Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia (also spelled "Hyperglycaemia") means higher than normal (hyper) levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Normal fasting blood sugar is between 70 -110 mg/dl. Eating too much food, being less active than usual, or taking too little diabetes medicine are some common reasons for high blood glucose. Your blood glucose can also go up when you’re sick or under stress. Hyperglycemia can be a sign of undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes. For most people, blood glucose levels that stay higher than 140 mg/dL (before meals) are too high. Talk with your health care team about the glucose range that is best for you.

Over time, high blood glucose can damage body organs. For this reason, many people with diabetes try to keep their blood glucose in control as much as they can. Some people with type 2 diabetes may not feel the signs of high blood glucose until their blood glucose is higher than 300. People with blood glucose higher than 300 are more likely to have dehydration. Dehydration can become a serious problem if not treated right away.

Your blood glucose is more likely to go up when you’re sick - for example, when you have the flu or an infection. You’ll need to take special care of yourself during these times.

Signs of High Blood Glucose

Frequent urination can be a sign of high blood sugar.

Some common signs of high blood glucose are having a dry mouth, being thirsty, and urinating often. Other signs include feeling tired, having blurred vision, and losing weight without trying. If your glucose is very high, you may have stomach pain, feel sick to your stomach, or even throw up. This is an emergency and you need to go to the hospital right away.

If you have any signs that your blood glucose is high, check your blood. In your logbook or on your record sheet, write down your glucose reading and the time you did the test. If your glucose is high, think about what could have caused it to go up. If you think you know of something, write this down beside your glucose reading.

Preventing High Blood Glucose

• Balance is the key to taking charge of your diabetes.

• Keep a balance

Try to stay with your food and activity plan as much as you can. Drink water. Take your diabetes medicine about the same time each day. Work with your health care team to set goals for weight, blood glucose level, and activity.

• Test your blood glucose

Keep track of your blood glucose and go over your records often. You’ll learn how certain foods or activities affect your glucose.

Show your records to your health care team. Ask how you can change your food, activity, and medicine to avoid or treat high blood glucose. Ask when you should call for help.

Taking Care of Yourself When You're Sick

You'll need to take special care of yourself when you're sick. The tips that follow can help you do this.

Keep Taking Medicine

Be sure to keep taking your diabetes pills or insulin. Don’t stop taking them even if you can’t eat. Your health care provider may even advise you to take more insulin during sickness.

Keep Eating

Try to eat the same amount of fruits and breads as usual. If you can, eat your regular diet. If you’re having trouble doing this, use carbohydrate choices or servings: eat enough soft foods or drink enough liquids to take the place of the fruits and breads you usually eat.

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Drink Liquids

Be sure to drink extra fluids when you're sick.

Drink extra liquids. Try to drink at least 1/2 cup (4 ounces) to 3/4 cup (6 ounces) every half-hour to hour, even if you have to do this in small sips. These liquids should not have calories. Water, diet soda pop, or tea without sugar are good choices.

Check for Changes

• Weigh yourself every day. Losing weight without trying is a sign of high blood glucose.
• Check your temperature every morning and evening. A fever may be a sign of infection.
• Every 4 to 6 hours, check how you’re breathing and decide how alert you feel. Having trouble breathing, feeling more sleepy than usual, or not thinking clearly can be danger signs.

Keep Records

Use "Records for Sick Days." Ask a family member or friend to help if you need it.

Call for Help

Ask your health care provider when you should call. During your sick times, you may need to call every day for advice.

You should call your health care provider or go to an emergency room if any of the following happens:

You may need to call your doctor daily when you're sick.

• You feel too sick to eat normally and for more than 6 hours can’t keep food or liquids down.
• You have severe diarrhea (loose bowel movement).
• You lose 5 pounds or more without trying to.
• Your temperature is over 101°F.
• Your blood glucose level is lower than 60 mg/dL or stays over 300 mg/dL.
• You’re having trouble breathing.
• You feel sleepy or can’t think clearly.