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Hyperglycemia |
Carbs in Food |
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Information About Carbs | Carbohydrates Guide | Low Carb Diets |
What is Hyperglycemia?Hyperglycemia is a condition of abnormally high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is the principal diagnostic symptom of diabetes. [Compare Hypoglycemia, abnormally low blood sugar.] Fasting hyperglycemia refers to a high level of blood glucose after a person has fasted for at least 8 hours. Postprandial hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar levels 1-2 hours after a person has eaten. Causes of HyperglycemiaThe causes of hyperglycemia can vary although a common cause is the onset of type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In a nutshell, hyperglycemia results from the body's inability to regulate the conversion (metabolism) of carbohydrates into glucose. Specifically, either the body does not have enough of the hormone insulin to disperse the glucose, or it cannot utilize the insulin it does have. Hyperglycemia in Type 1 DiabetesPatients with type 1 diabetes commonly experience episodes of hyperglycemia as a result of giving themselves an insufficient dose of insulin. Other causes or contributing factors to an episode of hyperglycemia include: too much food, too little exercise, monthly periods, pregnancy, infection, injury, stress or the use of drugs. Signs of HyperglycemiaSigns of hyperglycemia include, a great thirst (polydipsia), a dry mouth, and/or a need to urinate often (ployuria). If blood glucose remains high, there is an increased risk of tissue damage, later. Medical Attention NeededIf you are not diabetic, but think you have hyperglycemia, it is important to see your doctor to arrange a blood test. If you are diabetic, and you feel well but your blood glucose level is rising, you may need to take more insulin (in accordance with your doctor's instructions), or adjust your diet and exercise. But if your blood glucose levels are rising and you feel unwell (especially if you start vomiting) get help urgently! |
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Carbs-Information.com provides general information about the glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL), low GI diets, GI value for all food groups, health problems of high blood glucose including metabolic disorders such as pre-diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinism as well as type 1 and type 2 diabetes. But no information is intended as a substitute for medical advice. Copyright 2003-2013 |