1. It Is Often Caused By Medication
Checking your teen's management of his or her diabetes medication may give you clues to the source of the hyperglycemia. Make sure you talk to your teen's doctor about how to manage diabetes and understand the target blood glucose levels. Talk to your teen to make sure he or she is taking the proper dose, check the expiration date on the insulin, and make sure pumps, meters, and other equipment are functioning correctly. Finally, see if you your child's prescription needs to be updated. Know that other medications, like steroids used to diminish inflammation, may also raise blood sugar levels.
2. It May Point to a More Serious Condition
The fatigue, blurred vision and hunger associated with hyperglycemia may be a sign that something more serious is happening in the body. Hyperglycemia may be an indicator of diabetes, a disease also characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood. It could also be a sign of bulimia. Ten percent of teens suffer from an eating disorder--young women with Type 1 diabetes are even more susceptible, according to a 2002 study from the University of Toronto. Taking less insulin, or skipping doses altogether, may seem like a quick way to drop pounds for some teens because less insulin may result in frequent urination and weight loss.
3. Symptoms Can Be Severe
Besides being an indicator of diabetes, untreated hyperglycemia itself may lead to a host of other dangerous and life-threatening conditions. In its worst case it could lead to intestinal problems and coma. Other complications like blindness, nerve damage, stroke and heart and kidney disease may result later in life if hyperglycemia is not kept under control. Look out for signs of high blood sugar like dry skin, thirst, frequent urination and shortness of breath.
4. Treatment Should Be a Top Priority
Hypoglycemic patients suffer from an imbalance in the body, which can be fatal if not taken care of. Your child may face painful symptoms of nerve damage or even a diabetic coma leading to long-lasting effects. Tell your child to drink water and eat right, but more importantly talk to your doctor about proper blood glucose management.
5. Habits Play a Significant Role
The typical American lifestyle of fatty foods with little exercise can also cause hyperglycemia. If you see your teen falling into unhealthy routines of a sedentary lifestyle, try to encourage him or her to join a sport or another activity. Exercising keeps blood sugar low. Encourage a well-balanced diet with whole grains and vegetables that will also keep blood glucose levels at bay.
