According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)[1], more than 45% of individuals in the United States suffer from hyperglycemia, sometimes known as high blood sugar. The illness can affect anyone, even though persons with diabetes are frequently affected by it.
It can cause major health issues like vision loss, heart disease, and renal failure if left untreated. Continue reading to find out more about hyperglycemia, including typical symptoms, risks, and when to consult a doctor.
What Is Hyperglycemia?
When the body's blood contains an excessive amount of glucose, or sugar, it experiences hyperglycemia.
Michael Marchese, M.D., a board-certified endocrinologist at Stamford Health Medical Group in Connecticut, says that insulin, a naturally occurring hormone created by the pancreas, is required for our cells to use the glucose from meals for energy. When the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use the insulin it does produce properly, hyperglycemia results.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define a normal blood glucose level as 99 milligrams per deciliter or less while fasting or 140 milligrams per deciliter or less two hours after a meal (CDC).When your blood glucose levels surpass 125 milligrams per deciliter while fasting or 180 milligrams per deciliter two hours after eating, you have high blood sugar.
According to Kateryna Komarovskiy, M.D., a board-certified endocrinologist at Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas, "Elevation above a healthy threshold usually happens in people with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or insulin resistance (a condition in which a person's cells stop responding to insulin) as their [bodies] cannot adequately process the increase in glucose." However, it can also rise as a result of certain diets, stress, drugs, or other medical issues that can raise the production of stress hormones.
She adds that while infrequent episodes of high blood sugar are typically not cause for alarm, someone who experiences frequent, protracted, or severe blood sugar rises would probably need to consult a doctor.
High Blood Sugar Symptoms
If you have any of the following symptoms or are concerned that you may have high blood sugar, it's crucial to speak with a healthcare professional, advises Dr. Marchese. High blood sugar symptoms can differ from person to person and range in severity.
- Excessive thirst and tongue dryness
- More frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Hazy vision
- Unintentional loss of weight
- Recurrent infections such yeast infections, skin conditions, and urinary tract infections
According to Dr. Komarovskiy, people who have very high glucose levels—over 300 milligrams per deciliter—may have shortness of breath, confusion, and drowsiness. "This [glucose level] is regarded as a medical emergency, and [the person] should be visited by a physician as soon as practicable," the statement reads.
Risks of High Blood Sugar
Dr. Komarovskiy adds that untreated high blood sugar can result in serious and lifelong health issues, such as harm to blood vessels and internal organs.
She says that persistently elevated blood sugar may result in:
- Stroke
- chest pain
- Coronary artery disease
- Neuropathy, which can make the hands, feet, and other areas of the body weak or numb
- Renal failure
- The retina, a layer of cells that are light-sensitive and line the back of the eyeball, might bleed or enlarge.
- Loss of vision
- No memory
- some cancers, such as prostate, breast, and colon cancer
The danger of problems increases with the amount of time when blood sugar is elevated.Dr. Komarovskiy advises regular examinations with your doctor to detect any changes in glucose levels before they pose a serious risk to your health.
When to Consult a Medical Professional
Dr. Komarovskiy advises seeking medical attention as soon as you think you may be showing signs of hyperglycemia. "The danger [of developing] problems or organ damage would be negligible if managed early on and quickly," she continues.
Using a glucometer, also referred to as a glucose meter, or by lab testing, your healthcare professional will check your blood glucose levels. The results of a battery of blood tests, including an A1C test that gauges your average blood glucose level over the previous two to three months and possibly including a fasting blood glucose test and an oral glucose tolerance test that assesses how well your body processes sugar, will, however, be used to make a formal diagnosis.
Depending on the efficiency of the lab and your doctor's office, the results of these tests may be ready in a short period of time, says Dr. Marchese.
Your health care provider might suggest lifestyle changes, including as exercise and dietary adjustments, medications, or insulin therapy, based on your findings and individual health history. Working closely with your healthcare practitioner will help you receive the finest possible care that is catered to your particular needs, according to Dr. Marchese.