Elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream is called hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia results when there is not enough insulin available to lower the blood glucose level. Insulin is the only hormone that acts to lower blood glucose. In patients with diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia is common.
Glucose
Glucose is the principal sugar made by the body and is used to produce energy. Foods that are consumed, carbohydrates, fats and proteins, are broken down into glucose. According to an article in the April/May/June 2004 "Critical Care Nursing Quarterly," we generally consume more food than is needed, but it is stored in the liver for later use. The body needs to maintain a normal balance of glucose for normal functioning. As noted in the book "Current Diagnosis and Treatment Emergency Medicine," high glucose is greater than 200 mg/dL and low glucose is less than 50 mg/dL.
Maintaining Balance
In order for the body to be able to maintain a normal balance of glucose, insulin must be present. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that moves glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy. If insulin is not available, glucose levels rise in the bloodstream.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is common in diabetes, but it can occur from other causes as well. Patients who are diabetics have high blood glucose either because insulin is not produced, or it is not being used effectively. Other than diabetes, glucose levels may increase as a result of certain medications, infections, heart attack or stroke. Recognizing early signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia can prevent severe complications.
Symptoms
Early symptoms of hyperglycemia include excessive thirst, frequent urination and excessive hunger. Additionally, high blood sugar can cause changes in vision, weight loss and slow wound healing. These early symptoms may be an indication of the onset of diabetes. According to "Critical Care Nursing Quarterly," if blood sugars continue to rise and are not treated it can progress to electrolyte imbalances, depression of the immune system, abnormal heart rhythms and death.
Treatment
Treatment for hyperglycemia will vary depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, high blood sugar can be managed with diet modifications and oral medications. In hyperglycemia caused by type 1 diabetes, where no insulin is produced by the pancreas, insulin is the treatment. If electrolyte imbalances are present, correcting these will be necessary. Hyperglycemia causes dehydration, therefore replacing fluids will help correct the high blood glucose.
References
- "Critical Care Nursing Quarterly"; Pathophysiology of Diabetes Mellitus; Guthrie & Guthrie; 2004
- "Current Diagnosis and Treatment Emergency Medicine"; McGraw Hill; 2008
- "Critical Care Nursing Quarterly"; The Importance of Normoglycemia in Critically Ill Patients: DiNardo & Korytkowski; 2004
