high blood sugar

high blood sugar

High blood sugar is also called hyperglycemia. High blood sugar means that the content of sugar in your blood is higher than 200 mg/dl (using a serum-based glucose monitor). A glucose monitor is also called a glucometer. Most times high blood sugar starts slowly.

High blood sugar can be caused by eating too much food or drinking too much of a drink that contains carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are a form of sugar or starch and are a major source of energy for the human body.

High blood sugar can also be caused by not taking enough insulin, having the flu or being sick, having stress in your life, decrease in exercise or activity.

High blood sugar simptoms are extreme thirst, hunger, headache, going to the bathroom a lot, blurred vision, dry skin, feeling drowsy, feeling sick to your stomach.

High blood sugar can stay really high. You may develop DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). This is rare. But if you get DKA you may need to go to the hospital. When you are sick, test your blood sugar often and check for ketones in your urine.

High blood sugar can run high for long periods of time and this can pose significant problems for you long-term - increased risk of complications such as eye disease, kidney disease, heart attacks and strokes and more. High blood sugar can pose health problems in the short-term as well. Your treatment plan may need adjustment if the blood glucose stays over 180 mg/dl for 3 days in a row. It is important to aim to keep your blood glucose under control, and treat hyperglycemia when it occurs.