Understanding Hyperglycemia, Hypoglycemia, and Ketoacidosis
Author: tiger Published Under: Health
Diabetes is a disease that is currently effecting people in Western Countries at a very alarming rate. There are two main types of diabetes, Insulin Dependent Diabetes and Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes, which both effect the way the body handles the processing of food.
In a healthy body, insulin, which is a hormone is created in the pancreas. The insulin is used to break down sugars, called glucose, and turn these sugars into energy. In those with diabetes, something goes wrong in this process and the sugar is not effectively broken down, resulting in a number of medical conditions.
Of the medical conditions caused by diabetes, they can typically be divided into three categories: Hyperglycemia, Hypoglycemia, and Ketoacidosis.
A Closer Look at Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is often referred to as having High Blood Sugar, because it is caused by an excessive amount of glucose in the bloodstream. Hyperglycemia is caused by an insufficient level of insulin to break down the glucose or when the body is not able to effectively use the insulin it does have.
Exercise, which can help reduce glucose levels, could be a factor as well, if one does not preform enough exercise to maintain their blood sugar level. Eating foods with too much sugar in them could also cause Hyperglycemia.
Hyperglycemia is clinically defined as having a blood sugar level of 120 milligrams(mg) per deciliter(dl)
Exercise can often be preformed to help control Hyperglycemia, although if the blood sugar level is greater than 240 mg/dl, more aggressive steps may be required. For those with Type I diabetes, taking an insulin shot may be required. Eating less food can also help reduce hyperglycemia.
Some of the main symptoms of Hyperglycemia are thirst and increased urinary output.
A Closer Look at Hypoglycemia
The opposite of Hyperglycemia is Hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia is when the blood glucose level is too low and is often called low blood sugar. It is also sometimes called an insulin reaction, as it is possible that too big of a dose of insulin was taken, causing too much sugar to be broken down.
Some symptoms of hypoglycemia include, hunger, sweating, dizziness, headache, shaking, moodiness, clumsiness, confusion, and tingling sensations in the extremities.
Usually the quickest and easiest way to elevate ones blood sugar level in the event of hypoglycemia is to eat some sugar or three glucose pills, which are available at most pharmacies. A few pieces of candy or some fruit juice could also help to raise blood sugar levels. For those with diabetes, it is important to always have some form of sugar regularly available in the event of hypoglycemia.
Another option is to inject Glucagon, which is used to raise blood sugar levels and will need to be prescribed by your doctor. For those taking Glucagon, it is important to speak with your friends, family, and coworkers and show them how to administer Glucagon in the event of an emergency. One of the most important steps in treating diabetes is to carefully monitor your sugar levels and take action if they become too high or too low. Careful Glucose Monitoring can help detect and prevent both Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia. Then, if the blood sugar is too low or too high, action can be taken and the hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia addressed.
A Closer Look at Ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis is a very serious medical condition that can result in diabetic coma or death if it is not treated. Ketoacidosis only occurs in those with Type I Diabetes and can not occur in those with Non-insulin dependent diabetes.
Ketoacidosis is caused when ketones begin to build up in the bloodstream. Ketones are a type of acid that are created when the body uses fat as an energy source. This occurs when insulin levels are too low and the body is unable to receive energy from normal sources, instead breaking down fat.
Ketoacidosis can also be caused by viruses and infections, like the flu or a cold. In most cases though, ketoacidosis is caused by a low level of insulin, not eating enough food, or an insulin reaction.
Too many ketones can be very dangerous and are also a indicator that the diabetes is not being properly treated or handled. In most cases, Ketoacidosis requires hospital treatment.
Some symptoms of Ketoacidosis include dry mouth, thirst, hyperglycemia, high levels of ketones in urinary output, and frequent urination. These symptoms are usually the first indication that ketoacidosis is present and later if untreated, nausea, dry skin, fatigue, shortness of breath, and confusion can occur. A fruity odor is also often found on the breath of an individual with ketoacidosis.
There are a number of home kits available that can test for ketones in urine. These kits usually use simple test strips and change color when they make contact with urine. In cases of Hyperglycemia when the blood sugar level exceeds 240 mg/dl, it is usually important to check the ketone level in ones urine.