Glucose is sugar that enters your bloodstream after your digestive system breaks foods down. The nutrient is also your cells' primary fuel, which they absorb to generate energy. Too much glucose, however, causes health problems. Elevated glucose, or hyperglycemia, is often a sign of a serious illness. Do not delay seeing a doctor if you feel symptoms.
Hyperglycemia Symptoms
Regardless of what causes your blood glucose to increase, when the sugar reaches an abnormal level, you may feel excessively thirsty and urinate frequently. Your urine may also test positive for glucose if your kidneys excrete the sugar. Problems seeing clearly, headaches, dry skin and exhaustion are also symptoms. The negative effects on your health become more serious as the condition progresses. Toxins known as ketones accumulate in your blood and urine and you become weak and confused. It is also difficult to breathe. Without treatment, you slip into a coma.
Hyperglycemia’s Mechanisms
Under normal circumstances, cells absorb glucose when your pancreas releases insulin, triggering their reaction. If the organ cannot produce enough of the hormone, the cells do not know that it is time to soak up the sugar in the bloodstream. As a result, glucose accumulates unused. Hyperglycemia also occurs when you have a pancreas that functions properly but cells that are insensitive to insulin. No matter how much hormone the pancreas releases, the cells do not “hear” the message that there is glucose available.
Associated Conditions
Several medical problems are associated with elevated blood sugar. Diabetes is possibly the most well-known condition. Hyperglycemia does not cause diabetes, but it is a symptom of the disease. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin. In type 2 diabetes, insulin production is adequate but the cells are insensitive to it. Hepatitis C in HIV-positive individuals causes them to be prone to elevated glucose. The same propensity occurs when their medical therapy includes protease inhibitors. Protease is a cell component that the human immunodeficiency virus needs to multiply.
Hyperglycemia Treatment
Do not diagnose your own condition. Other medical problems may cause symptoms similar to hyperglycemia’s. See your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment plan. If she finds you are hyperglycemic, her recommendations will depend on what has caused your blood sugar to rise. She may tell HIV patients, for example, to stop taking protease inhibitors or to continue the medication and to also use a drug to lower their blood sugar. When hyperglycemia is a diabetes symptom, physical exercise, a low-glucose diet and an adjustment of the insulin dosage are options you and your doctor may discuss to control your glucose.
Hyperglycemia Diet
Follow the dietary recommendations you receive from your doctor to control your glucose. The American Diabetes Association has a meal suggestion that may apply to your situation even if you do not have the condition. Check with your doctor. The organization suggests large servings of non-starchy foods, such as greens, carrots, cucumbers and mushrooms, as your main meal. On the side, have a small serving of products made of whole grains or starchy vegetables, such as potatoes and peas. Eat small portions of meats low in saturated fats. Salmon, cod, tuna and skinless poultry are healthful options. A piece of fruit and glass of low-fat or nonfat milk complete your meal.
References
- AIDSinfo: Hyperglycemia
- Medline Plus; High Blood Sugar; David C. Dugdale, III, M.D., et al.; Nov. 29, 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Hyperglycemia in Diabetes -- Symptoms
- MayoClinic.com: Hyperglycemia in Diabetes -- Causes
- AEGIS: Simple Facts Project: Protease Inhibitors
- MayoClinic.com: Hyperglycemia in Diabetes -- Treatments and Drugs
- American Diabetes Association: Create Your Plate
