Hyperglycemia is a condition that occurs when blood glucose levels rise greatly above normal. The text "Medical-Surgical Nursing" characterizes hyperglycemia as blood sugar above 250 mg/dL. You may or may not have symptoms, so it is important to check your blood glucose level on a regular basis. Ask your physician if you should eat when hyperglycemia is present and only eat if your physician has advised you to do so.
Hyperglycemia Basics
Hyperglycemia in diabetes can happen due to eating more food than normal, eating concentrated sweets or failing to take insulin or oral anti-diabetic agents as ordered. It can also happen due to bodily changes, lack of exercise, illness or high stress levels. Hyperglycemia can cause long-term damage to organs and nerves. It can also cause you to become comatose or die if it's severe and left untreated.
Carbohydrates, Fats and Protein
If you follow a calorie-counting diabetic diet, you will want to choose a protein food when told to eat while hyperglycemic. Good choices include 1 tbs of peanut butter on 2 wheat crackers, 1/2 c of low-fat cottage cheese, or 3 oz of turkey breast wrapped in a large lettuce leaf. In the past, people with diabetes were encouraged to eat fats, as they digest more slowly and don't raise blood sugar as much as carbohydrates, but scientists now recognize that diabetics have an increased risk for heart disease and no longer recommend this practice. If you choose to eat fat while hyperglycemic, keep the portion small. Carbohydrates should be restricted to complex carbohydrates such as 1 c of broccoli, 1/2 c of pinto beans or a serving of whole-grain cereal.
Using the Glycemic Index
If you follow the glycemic index, you will want to use that to choose a food to eat when told to eat during a hyperglycemic episode. Choose a food low on the glycemic index, preferably at 40 or below. Good choices include 1 c of soy milk, 1/2 c of barley, a slice of wheat bread, 6 oz of unsweetened yogurt or 1/2 c of black-eyed peas.
Strategy to Prevent Hyperglycemia
To avoid hyperglycemia, exercise regularly and avoid eating large food portions. Limit or avoid concentrated sweets such as undiluted fruit juice, cake, ice cream, pie and milk shakes. Plan your meals ahead of time and keep healthy snacks with you at all times to help you avoid culinary mishaps. Consult your physician if you frequently suffer hyperglycemia as your medication may need to be adjusted. You may also benefit from the services of a dietitian who can help you revamp your diet.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing;" Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
- American Diabetes Association: Hyperglycemia
- The University of Sydney; Home of the Glycemic Index; March 2010
