Hyperglycemia develops when your body does not produce enough insulin or does not respond well to insulin. Without enough insulin, your body begins to use fat as fuel instead of sugar. Sugar level increases while metabolic products of fatty acids called ketones buildup. When left untreated, hyperglycemia may lead to a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome is another serious condition that may develop when blood sugar is over 600mg/dl and blood osmolarity is over 320mosm/mL with no ketones in blood.
Early symptoms of high blood sugar：
Increased thirst
Frequent peeing
Nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain
Weight loss
Dry skin and dry mouth
Sunken eyes
Symptoms of ongoing or serious complications of hyperglycemia：
Fruity smelling breath and shortness of breath in ketoacidosis
Long and slow deep breaths in hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome
Rapid heart rate
Postural hypotension or rapid drop in blood pressure when standing
Change or loss of consciousness *If suspect a hyperglycemic event, drink lots of water, stop all ongoing activities, and go to the ER.
Preventing hyperglycemic complications：
Take medication as instructed and follow-up as scheduled.
Follow the suggested diet plan of the nutritionist.
Regularly check and record blood sugar.
Regular exercises.
Understand your own body’s limitations and learn to recognize symptoms of increasing blood sugar.