Hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose) occurs when blood glucose rises above normal blood glucose levels. Basically high blood glucose means that your body has too little insulin or you can’t use insulin properly.
Here are some causes of high blood glucose:
Some people do not have any signs or symptoms of high blood glucose. Some symptoms include:
Sometimes you can lower high blood glucose with exercise, but if your blood glucose is above 13.9 mmol/L you should check your urine for ketones. If you have ketones in your urine, you should avoid exercise.
Think about your food choices. Cutting down on the amount of food or changing the type of food, can help.
You may need a change in your medication or insulin. It is a good idea to talk with your diabetes care team about your blood glucose and put a plan in place to regain control of blood glucose.
If your blood glucose stays high, it means that the glucose cannot move into cells for energy. If your body does not have enough insulin, it uses stored fat for energy instead. When stored fat is used, waste products called ketones can build up in the blood. Ketones in the blood – called ketoacidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can result.
Ketoacidosis is more likely to occur in people with Type 1 diabetes. However, people who have Type 2 diabetes may sometimes develop DKA. The stress of illness, trauma, and/or surgery may make controlling your blood glucose levels more difficult and may result in DKA. During times such as these more frequent blood glucose checks are recommended.
Symptoms of DKA include:
If you have any of these symptoms, you will require immediate medical attention. Talk to your diabetes care team about a plan for sick days and how to handle ketoacidosis.
Reference:
ADA website: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hypoglycemia-low-blood.html
The information on this site is intended to provide you with information about Ascensia Diabetes Care’s products and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Any questions or concerns you have regarding diabetes or a medical condition should always be discussed with a qualified medical professional.