Everyone with diabetes deals with hyperglycemia sometimes, but as one of the leading causes of complications with diabetes, it's one of the most important things to control. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a natural reaction to the body's inability to use insulin correctly or to low insulin levels. Hyperglycemia is caused by a number of factors. If you have type one diabetes, hyperglycemia is often a result of not giving yourself enough insulin. For people with type two, it can simply mean your body isn't using insulin as well as it should be. Sometimes it's a result of eating more than you'd planned to eat, and sometimes it can occur because of stress or illness. There are several every day factors that can influence whether your blood sugar is under control or not, so it's important to know what to do if it gets out of control. The easiest way to tell if you are experiencing hyperglycemia is to check your blood glucose levels. However, if you are experiencing frequent urination or increased thirst, these can also be signs of a problem. You should talk to your doctor to find out how often you should be testing your blood sugar levels. If you do find that you are experiencing hyperglycemia, the fastest way to lower your blood sugar is to exercise. Eating smaller portions can also help. If you continue to experience frequent problems with hyperglycemia, talk to your doctor or dietician about changing your medication doses or your diet. Sometimes just changing the timing of when you eat or when you take your medication can help. Untreated, hyperglycemia can turn into a diabetic coma. Your body can't use its insulin to break down glucose for food, so it starts breaking down fats instead. The body produces waste products called ketones, which it releases in urine. However, if it can't release the waste fast enough, ketoacidosis occurs, which can be life threatening. If you experience shortness of breath, fruity-smelling breath, nausea, or dry mouth, seek immediate medical attention. The most important thing to remember about hyperglycemia is that it can be controlled if your blood sugar is under control. Monitor your diabetes frequently with things like ascensia test strip products, and seek help if it gets out of control.
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