Learning about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments of Hyperglycemia

Learning about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments of Hyperglycemia

Glucose (or sugar) is the body’s main source of energy. It is carried throughout the body in our bloodstream to fuel aerobic and anaerobic cellular processes. The body regulates this sugar to ensure it remains at a moderate level to support vital functions. This maintenance is carried out by a hormone called insulin. Improper functioning or lack of insulin can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, also known as hyperglycemia.

Types of hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia can affect people with type-1 or type-2 diabetes. The two main types of the condition are:

Fasting hyperglycemia
This occurs when a person with diabetes has blood sugar levels above 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) after not drinking or eating anything for eight or more hours.

Postprandial hyperglycemia
This occurs when someone with diabetes has blood sugar levels of 180 mg/dl or more after 1-2 hours of eating.

What are the causes of hyperglycemia?
A spike in blood sugar could be caused by various reasons, such as:

Skipping insulin treatment
Consumption of excess carbohydrates
Infections or illnesses
Prolonged stress
Long periods of inactivity
Strenuous physical activity
Having high blood sugar levels for extended periods can have an adverse effect on blood cells and make a person more susceptible to medical complications over time.

What are the risk factors associated with high blood sugar?
The most common risk factors for hyperglycemia are:

Type-1 diabetes
Certain genetic or environmental factors can make some people more susceptible to high blood sugar. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, viruses and infections may also have an impact on blood sugar levels. Type-1 diabetes is generally unpreventable and begins during childhood or early adulthood. When hyperglycemia is uncontrolled in people with type-1 diabetes, it can develop into ketoacidosis, where ketones (or toxic acids) build up in the blood. This is an emergency that can lead to coma or death.

Type-2 diabetes
Many factors can increase the chances of type-2 diabetes in an individual. These include a genetic predisposition, physical inactivity, age, high triglyceride levels, low levels of good lipoprotein cholesterol, and receiving treatment for high blood pressure. People of African American, Native Alaskan, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic, or Pacific Islander ethnicities are at higher risk of developing hyperglycemia.

What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia?
Early signs of hyperglycemia include thirst, headaches, trouble in concentration, blurred vision, fatigue, and loss in BMI, along with blood sugar levels above 180 mg/dl. High blood sugar also attracts more water in the kidneys, causing an increase in the quantity of urine passed. People with high blood sugar may even experience sudden or unexplained weight reduction, as many of their blood cells may not be receiving glucose in the right amounts. Hyperglycemia can also lead to numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands, legs, and feet, as a result of a complication of diabetes known as diabetic neuropathy.

People with hyperglycemia may experience vaginal or skin infections, slow-healing cuts or sores, worsening of vision, nerve damage, loss of hair, erectile dysfunction, stomach or intestinal problems such as chronic constipation or diarrhea, and/or damage to the eyes, blood vessels, or kidneys. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include vomiting, dehydration, fruity breath, deep labored breathing or hyperventilation, rapid heartbeat, confusion, disorientation, or coma.

How can hyperglycemia be prevented?
To keep blood sugar levels under control, it is important to do the following:

Keep a check on the total number of carbohydrates in each meal and snack
Get blood sugar levels tested regularly
Keep doctors informed about any irregular blood sugar readings
Follow a regular exercise program
Ensure that prescribed treatments are taken on time
Wear identification at all times in case of emergencies

How is hyperglycemia treated?
People experiencing early signs of high blood sugar must consult with their doctors. Healthcare practitioners may recommend the following:

Drinking more water
Water can help remove the excess sugar in the bloodstream through urine, consequently helping avoid dehydration.

Exercising
Light exercise can help lower blood sugar levels. It is important to speak to the doctor and find the right form and intensity of exercise for each individual, as over-exertion may lead to a spike in blood sugar.

Practicing caution
People with type-1 or type-2 diabetes experiencing high blood sugar must keep an eye out for ketones. They may be advised to stop exercising if ketones are present or asked to practice caution while doing certain forms of essential exercise.

Adhering to nutritional needs
People with hyperglycemia may be asked to meet with nutrition experts to find the types and amounts of food that is right for them.

