Diabetes is a disease characterized by high blood glucose levels and a problem with insulin production or utilization. Diabetes is a chronic, life-long disease that can be treated, but not cured. In treating diabetes, you must monitor your blood sugar level and make sure that it never gets too high or too low. High blood sugar, a condition called hyperglycemia, can lead to complications.
Blood Sugar
Every time you take in food, your body is able to break down that food into glucose, which is the main form of sugar in your body. Your body uses sugar as the main source of energy. From your digestive tract, the glucose enters your bloodstream. To absorb glucose, your body needs appropriate levels of insulin. When insulin levels are low or if your body is unable to use insulin, glucose begins to build up in your blood. High blood sugar levels, also called hyperglycemia, can lead to a variety of health problems.
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia can cause a variety of signs and symptoms. If you have high blood sugar levels, one of the first things you may develop is frequent urination and increased levels of glucose in the blood, according to the American Diabetes Association. The high levels of glucose in the blood are filtered through the kidney. The sugar can enter your urine and causes an increase in urine volume. Therefore, you are forced to urinate more and glucose can be found in your urine. This increased urination can cause a slight dip in your body's water reserves, which can cause intense thirst, another symptom associated with hyperglycemia.
Hyperglycemia and Diabetes
Chronically high levels of sugar can lead to a serious disease called diabetes. There are three major types of diabetes: type I diabetes, usually found in younger patients; type II diabetes, which is the most common adult form; and gestational diabetes, which is caused by pregnancy. If you suffer from diabetes, you are always at risk for high blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar levels rise, you may develop some severe complications associated with diabetes.
Diabetes Complications
Diabetes can cause a variety of complications, but typically only if your blood sugar levels are consistently elevated. Complications can include heart disease, nerve damage, vision loss, serious infections and non-healing wounds, MayoClinic.com notes. If your blood sugar levels get too high, you may develop a diabetic coma, which can lead to permanent nerve damage and even death.
Treatment
Treatment for high blood sugar levels in diabetics focuses on reducing blood sugar levels and preventing complications, according to the New York Times Health Guide. You can treat hyperglycemia by controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol, carefully monitoring your blood glucose levels, regular exercise, a healthy diet and the use of glucose-lowering medication or insulin.
