Glucose is a simple sugar that serves as the body's primary source of energy. The amount of glucose in your blood is tightly controlled by several physiological processes. If these physiological processes are disrupted in any way, it can lead to too much glucose in the blood, a condition called hyperglycemia. If not properly treated, hyperglycemia can lead to serious complications.
Physiology
When you consume carbohydrates, your body uses an enzyme called amylase to break them down into glucose. Glucose travels through your digestive system until it reaches your small intestine where it enters your bloodstream. The presence of glucose signals the pancreas to release a hormone called insulin, which attaches to the glucose and brings it to the cells so that they can use it as energy. Insulin also brings excess glucose to the liver, where it is stored as glycogen for later use. This process lowers the amount of glucose in the blood.
Causes
The most common cause of hyperglycemia is diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic condition in which the body cannot control the amount of glucose in the blood. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by an inability to produce insulin. In those with Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas can produce insulin, but your cells are resistant to the hormone.
Other possible causes of hyperglycemia include pancreatic cancer, inflammation of the pancreas, hyperthyroidism, renal failure and Cushing syndrome. High blood glucose levels may also follow an acute stressor, such as physical trauma or a heart attack. Excessive food intake can also cause hyperglycemia.
Treatment
If you have mild hyperglycemia, exercising can help you burn off glucose and lower the levels of glucose in your blood. Severe hyperglycemia requires intravenous fluids and replacement of electrolytes. Insulin therapy may also be used to lower your blood glucose levels. Once the proper glucose levels are restored, further treatment focuses on correcting the underlying cause of the elevated glucose levels.
Complications
If left untreated, hyperglycemia can lead to a variety of serious complications. Some of these complications include heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage and damage to the blood vessels of the eye, which can lead to blindness. Untreated hyperglycemia can also lead to clouding of the lens of the eye, or cataracts, which can also lead to blindness. Hyperglycemia can also cause bone problems, joint problems, skin problems and gum infections.
Sudden hyperglycemia can also lead to serious complications when related to diabetes. One of these conditions, called diabetic ketoacidosis, is characterized by high levels of toxic substances, called ketones, in the body. Accumulation of ketones called lead to coma and death. Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome is another condition that is characterized by high levels of glucose in the urine. Left untreated, diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome can lead to coma or death.
