Hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose, occurs when the blood carries too much sugar. Your body produces too little insulin or is unable to use the body's insulin correctly. Too much blood sugar may cause severe and serious medical complications. According to the American Diabetes Association, high blood sugar happens to all diabetics at one time. Monitoring blood sugar levels and identifying symptoms of hyperglycemia are effective methods to controlling and preventing the complication. Symptoms include high blood sugar levels, high levels of sugar in urine, frequent urination and increased thirst, the ADA says.
Excercise
You should exercise to decrease high levels of blood sugar. Always check your blood sugar before exercising; if levels are higher than 240mg/dL, check urine sugar levels for ketones. A simple urine test can identify the presence of ketones. Don't exercise or engage in increased physical activity if ketones are present, because blood sugar levels may increase. Plan physical activities before an episode of hyperglycemia occurs and discuss options with a medical professional. Walking around the neighborhood, going for a swim or even gardening are all ways to get active.
Eat Less and Avoid Sugary Foods
Follow a diabetic meal plan. Eating too many sweets and sugars may cause episodes of hyperglycemia. Working with a dietician specializing in diabetes allows a specific meal plan to be created. MayoClinic.com suggests eating less and avoiding sticky, sugary foods.
Insulin
If you have hyperglycemia, you may need to temporarily adjust insulin levels. Often, a sliding scale describing the amount of insulin needed, dependent on blood sugar levels, is recommended by a medical doctor. The solution is a temporary fix and shouldn't be performed on a regular basis. You may discuss adjusting oral diabetes medications--including time and dosage amounts--with your medical doctor, MayoClinic.com says.
Emergency Plan
People with hyperglycemia often require immediate medical treatment and hospitalization. Fluids are encouraged during severe episodes of hyperglycemia and are administered intravenously or orally. The fluids dilute sugar levels in the blood and rehydrate the body. Electrolytes are administered through an IV to keep the heart, muscles and nerves functioning properly, according to MayoClinic.com. Identifying the cause of the hyperglycemic attack is critical to prevent the incident from recurring. Bacterial infections and even heart attacks may be underlying causes.
