Your blood sugar is high if it stays over 200 mg/dl (using a serum-based glucose monitor). It is also known as Hyperglycemia (HG). Hyperglycemia means -- the level of sugar in the blood is above normal or above the blood sugar range you have been given as right for you. If your blood sugar level keeps staying high in a row, you may also develop diabetic ketoacedosis and you need to call your doctor or go to the local diabetes centre or hospital. And wherever you are, when you are very sick try to check also for ketones in your urine. Ketones are measured as 'negative, small, moderate or large'.

The beginning of high blood sugar is generally slow. It varies from person to person and on roots of the cause. The cause could be eating too much than is in your diet plan; the blood sugar will be higher in a few hours. If the reason is infection or illness, it will usually take several hours to days before the blood sugars are high. Hyperglycemia may be as well due to injury/ surgery or even emotional stress. Another important cause is 'taking less insulin and/or oral agent than you need'.

Common symptoms of HG are: Dry mouth, extreme thirst, dry flushed skin, need to urinate frequently, urination during the night, weight loss, increased appetite, tiredness, blurred vision.

Symptoms of HG can be severe if the blood sugars become very high/are high for a long time, like the same as those listed above plus -- difficulty in breathing, dizziness when you stand up, rapid weight loss, increased drowsiness and/or confusion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, pain in abdomen, unconsciousness or coma.

But bear in mind, there may be few or no symptoms of high blood sugar.

Seven tips for high blood sugar persons:

1. If your blood sugars are above your target range, test four times a day before meals and at bedtime. You may need to test your urine for ketones also.

2. Drink plenty of water and do what your doctor instructs you to do.

3. Look for patterns in blood sugars. If blood sugar is high call your doctor for an insulin dose adjustment.

4. If ketones are moderate to large, consult a specialist or visit the nearest diabetic centre or hospital.

5. Follow the diet plan prescribed by a dietician or a doctor or both of them. If blood sugar remains high after following the diet plan, consult with them again or you can call someone else for a second opinion.

6. If the patient becomes very sick the priority is to get him/her to hospital or a standard clinic first.

7. If symptoms of high blood sugar stay high for two or three days, consult a diabetic hospital doctor or an endocrinologist.

Have A Nice Day
Dr. Rubaiul Murshed

http://www.thedailystar.net/2005/06/04/d506041504113.htm
The daily Star: June 4, 2005

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