Risk factors are elements that do not cause a disease or illness, but rather seem to be associated in some way with the disease. Risk factors for high blood glucose, or hyperglycemia, increase your overall chances of developing the condition. If you are concerned about developing hyperglycemia, consult your doctor for a personalized risk assessment.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis patients are at risk for cystic fibrosis related diabetes, or CFRD. This type of high blood glucose shares similarities with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The pancreas of the CFRD patient does not produce insulin; there is not enough insulin; and the patient's body is resistant to the effects of insulin. The risk of CFRD increases with increased age, and approximately 15 percent of cystic fibrosis patients develop the condition, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The cause of the high blood glucose level is complex. Excess mucus scars the pancreas, high levels of cortisol create insulin resistance and the chronic inflammation of cystic fibrosis alters the patient's metabolism.
Acute Illness
Sudden illness. such as a life-threatening infection, a stroke or cardiac ischemia can result in high blood glucose. Cardiac ischemia occurs when not enough blood or oxygen reaches the heart. The stress of surgery can also elevate blood glucose. These conditions cause an increase in destructive metabolism called catabolism, an increase in the conversion of glycogen to glucose by the liver and the breakdown of fat for energy. All of these metabolic processes result in an elevation of blood sugar levels. Treatment for this type of hyperglycemia is intravenous insulin therapy.
Corticosteroid Medication
Chronic health conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Crohn's disease or arthritis, may require corticosteroid medications. These steroids can elevate blood glucose levels by suppressing the uptake of glucose and by increasing the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver. For patients taking corticosteroids, those most at risk for hyperglycemia include the elderly, patients on high doses of steroids and patients with a family history of diabetes. If you are on corticosteroids and concerned about your risk for hyperglycemia, talk to your doctor.
Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes is a form of high blood glucose that only occurs during the final three months of pregnancy. Hormones produced by the placenta interfere with the action of insulin in the mother, resulting in increased blood glucose levels. Other risk factors include a mother older than 25 years, a family history of diabetes and obesity. A diabetic diet and exercise typically control pregnancy related hyperglycemia, although medication may be necessary. The condition usually improves once the baby is born.
Diabetes
Diabetes is the most recognized risk factor for high blood glucose. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin to control glucose levels. In type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, the body does not make enough insulin and tissues do not respond properly to insulin. Pre-diabetes results in higher than normal blood glucose levels, but these levels are not high enough to diagnose diabetes. There are many additional risk factors for developing high blood glucose related to diabetes or prediabetes. These include a positive family history, being overweight, increased age, polycystic ovary syndrome and high cholesterol or triglycerides.
References
- "In A Page Signs & Symptoms"; Hyperglycemia; Scott Kahan, et al.; 2008
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: Managing Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes "(CFRD)" 4th Edition
- MayoClinic.com: Gestational Diabetes
- MayoClinic.com: Diabetes
