Hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition of the metabolism where there are unusually high levels of sugar in the blood. Blood sugar levels rise over a period of several days. If this situation is not remedied by the production of sufficient amounts of insulin, hyperglycemia sets in. Hyperglycemia is most common for diabetics although other factors may cause it. Conditions such as cystic fibrosis and submersion injury from near-drowning can also bring about hyperglycemia.
Effects
High levels of sugar occur when the body produces too much sugar and is unable to use it. This causes dieresis or increased urinary output. Dehydration can set in because of the loss of fluids and electrolytes. Swelling can occur in the brain and can induce the patient into a coma if the dehydration becomes severe enough. The other effect of the loss of electrolytes in the body is muscle impairment. This is because electrolytes maintain the levels of fluids in the body and help in the control of muscle contraction and production of energy. When a person suffers from hyperglycemia, free fatty acids increase in the body and consequently raise the levels of ketoacids in the liver. The body undergoes further breakdown when it becomes too acidic.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of hyperglycemia are frequent urination and increased thirst. This can also be accompanied by dry skin and a dry mouth. Aches may also be felt in the body. The person may experience headaches and abdominal pain as a sign that hyperglycemia is being experienced. In more severe cases, nausea and vomiting as well as drowsiness and lethargy can be felt. Hyperglycemia can also checked through the breath of a person. This particular condition usually causes the breath to smell sweet and fruity and at the same time make breathing labored and difficult. If any of these symptoms appear, then a consultation with a licensed physician is recommended to assess whether hyperglycemia is .
Insulin Treatment
The treatment of hyperglycemia should be done over a period of several days to avoid shocking the body. There is a danger of developing hypokalemia or high levels of potassium which can lead to cerebral edema if treatment is done without the proper monitoring. Insulin is administered into the body to alleviate hyperglycemia. It is usually given along with intravenous fluids and salts to rehydrate the patient. The insulin helps in moving the sugar back into the cells and slowing down the production of sugar by the liver. It also stops fatty acids from being released.
Other Treatments
During the treatment for hyperglycemia, the fluid output of the patient is taken and carefully tested to check if the treatment is working and the metabolic activity of the body is being restored. In more severe cases of hyperglycemia, mannitol is given when the patient loses consciousness or suffers from an irregular heartbeat or seizures.
Prevention/Solution
Hyperglycemia can be prevented by monitoring the blood sugar levels and carefully following instructions on insulin injections, if needed. Proper diet and exercise are also important to prevent the occurrence of this condition. Children and teenagers are particularly prone to hyperglycemia because of their hormones and sleeping and eating patterns so additional care must be given to them. Obesity is also linked to the onset of hyperglycemia so maintaining a healthy weight is needed to avoid it.
Tags: being experienced, , high levels, hyperglycemia being, hyperglycemia being experienced, levels sugar, more severe