A number of things can cause hyperglycemia:
If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas has stopped—or nearly stopped—making insulin. Insulin allows glucose to cross out of your bloodstream and go into your body's cells—it's like a key that "unlocks" the cells. Without an insulin "key" you have no way to "unlock" your cells to allow glucose from your bloodstream to enter. You also have no way to block the release of glucose from your liver into your bloodstream. Your blood glucose gets too high.
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body's cells have become resistant to insulin. So even though you have an insulin "key," it's as if the cell "lock" is broken so that glucose can't easily get in. Glucose stays in your bloodstream and blood glucose gets too high. Over time, some people with type 2 diabetes also develop trouble making enough insulin (insulin deficiency), which is the same problem that people with type 1 diabetes have.
Sometimes the blood glucose of a child with diabetes will be too high. This is called hyperglycemia. It may be due to:
The child will drink lots of water and urinate more than usual. If you know a child has diabetes, and blood tests show that the child’s blood glucose meter reading is above 300mg/dl, follow the instructions on the student’s diabetes care plan and notify the parents immediately.
Yes, a number of things can cause high blood sugar but most of the time it is due to having diabetes. But it can also be due to other causes. These include medications such as beta blockers, epinephrine, thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, niacin, pentamidine, protease inhibitors and some antipsychotics. Illegal drug use of amphetamine can produce high blood sugar. Some of the newer, double action anti-depressants like Zyprexa and Cymbalta can also cause significant high blood sugar.
Another cause of high blood sugar is when the body is in a state of physical stress associated with critical illness like a stroke or heart attack. An active blood infection, known as sepsis, is often seen with blood sugar levels that are high. During these times of stress, the body releases its own hormones that can raise blood sugar. The level that the blood sugar reaches can change from person to person and should not be used as a diagnosis of diabetes. Further testing, such checking blood sugar levels after not eating for 8 hours or checking a special test of red blood cells can show if there really is a diagnosis of diabetes.
Hyperglycemia is the technical term for high blood glucose (sugar), which happens from time to time to all people who have diabetes. High blood glucose happens when the body has too little insulin or when the body can’t use insulin properly. It is a major cause of complications with diabetes. Generally, fasting levels are above 130 mg/dl and above 180 mg/dl 2 hours after a meal. Symptoms include frequent urination, increased thirst, and weight loss.
You can cope with hyperglycemia by understanding the following concepts:
If you have type 1 diabetes, your blood glucose level can go too high for a number of reasons, such as if you don't take enough insulin, if you are sick, or if you eat lots of food. When you eat, your blood glucose level goes up. But not all foods have the same effect. Carbohydrates have the greatest impact on blood glucose levels, so when eating them, it is important to choose healthy sources such as whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables, and dairy products.
High blood sugar can lead to severe complications over time. People with a history of chronic high blood glucose levels can develop problems with their eyes, kidneys, circulation or nerves.
If you experience any of the following signs of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome, you need to check your blood glucose level at once and call your health care provider. Be sure those around you know what to do, because you may not be able to react:
• dry, parched mouth
• extreme thirst, although this may gradually disappear
• sleepiness or confusion
• warm, dry skin with no sweating
• high blood glucose. If it’s over 300 mg/dl on two readings, call your