High blood glucose levels, or hyperglycemia, occur in people with diabetes. The body uses glucose for energy; however, insulin must be present to convert glucose into fuel. With too little or no insulin present, glucose builds up in a person's blood stream. A diabetic does not produce enough insulin or is insulin resistant to properly convert blood sugar. Factors contributing to hyperglycemia include diet, physical activity, not injecting enough insulin or illness, according to MayoClinic.com. Hyperglycemia must be treated or serious complications and risks will occur.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
When the body cannot use insulin to convert blood sugar to energy it converts fat cells instead. The conversion of fat into energy leaves ketones in a person's blood. Ketones are highly acidic and poisonous to the body. As ketones continue to accumulate, they spill over into the urinary system, according to MayoClinic.com. The body attempts to rid the urinary system of ketones by increasing urination, which results in severe dehydration. A person becomes extremely thirsty, also known as polydipsia, and blood pressure drops. Nausea and vomiting can occur due to the high level of toxicity present in the body. Treatment requires the insulin injection and increasing fluid intake. Hospitalization occurs if a person has severe ketoacidosis. Treatment at the hospital includes insulin replacement, intravenous therapy to replace fluids and electrolytes and treatment of any present infection, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Delaying treatment results in a coma or death occurring, advises the medical center.
Neuropathy
According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, between 60 and 70 percent of diabetics suffer from neuropathy. Neuropathy is a group of nerve disorders associated with diabetes and high blood sugar levels. Over an extended period of time the high glucose levels in a diabetic's body weaken vessels supplying oxygen and nutrients to different areas of the body. Decreased circulation occurs as well as possible leaking of blood from the vessels. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse state any part of the body may suffer from nerve damage including the digestive tract, eyes, extremities and the heart. Symptoms range from having no present signs and symptoms to tingling of the fingers and feet, pain and numbness.
Kidney Disease
The kidneys must work longer and harder in a diabetic's body than a healthy person's body, according to the National Diabetes Association. The kidney's filtering system removes impurities and waste products from the blood. The filtering system becomes overworked by constantly being forced to filter high levels of blood sugar. The kidney's filtering system begins to fail when the system leaks proteins into the urine, also known as microalbuminuria. Identifying kidney disease early allows the initiation of treatment which may halt the progression of the kidney disease. However, if left untreated dialyses and kidney transplantation may be required. Controlling and managing diabetes sugar levels, as well as blood pressure levels, decreases the risk of developing kidney disease in a diabetic, reports the National Diabetes Association.
