Hyperglycaemia - A Short term Complication of Diabetes Mellitus

There are various reasons for this and knowing the cause and the treatment can help.

When does a person with diabetes get hyperglycaemia? – 
When blood glucose levels are > 130 mg/dl fasting OR >180mg//dl after meals.

Symptoms of hyperglycaemia:   

Increased thirst, the need to urinate more often, feeling tired, blurred vision, headaches, hunger and muscle cramps.

These are temporary symptoms that disappear when blood glucose level comes back to normal levels. 

There are many reasons why a person with diabetes can have hyperglycaemia.

It can happen accidentally because of

• Forgotten or miscalculated medication or insulin dose 
• An unusually high  amount of carbs in a meal, 
• Over treating a hypo, or 
• Getting less physical activity than normal.

It can last for longer periods of time because of

• Illness or infection 
• Hormonal changes 
• Stress 
• Weight gain or
• It may be time to make corrections to medication or insulin doses 

Hyperglycaemia can also be a side effect of non-diabetes medication.

Treatment for Hyperglycaemia…

Treatment depends on cause of the hyperglycaemia and the current diabetes treatment.

• If it is insulin related, the dose has to be corrected.
• If the hyperglycaemia does not come down by changing medication dosage or if there is no illness, then check urine and blood for ketones and be aware of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyper osmolar hyperglycaemic state that requires emergency treatment.
• If you are treating your diabetes by diet or by using non- insulin medications, drink plenty of liquids that do not contain sugar and if possible, do some light activity such as walking.
• Keeping blood glucose levels on target is a difficult task. If the episodes of hyperglycaemia are happening very often or if they are increasing in duration or happening at a particular time of the day, go to your doctor as you may have to change your medication or require other treatment.

Keeping HbA1C levels as close to target as possible is the best way to reduce risk of complications.

Here are some tips for remembering to take medications-

• Make it a habit …

It is easier to remember to take your medications if you always take it before or after a particular routine task.

• Sort it:

Put the day’s requirement into a pill box to keep track of whether you have taken it or the time you have to take a medication.

• Stick a note

A note about your medication will act as a reminder. Carry an extra dose, keep an up-to-date list of medications with the dosage and how and when to take it.

• Make a note in your diary so that you can restock you medication early enough.

• Keep an alarm or reminder on your phone or computer to help you remember to take your medications.