High blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, can be life-threatening to people who have either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. Other serious conditions related to high blood sugars, such as ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) can also occur. The key to preventing hyperglycemia is to carefully monitor and manage your blood sugar levels. You should also be aware of the symptoms of these conditions so you can prevent a high blood sugar emergency.
Causes and Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia can occur when you miss or skip doses of your insulin or pills, eat too much or do not exercise enough. High blood sugar can also be brought on by illness, infection or stress. Hyperglycemia usually develops slowly, taking hours or sometimes days to reach dangerous levels. By recognizing the symptoms, you can take action and treat high blood sugars before they become life-threatening.
Early symptoms of hyperglycemia include:
- Thirst and dehydration
- Frequent urination
- Feeling tired and weak
- Blood sugar higher than 180 mg/dL
Causes and Symptoms of Ketoacidosis
If you do not treat hyperglycemia early you could develop ketoacidosis (DKA). This condition occurs when insulin levels are low and your body can’t use glucose for fuel. Instead, it breaks down fat for energy, which produces acidic waste products called ketones. Your body tries get rid of ketones through urine, but when they are too high and can’t be eliminated fast enough, ketones can build up to dangerous levels. When this occurs, you should seek treatment immediately, as ketoacidosis can lead to diabetic coma.
Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Blood sugar higher than 600 mg/dL
Causes and Symptoms of Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome
Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) is similar to ketoacidosis, except ketones do not build up in the blood. Your body responds to high blood sugars by trying to eliminate them through urine, which is why frequent urination is an early sign of HHS. If you don’t drink enough water or you consume sugary drinks, your body can’t get rid of the excess blood glucose fast enough and your blood becomes much thicker (hypersmolar) than normal. Severe dehydration can result in seizures, coma or even death.
Symptoms of HHS include:
- Dry mouth
- Frequent urination (at first), then dark urine
- Extreme thirst and dehydration
- Fever over 101 degrees
- Blurred vision
- Blood sugar higher than 600 mg/dL
Ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome can occur in both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, but HHS is more common among older people with Type 2 Diabetes.
Preventing High Blood Sugar
To prevent a hyperglycemic emergency, you should check your blood glucose often, especially if you are sick. If your blood glucose level is 300 mg/dL or higher, you should also check your ketone levels with a urine test or a blood test. Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water or sugar-free, decaffeinated liquids. And be sure to call your doctor if your blood glucose is consistently high, as your medication might need adjusting.
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