Switching treatments
Doctors may change the amount, type, or training of prescribed diabetes therapies for people experiencing hyperglycemia. Do not make any changes to treatment patterns without their prescriptions. For people with type-1 diabetes and blood sugar levels above 250 mg/dL, doctors may recommend testing urine or blood for ketones.

When should one visit a doctor?
People experiencing tiredness, increased thirst, frequent urination, or sudden weight loss must consult with a doctor. Make an appointment with the healthcare provider if the following symptoms arise:

Ongoing diarrhea or vomiting, but the body can hold down some food or drinks
Fever that lasts more than 24 hours
Blood sugar levels that stay above 240 mg/dL despite treatment
Symptoms of ketoacidosis
Trouble keeping the blood sugar levels within the target range.

Call for immediate help from doctors if the following occurs:

Ongoing diarrhea or vomiting and loss of ability to keep any food or drinks down.
Blood sugar levels above 240 mg/dL and symptoms of ketones in the urine.

Health and wellness heavily depend on keeping blood sugar levels under control for people with diabetes. To maintain their quality of life, individuals with hyperglycemia must visit their doctors periodically, follow treatments and nutrition guidelines as prescribed, and have their blood sugar levels tested regularly.

Previous Read

Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

Next Read

8 Useful Tips for Selecting the Right Anti-Aging Products

Aging is inevitable, and there is little you can do to prevent advancing age from affecting the skin. It is only a matter of time before those fine lines and wrinkles develop, indicating skin damage. But there are a few useful products and skin care routines that you can establish to delay aging. Here are 8 useful tips to get you started on the right anti-aging products for achieving the best results with regular use. Start with hydration and moisturizing products One of the biggest skin care mistakes is not paying attention to proper hydration and moisturization to preserve the skin. Harmful UV rays and overexposure to pollution can rob the skin of its natural glow. So, the first step in your anti-aging journey is to invest in a decent SPF 30 or more, broad-spectrum, water-resistance sunscreen. Skin aging is accelerated in the sun, so ensure you put a sufficient layer of protection before spending a day at the beach or outdoors. You can also use a decent moisturizer with sunscreen, with some brands even featuring formulations of SPF 30 or SPF 45 with moisturizers in the same product. Compare skin care products Remember, aging cannot be avoided but only delayed. Common signs of aging include wrinkles, fine lines, dry skin, dark spots, and discoloration. And the type of product you use regularly will determine the outcome of your anti-aging routine. So, spend some time trying out different sunscreens, moisturizers, and serums to see what works best. Dermatologists advise against the overuse of products as the chemicals will do more damage to the skin in the long run. Use a specific product to address one major skin care concern. Using everything at once can trigger side effects, especially if you are unsure how the formulations would react. Be patient with your experimentation and use only those products that are necessary. Consider your skin type Not all antiaging products work for everyone, mainly because these products are not specifically designed to care for a particular skin type. If you have oily skin, you must choose moisturizers and sunscreens formulated especially for this skin type. The main reason being oily skin can clog skin pores and result in acne breakouts that rob the skin of its smooth texture and sheen. Acne blisters can also trigger unwanted bacterial infections on the skin's surface. Use the right product to prevent your skin from taking on too much damage. Use products as directed only Once you find the right products, read the instructions to understand how and when to apply the same. If you use a night cream during the day, its purpose won’t be served. Also, cosmetic products must be used in moderation, and most come with special applicators that release only a finite quantity. Do not overuse any product thinking it will be more effective for the anti-aging process. It is also important that you commit to a routine and stick to the schedule for cosmetic treatments as directed. Read the labels carefully Anti-aging skin care products contain specific ingredients that may or may not be suitable for your skin type. Before applying the product, you must learn to read the labels and understand the primary ingredients. Skincare experts also suggest doing a small patch test to see if there are any signs of an allergic reaction. Did you know that over a dozen labels are used to mark cosmetic products? The most common ones include Natural, Clean, Hypo-Allergenic, Non-Comedogenic, Parfum, Natural Fragrances, Fragrance-Free, Unscented, Phthalate Free, Paraben Free, Vegan, USDA Organic, Cruelty-Free, Period After Opening, and Broad Spectrum. Each label indicates a particular use, ingredient exclusion, and even expiration priority mentioned in the label. This is one of the best ways to ensure you select the right formulation according to skin type and personal preferences. Make a priority list As mentioned earlier, you cannot address your anti-aging concerns all at once. Prioritizing a few before you start using creams, serums, and even makeup cosmetics regularly is important. Overuse only increases the risk of skin irritation and doesn’t necessarily affect the outcome of your skin care routine. If you have more fine lines, then use a cream or serum first to address that problem. If adult acne and skin pigmentation are a pressing issue, switch to topical creams that counter the bacterial infection. Consider organic and chemical-free products Going organic is one of the best ways to achieve designed skin results. There are many contemporary brands that offer multiple cosmetics for daily use, right from makeup kits to skin care essentials. These are completely paraben, chemicals, additives, coloring, and even fragrance-free making the product safe to use for sensitive skin. Combating skin sensitivity also helps improve look and prevent rashes, cracked skin, or dry skin from developing due to underlying skin problems. And using organic products lowers the likelihood of complications that can arise with the regular use of cosmetics. Expensive and premium don’t guarantee results There is a misconception among many people who purchase anti-aging cosmetics. Just because you buy products from the most popular brand doesn’t necessarily mean it will bring you guaranteed results. In fact, many of the newer brands that are making products with organic formulations are more affordable than brands that have managed to capture a larger premium market share in the past few decades. Just because it's expensive doesn’t mean it will also be effective. Often, the simplest solutions and skin care remedies are more beneficial with fewer side effects in the long run. Final words Always consult an expert before making any changes to your skin care routine. You need to also understand the consequences in the long term. It is also advisable to consult with a specialist if you notice any side effects developing due to the use of certain cosmetics products. Early remedies can prevent complications and flare-ups due to skin irritation.

