Simply put, a diabetic “high” means too much blood sugar. With diabetes a learning curve often exists because we don’t know the lingo used to discuss issues. When you are tired of explaining something for the gazillionth time or you need to clarify your own thoughts, this series of posts can help!For even more simplification, check out Milly’s posts.
Table of Contents
Hyperglycemia = High
The terms blood glucose (BG), blood sugar, and sugar levels all refer to the same thing…the level of glucose in the blood stream. The medical term used most often to describe high levels of blood glucose is “hyperglycemia.” Hyper means “excessive,” so think of a person you consider hyperactive and it helps you remember. Glycemia literally means the amount of glucose in the blood stream.Just as hyperactive kids tend to have too much energy, hyperglycemic kiddos have too much blood glucose.
Our bodies break down blood glucose using the hormone insulin. Insulin is a special type of chemical made by the beta cells in the pancreas. For folks with T1D, their bodies don’t make enough insulin to help deal with all the glucose floating in the blood stream. That’s a major problem because without breaking down those sugars, the body can’t use them. Therefore, Type One Diabetics inject insulin to make sure we stay healthy.
What does a high look like?
Hyperglycemic episodes differ greatly from diabetic to diabetic much like different people show emotions in varying ways. In addition, what is considered a high number may be normal for someone else depending on their BG levels. The best way to find out how high levels affect your T1D is to watch, observe and remember!
Typical behaviors often change and take on a more aggressive nature. Becoming easily frustrated, needing to move more, talking too fast, angry bursts, disobedience…all are possible side effects. However, the inability to concentrate or work efficiently on school work or a project as simple as stacking blocks are potential side effects as well. After some time, recurring symptoms and behaviors help identify the high, and those symptoms can help T1Ds learn to recognize how they feel during hyperglycemic episodes. It takes practice and good observations for you to recognize the physical symptoms and help your T1D recognize them as well!
As with everything related to diabetes, specific symptoms differ between folks and change from day to day. With careful observation, definite trends emerge. Keeping a food journal highlights the way specific blood sugar levels coincide with food choices. What causes a dramatic rise for some may be the perfect food for someone else.
How high is a high?
The number varies between diabetics as well. Depending on the blood sugar number at diagnosis, the initial number goal usually adjusts over time. Normal non-diabetic blood sugar numbers usually read between 80 and 120. However, after diagnosis a “normal” number may be closer to 200 or more. The goal for trying to stay in range changes over time. As levels normalize and A1C levels improve, the goal for blood sugar numbers lowers as well. As a result, there is no perfect number that is the same all the time for all people.
Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to organ damage or even DKA, Diabetic Keto-acidosis. While high for a non-diabetic, a person who experienced DKA could theoretically have numbers in the 300 to 400 range or even more. This serious condition often means a hospital stay, and failing to recognize the symptoms can lead to a diabetic coma. DKA is preventable, but taking control of blood sugars is necessary for prevention.
Treating a high
By using insulin with food and exercise, our bodies balance hyperglycemic episodes. Carb ratios, correction factors and basal rates all come into play, but the basic fact is that insulin is required. Exercise burns through glucose, but intense exercise could possibly raise levels. Pushing water intake to help flush out extra glucose is another key to lowering levels.
Our typical method of dealing with a high is dosing with insulin, pushing fluids and a family dance party!
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