Hyperglycemia is the technical term for a blood glucose level that is too high. Hyperglycemia is the major cause of many of the complications associated with diabetes. Chronic hyperglycemia leads to organ damage; acute hyperglycemia can lead to life-threatening ketoacidosis. According to the American Diabetes Association, hyperglycemia occurs "when the body has too little, or not enough, insulin or when the body can't use insulin properly ... A number of things can cause hyperglycemia. For example, if you have type 1 diabetes, you may not have given yourself enough insulin. If you have type 2 diabetes, your body may have enough insulin, but it is not as effective as it should be ... The problem could be that you ate more than planned or exercised less than planned. The stress of an illness, such as a cold or flu, could also be the cause. Other stresses, such as family conflicts or school or dating problems, could also cause hyperglycemia."
The warning signs of hyperglycemia are frequent urination, thirst and high blood glucose level.
Avoiding hyperglycemia is a major part of managing diabetes as a chronic condition.
Early signs of hyperglycemia include:
- Increased frequency of urination
- Increased thirst
- Mouth becoming dry
- Vision becomes blurred
- A feeling of fatigue
Major causes of hyperglycemia include;
- Consuming large quantity of foods
- Absence of physical activities and excercise
- Using insufficient insulin or using insulin which has expired
- Forgetting to take medicines
- Physical stress and problems arising from certain conditions, fro example, from infection or flue, etc.
- Emotional stress arising from a variety of factors like problems in home or at work place