Our Blogs

Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Braces are the go-to option most people choose for straightening teeth and jaws. This treatment provides aesthetic benefits, helps improve oral health, and relieves pressure from the joints. Traditionally, the base material used to be metal, but the latest developments in dental technology have given us a new option. This article gives you in-depth details about what makes invisible braces so popular, how much these products cost, and the best brands. What are invisible braces? Invisible braces, commonly known as clear aligners, are transparent dental trays that are used to correct your bite. These trays are usually worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. As the teeth shift, you have to make a new invisible tray every one or two weeks. Invisible braces are quite similar to retainers, but the former is used the slowly align your teeth while the latter keeps your teeth in place. Benefits The biggest benefit of invisible braces that’s quite evident at first sight is the fact that they are transparent. Factors like the lack of wires, bands, and brackets make these braces suitable for people of all ages, especially adults. Unlike the metal and ceramic counterparts, these braces can be removed at any time, which makes them easy to clean as well.
Read More
Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

Those suffering from an overactive bladder experience an increased urge to urinate. Such an uncontrollable need significantly compromises one’s quality of life. Issues that arise from this condition may lead the patient to compromise or rearrange their daily routine around their diagnosis. One may even suffer from bladder-related symptoms due to complications from other diseases like diabetes. This article highlights the significant causes as well as management techniques of an overactive bladder in patients: Causes Overactive bladder can result from various reasons such as unhealthy lifestyle choices, age, and underlying health conditions. Here are some of the common causes that lead to the development of this urological condition:  Poor pelvic muscle strength Pelvic muscles provide the lower abdomen with the necessary support. As a person ages, their muscles tend to lose strength. Weak muscles are, thus, a common causative factor that leads to the development of an overactive bladder. Factors like pregnancy and childbirth are also known to weaken the pelvic floor muscles.    Nerve damage This cause of an overactive bladder is quite common as the nerves can sustain damage from conditions like multiple sclerosis and herniated discs. This damage affects the signal transfer among the brain and other body parts, including the bladder.
Read More
Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

