardiovascular disease or blindness. Emergency situations involving hyperglycemia may lead to a diabetic coma or death. People with diabetes must learn to effectively manage episodes of diabetes too avoid serious complications.
Blood Glucose and Medication
People with diabetes who suspect hyperglycemia should first check blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are read by poking the skin with a lancet and placing a drop of blood onto a strip. The strip is inserted into a device which digitally displays the blood sugar reading. Some new devices read blood sugar levels directly through the skin without the use of needles.
People often are prescribed a sliding scale of insulin dosage to take when blood sugar levels rise. A diabetic manages hyperglycemia by administering the proper recommended dose of insulin. Insulin is injected using a very small syringe into the top fatty layer of the skin. Additional devices to deliver insulin include an air pump device which blows the insulin directly under the skin as well as an insulin pump which allows for continuous insulin medication, according to the Merck Manual. Oral glucose lowering medications decrease blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, but are ineffective in type 1 diabetes.
Ketone Testing
Blood sugar levels over 240mg/dL should be checked for ketones, advises the American Diabetes Society. When the body is unable to break down sugar to use as energy, it breaks down fat cells instead. Waste products of the fat are called ketones and are highly toxic. A test strip is placed into a sample of urine to indicate the level of ketones present. High levels of ketones cause ketoacidosis, a serious medical emergency. A diabetic should understand the symptoms of the condition to learn when immediate medical treatment is necessary. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fruity breath odor, nausea and vomiting and dry mouth.
Exercise
Exercise decreases high levels of glucose in the blood. Diabetics should never exercise when ketones are present, warns the American Diabetes Association. The amount of ketones increases if strenuous physical activity occurs leading to possible ketoacidosis. People with diabetes should plan a physical fitness routine specifically for reducing high blood sugar that encompasses the amount of exercise and time of day. According to Health.com, physical exercise may drop elevated blood sugar for up 24 hours. Always check blood sugars before and after exercise. Sometimes too much exercise causes hypoglycemia,or low blood sugar, to occur.
