Although diabetes and high blood sugar might seem similar, the two are in fact different. If you are suffering from diabetes, your body is unable to metabolize your glucose levels; whereas, if you have high blood sugar, your glucose levels are too high. It is true that individuals with high blood sugar levels could suffer from diabetes, but that is not always the case. Try to keep your blood sugar levels as normal as possible to remain in good health, and prevent yourself from being diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

High Blood Sugar for Diabetics

Hyperglycemia is another term used for high blood sugar. If you have diabetes, you could experience episodes of hyperglycemia every now and then. There are different reasons why someone with diabetes might experience high blood glucose levels. For instance, if your doctor has prescribed a medication or supplement for you, that medication might not be enough to control your glucose levels. Check with your doctor if you need to adjust your dosage to help you lower your glucose levels. The food that you eat can also increase your blood sugar levels. Lack of exercise or very intense exercise could also affect your blood glucose levels. Practice a healthy lifestyle to prevent experiencing hyperglycemia.

Stress as well as non-diabetic medications could lead to hyperglycemia. Make appropriate lifestyle changes and adjustments in order to remain in good health. Those lifestyle changes include exercise, eating the best diabetic meals with plenty of raw vegetables and snacks, taking the medications or supplements prescribed or approved by your doctor, in addition to getting enough rest, and avoiding stress.

Our 4 Step Action plan can help you control your blood glucose levels. To learn about the 4 Step Action Plan for diabetics, click here.

Don’t Ignore the Symptoms

Look for symptoms of hyperglycemia. Some of the symptoms will occur immediately, while others will not take place as quickly. Those symptoms you will notice early-on include:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Increased Urination
• Excessive Thirst
• Blurred Vision

Some symptoms that may take longer to occur include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Fruity-Smelling Breath
• Dry Mouth

There are other symptoms associated with hyperglycemia, and none of those symptoms should be ignored. If you have any of the symptoms, test your blood glucose levels immediately. You have the option to test your blood sugar levels at home, or you can visit your doctor to have a test administered.

To learn about blood glucose monitors, click here.

Treating Hyperglycemia

If you experience hyperglycemia, treat it immediately. Failing to treat this condition could lead to severe problems, including heart, kidney, nerve, and eye complications. You could also find yourself in a diabetic coma if you do not treat high blood sugar levels quickly. A diabetic coma is the result of your body being dehydrated, and your blood sugar levels rising too high. To learn more about diabetic comas, click here.

If hyperglycemia is left untreated, it could also cause seizures, or lead to death. You need to take care of your body to help control your blood glucose levels, so they can be as normal as possible. You can learn more about how to control high blood sugar levels by clicking here.

Take care of your body, whether you experience diabetes or not. If you have normal blood sugar levels, you could prevent various medical conditions, including diabetes simply by practicing a healthy lifestyle.

References:

“Hyperglycemia in Diabetes.” Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hyperglycemia/DS01168. Accessed on September 26, 2013.

Edelman, Steven, M.D. “What Causes High Blood Sugar and What Harm Can it do to my Body.” ABC News. Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/Health/DiabetesOverview/story?id=3843485. Accessed on September 26, 2013.

Kerns, Michelle. “Difference Between Diabetes & Hyperglycemia.” Livestrong. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/275399-difference-between-diabetes-hyperglycemia/. Accessed on September 26, 2013.

“Diabetic Coma in Type 2 Diabetes.” WebMD. Retrieved from http://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar-nonketonic-syndrome?redirect=%2fcontent%2farticle%2f46%2f1667_50948&_referer_=earthlink.webmd.com&orig_qs=. Accessed on September 27, 2013.