Diabetics experience specific causes of hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels, which can manifest in two forms:
- Fasting hyperglycemia: This occurs after a period of fasting for 8 hours or longer, where blood sugar levels rise beyond 90-130 mg/dL.
- Postprandial hyperglycemia: Also known as after-meal hyperglycemia, this condition occurs when blood sugar levels exceed 180 mg/dL immediately after eating. Normally, blood sugar levels should stay around 140 mg/dL after a meal. While occasional spikes to 180 mg/dL can occur even in non-diabetic individuals, consistent elevation above this level poses a significant risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Hyperglycemia can be caused in diabetes by:
Failure to take insulin or oral medication as prescribed for glucose control, neglecting carbohydrate intake, exceeding recommended calorie intake, exacerbating medical conditions affecting blood sugar levels, experiencing undue stress, reducing physical activity, or overexerting during exercise can all contribute to hyperglycemia in diabetics. If experiencing symptoms, testing blood sugar levels multiple times is recommended before contacting a healthcare provider.
Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying causes, which may include:
- Hydration: Drinking ample water.
- Exercise: Increasing physical activity to help lower blood sugar levels, while being cautious in certain situations (e.g., skipping exercise if blood sugar levels exceed certain thresholds).
- Diet: Consulting with a dietitian to determine appropriate food choices and portion sizes.
- Medication adjustments: Altering the dosage, type, or timing of diabetes medication as needed.
Understanding and addressing these causes can assist in effectively managing blood sugar levels for diabetics.