A medical alert system consists of life-saving devices that instantly connect the user with emergency help with the push of a button. Such equipment helps seniors live independently and offers peace of mind to their loved ones and caregivers. A good-quality life alert system for seniors has several useful medical features like fall detection, GPS tracking, and professional monitoring. In this article, we’ve listed the best medical alert systems for seniors out there today. Medical Guardian Founded in 2005, Medical Guardian is known for designing best-in-class life alert devices and systems. Depending on the lifestyle of a senior individual, they can choose between different types of On-The-Go and In-House systems. Almost every Medical Guardian life alert system for seniors features its state-of-the-art fall detection technology, along with other essential features like GPS location tracking, extra neck/wrist buttons, and water resistance. This company’s medical alert products have the longest battery life (up to 168 hours) and furthest signal range (up to 1300 feet) compared to any other product on the market. Medical Guardian also has a highly reliable monitoring center that operates 24/7. Bay Alarm Medical With over 70 years of experience in life alert devices, Bay Alarm Medical is one of the most trusted providers in the country.
Read More
Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

The ability of dentures or implants to mimic natural teeth is so impressive that it has changed millions of lives worldwide. These prosthetics are used when natural teeth have significant issues. With a little maintenance, they can be an efficient and long-lasting solution. So, if you are planning to get them yourself, the following article can help you know the factors to consider and the prices of dental implants and dentures. How do dental implants work? Before discussing dental implant prices, it is essential to understand how they work. Dental implants consist of three different pieces that serve distinct functions, as given below: Implant post Also known as the fixture, this small, cylindrical screw acts as an artificial root for the tooth. Abutment This piece connects the implant post and the crown. There are various types of abutments depending on the prosthetic type requiring support. Crown The final piece of the entire prosthetic, the crown rests on the top of the abutment. It can be made from porcelain, metal, resin, or ceramics. Porcelain or ceramic crowns look the most natural. Costs of dental implants Depending on one’s needs, there are four types of dental implants. Given below are average costs for the same:
Read More
Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

If your teeth alignment has always made you conscious of your smile, you need to address the issue. Crowded or crooked teeth and crossbites can majorly affect your facial profile and the way you chew your food. The insecurity and complications of a crossbite only grow with age. If you’re contemplating ways to align your teeth, and you want to achieve that without braces, you’ve come to the right place.  This article discusses teeth alignment options that are possible without prominent braces. Invisalign It is one of the most popular ways of teeth alignment without braces. The treatment involves using a set of clear retainer trays made to fit the moving teeth. You will be given a set of new retainer trays every two weeks to make the desired changes. They can be removed when eating, but one needs to ensure they have them on for at least 22 hours in a day. The treatment tenure depends on the severity of the case and takes approximately around 12 to 24 months to align teeth. Advantages They are invisible, so you won’t have to avoid social gatherings or feel awkward They are removable, which makes cleaning the trays and teeth easy  These can be removed when having a meal, which means fewer restrictions when eating Disadvantages Invisalign is a more expensive option  The flexibility of removing trays can elongate the treatment if not worn for prescribed hours  Some may develop a lisp or speak awkwardly with trays Inman Aligner This is another efficient way of teeth alignment without braces.
Read More
Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe lung disease that occurs when the lung tissue is damaged and scarred. The scarring leads to thickened, stiff tissues and makes it difficult for the lungs to work efficiently. Several factors may cause pulmonary fibrosis. However, doctors cannot assess what triggers the condition. While the damage to the lungs is irreversible, there are several remedies that can help. So here are the signs of pulmonary fibrosis and some remedies. The signs of pulmonary fibrosis Before getting into the remedies of the condition, let’s learn about the signs of pulmonary fibrosis. Doing so can ensure proper diagnoses and care at the earliest. The first sign of pulmonary fibrosis is getting out of breath. The symptom occurs when the person exerts themselves through physical exercise. When the condition progresses, the affected individual may find it hard to breathe even with little to no physical activity. Older people who experience shortness of breath often confuse the condition as a sign of aging, failing to diagnose the disease early. Other signs of pulmonary fibrosis include: A dry cough. The sudden loss of weight. Fatigue. Pain in the muscles and joints. Clubbing, a condition that results in the widening and rounding at the tips of the fingers or toes.
Read More