Hyperglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels are too high. This condition is mainly common and affects people with diabetes and will become serious if not treated. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms of hyperglycemia is very important, helping you promptly handle and avoid unfortunate risks that may occur.
If you have hyperglycemia without treatment for a long time, nerves, blood vessels, tissues and organs can be damaged. Severe hyperglycemia will sometimes lead to acute and serious, life-threatening complications such as ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar blood pressure. So, what are the symptoms of hyperglycemia?
What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia?
The same high blood sugar level but with different blood sugar levels, people with diabetes may experience different symptoms. Symptoms may appear when blood sugar levels increase, usually between 180 – 200 mg/dL (10 – 11.1 mmol/L). Some people do not have any unusual signs until their blood sugar is 250 mg/dL or higher.
1. Classic symptoms of acute hyperglycemia
Early symptoms of hyperglycemia may include:
- Thirst more and/or feel hungry
- Frequent urination
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Feeling weaker than usual.
2. Signs of long-term hyperglycemia
In the long term, hyperglycemia can cause the following symptoms:
- Tired
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Skin infections
- Wounds and ulcers heal slowly.
You need to pay attention to the early signs of hyperglycemia and monitor your blood sugar regularly if you are taking insulin or diabetes medication. Untreated hyperglycemia can progress to ketoacidosis or hyperosmolarity . This is a dangerous situation that can lead to coma and death.
Symptoms of acute hyperglycemia in ketoacidosis include:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Dehydration
- Stomach-ache
- Breath smells fruity
- Breathe quickly and deeply
- Heart arrhythmia
- Confusion and loss of direction
- Difficulty concentrating
- Drowsy, not alert
- Loss of consciousness.
Ketoacidosis may also be the first symptom experienced in people with previously undiagnosed type 1 diabetes.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have diabetes and frequently experience high blood sugar, you should see a doctor, whether you have symptoms or not. Your doctor will help you adjust your treatment regimen if needed, including changes in medication, diet, or exercise. Good management will reduce the risk of hyperglycemia you may experience in the future.
It is especially important that you call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room immediately if:
- Blood sugar levels are always above 250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L) and there are symptoms of acute hyperglycemia, such as high blood sugar levels accompanied by vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing… This condition requires immediate medical help.
- Have constant diarrhea or vomiting, can’t eat or drink anything.
How to reduce blood sugar at home
In addition to seeing your doctor promptly, following some of the tips below will help you prevent hyperglycemia symptoms from recurring. You:
- Use diabetes medication as prescribed by your doctor, following instructions on dosage and duration of medication. You are not allowed to change your medication dose without your doctor’s permission.
- Avoid eating too many foods containing sugar or starch. If you are using diabetes medication, you should be consistent in the amount of food and timing of meals during the day accordingly.
- Try not to let yourself experience mental stress by balancing work and rest, getting enough sleep, and taking time for your favorite recreational activities.
- Exercise regularly every day, monitor blood sugar levels before, during and after exercise to find the appropriate intensity of exercise.
- Lose weight healthily with appropriate diet and exercise if you are overweight.
- Ask for advice and follow your doctor’s advice on sick days like flu, cold, etc.
Several studies have shown that prolonged untreated hyperglycemia shortens life expectancy and reduces quality of life. Therefore, people with diabetes must always pay attention to measuring blood sugar regularly, detect symptoms of hyperglycemia early and follow their doctor’s instructions in controlling the disease.
