Hyperglycemia, commonly known as high blood sugar, occurs when there is too much glucose in the blood. Hyperglycemia is a common complication of diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, and uncontrolled hyperglycemia can lead to serious health complications.

What is Hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia is defined as a blood glucose level above the normal range. For individuals without diabetes, the body keeps blood glucose levels fasted between approximately 70 to 100 mg/dL and below 140 mg/dL at two hours post meal. The clinical definition for hyperglycemia is typically:

-Fasted glucose: Over 130 mg/dL
-Post-meal (after eating): Over 180 mg/dL

Factors Contributing to Hyperglycemia

The most common contributor to hyperglycemia in individuals with diabetes is an imbalance of glucose in the bloodstream and the amount of insulin produced in the body. Other factors contributing to hyperglycemia include:

-Inadequate dosing of insulin or diabetes medication
-Excessive intake of carbohydrates
-Physical inactivity
-Acute illness or infection
-Stress (either emotional or physical)
-Hormonal changes (puberty or menstruation)
-Certain medications, for example, steroids or diuretics

In individuals without diabetes, hyperglycemia can occur transiently due to acute illnesses, stress, or medications, but chronic hyperglycemia usually suggests developing insulin resistance or diabetes.

Signs of Hyperglycemia
Common signs of high blood sugar can begin with:

• Excessive thirst

• Increased urination

• Feeling tired

• Being blurry-eyed

• Having a headache

If not treated, hyperglycemia may develop into more serious issues such as:

• Keto acidosis (mostly in type 1 diabetes): A fatal condition or acute state of medical event brought about through excess acid produced in the blood called ketone.

• Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS): A situation that usually exists with type 2 diabetes characterized by extreme dehydration with excessive blood sugar levels.

Diagnosis & Monitoring
Diagnosing Hyperglycemia and related conditions can be made through different blood assessments:

• Fasting blood glucose

• Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): Average blood glucose for 2–3 months time.

• Random blood glucose tests.

For individuals with diabetes, it is mandatory to be aware of the signs of hyperglycemia and the monitoring of their condition, with the goal of recognizing hyperglycemia before it becomes severe. However, all must manage serious high blood glucose levels and prevent complications with the topic.

Treatment and Management
There are short-term strategies that correct hyperglycemia and there are long-term strategies for managing it.

Short-Term Strategies
* Change your insulin dosage (if you take insulin)

• Drink water to clear out excess glucose

• Engage in light exercise (if you are not experiencing ketones)

• Do not eat any high carb meals until the levels are down.

Long-Term Strategies

• Use a diabetes-friendly diet

• Take your medications or insulin as prescribed, as the physician has you doing.

• Stay active

• Utilize stress management techniques

• Check your blood sugar regularly

Potential Complications of Uncontrolled Hyperglycemia

Chronic hyperglycemia may cause damage to blood vessels.

• Eventually, blood vessels to the eyes,
• heart,
• kidneys and nerves will become affected.
• These changes may result in heart disease,
• stroke, kidney damage (nephropathy),
• nerve damage (nephropathy), damage to the eye (nephropathy) and eventually issues with wounds healing and poor immunity to infection.

When to Consult a Physician
If you are experiencing any of the following, you should seek immediate medical attention:

• Persistent high blood sugar readings

• Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis such as nausea, vomiting, fruity breath, confusion

• Signs of dehydration or confusion

Conclusion
Hyperglycemia can be managed effectively. It requires effort by the patient in monitoring and self-management of their blood sugars, education of the condition, and active participation by making appropriate decision about their blood sugar levels. Whether the patient has diabetes or is at-risk of developing diabetes, through an understanding of the causes of hyperglycemia, early identification of symptoms, and adherence to a management plan, you can manage blood sugars and limit risk of complications.