Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a common effect of Type 2 diabetes. Many people are able to manage their blood sugar with medication, diet and exercise, but sometimes complications arise. When blood sugar gets too high, it can cause a wide range of side effects, including some that are deadly. It is important to know the warning signs of severe hyperglycemia in order to remain healthy.
Elevated Blood Sugar
When blood sugars first begin to rise, symptoms are relatively minor. They include an increase in both thirst and urine output, an increased level of hunger, fatigue, blurry vision and unexplained weight loss. If you begin to experience these symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor right away. Treatment can be as simple as adding exercise to your day, or reducing the number of starchy carbohydrates you are eating.
Diabetic Hyperosmolar Syndrome
A diabetic is officially in diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome when their blood sugar reaches 600 milligrams per deciliter. When this happens, the blood will thicken to syrup like consistency. As the excess sugar is expelled from the body, it pulls body fluids with it. Someone suffering from diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome can quickly develop life threatening dehydration. Other symptoms of this condition are increased urination, sleepiness, confusion, weakness often isolated to one side of the body and warm, dry and non-sweating skin. If not treated, it can lead to damage to the kidney and heart, convulsions, coma and death.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
When the body's insulin stops functioning properly, it may have trouble breaking down glucose for energy. When this happens, the body begins burning fat. A byproduct of this is the formation of ketones, which are a toxic acid that the body produces in order to manufacture energy from fat. Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include fruity smelling breath, increased thirst, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath. Not only can it be deadly, but the treatment can be dangerous as well. Rapid adjustments to the blood sugar levels can lead to too low potassium or blood sugar levels, as well as swelling in the brain.
