A blood glucose level over 400 is a medical emergency. Even if you are not symptomatic, you need to let your doctor know that your blood sugar is this high because you are at risk for a diabetic coma and possibly death. When your blood sugar is this high, your body starts to break down muscle for fuel and produces a toxin called ketones as a by-product. Ketones are an acid, and they build up in your body and can cause you to get very sick. High blood sugar also destroys other parts of your body that will cause damage long term. If your blood sugar is above 400, call your doctor for immediate advice.
Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is defined by a random blood glucose higher than 240 mg/dl, according to the University of Connecticut Health Center. Other than testing your blood, some symptoms you might experience include thirst, fatigue, drowsiness, blurred vision and frequent urination. However, you may have no symptoms at all. If you have a urine testing kit to test for ketones, use it when your blood sugars are above 240. If your urine is positive for ketones, call your doctor because you are at risk for ketoacidosis.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, is a life-threatening condition that can occur if your blood sugar gets too high. This occurs when your body starts breaking down muscle for energy because it is unable to use the circulating glucose that climbs higher and higher. Some symptoms of DKA include dry mouth, thirst, high blood sugars, ketones in the urine, fatigue, dry or flushed skin, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, a fruity odor to your breath and difficulty paying attention, according to the American Diabetes Association. This condition can lead to coma and death if it is not promptly treated.
Risks of Hyperglycemia
Uncontrolled hyperglycemia can lead to the many complications that make diabetes a feared disease. Diabetic ketoacidosis is just one complication, and it happens rather quickly. Other complications from high blood sugar take time to develop. For instance, eye complications such as glaucoma, cataracts and retinopathy leading to blindness are common in diabetics. High blood sugar damages the nerves and blood vessels to your feet, causing ulcers that lead to amputations. Diabetes destroys blood vessels in other parts of your body, such as your kidneys, and that can lead to kidney failure and death. High blood sugar also puts you at greater risk for heart disease and stroke.
Prevention
Examine your lifestyle to determine why your blood sugars are getting so high. Write down everything you eat to determine if you are eating things that are causing your blood sugar to skyrocket. Your current diabetes medications might not provide the right amount of protection, and it may be time for a change. In this case, you need to talk to your doctor about your high blood sugars. Examine your life and your health to determine if undue stress is causing your blood sugars to rise. In this case, you may still need to increase the amount of medication that you are using to control your blood sugars.
