Diabetes: Preventing high blood sugar emergencies
Why do I need to treat high blood sugar?
High blood sugar levels that are somewhat higher than your target range may cause symptoms such as increased thirst and increased urination. If early high blood sugar is not treated, the level may continue to rise very high. This can be a life-threatening situation.
When your blood sugar level rises above 200 mg/dL, your kidneys will eliminate some of the extra sugar through your urine. Along with sugar, the kidneys release large amounts of fluid, which causes increased urination. If your blood sugar level continues to rise and you do not drink enough liquids to replace the lost fluids, you can become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to a high blood sugar emergency.
Both of the following high blood sugar emergencies can become life-threatening:
- If you have type 2 diabetes, you are at risk for a high blood sugar emergency called a hyperosmolar state. A hyperosmolar state can develop if your blood sugar is consistently very high, such as above 600 mg/dL, and you become dehydrated. It is easy to overlook early symptoms of a hyperosmolar state. Usually, you have increased urination for several days before a hyperosmolar state develops. You may not always have increased thirst and may become dehydrated from not drinking enough liquids.
- If you have type 1 diabetes, you are at risk for a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). People with type 2 diabetes whose bodies produce little or no insulin also are at risk for DKA, which can occur if your blood sugar levels are consistently high, such as above 250 mg/dL, and you become dehydrated. In ketoacidosis, your body burns protein and fat rather than sugar for energy, causing acids and ketones to build up in your blood. These ketones can be partially released into your urine. If ketoacidosis develops, you need emergency care immediately to keep the condition from getting worse.
High blood sugar emergencies often develop because of some underlying condition that may not be obvious, such as a heart attack, infection, surgery, pregnancy, or undiagnosed diabetes.
Test Your Knowledge
I have type 1 diabetes and my body produces little or no insulin. A high blood sugar emergency can occur if my blood sugar level continues to rise above 250 mg/dL.
I have type 2 diabetes. A high blood sugar emergency can occur if my blood sugar level rises very high, such as above 600 mg/dL.
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| Author: | Paul Lehnert | Last Updated: August 31, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Theresa O'Young, PharmD - Clinical Pharmacist | |
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