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Hyperglycemia – Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Hyperglycemia – Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar, a complication observed in people with diabetes. It develops when the body has significantly less insulin than required or when the body is unable to process insulin. A person with hyperglycemia usually has a blood glucose level of more than 125 mg/dL when fasting and over 180 mg/dL after eating. When hyperglycemia is left untreated for a long time, it can damage the nerves, organs, and blood vessels.

Causes and risk factors
Many factors can increase the risk of hyperglycemia in people with diabetes. Some of them are:

  • Insufficient or inaccurate dosage of insulin that one takes to manage diabetes
  • Body’s inability to effectively utilize insulin treatment
  • Excessive carbohydrate intake
  • Leading a sedentary lifestyle
  • Physical or emotional stress
  • Dawn phenomenon, which is a hormonal surge or rise in blood sugar people with diabetes experience every morning

Some of the other possible causes of hyperglycemia:

  • Cushing’s syndrome results in insulin resistance
  • Being affected by pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatic cancer
  • Using certain treatment options
  • Experiencing trauma or surgery

Some of the risk factors of high blood sugar are:

  • A family history of diabetes
  • Unhealthy lifestyle
  • High cholesterol
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome
  • History of gestational diabetes

Symptoms
Hyperglycemia may not exhibit symptoms unless one experiences extremely high blood sugar levels, for instance, blood glucose over 180 mg/dL. The symptoms start developing over several days or weeks. The longer one has high blood sugar levels, the more severe the symptoms. If it remains undetected for a long time, a possible complication is a diabetic coma or ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome develop as a complication of high blood sugar levels. As this is a serious complication, one should contact a doctor when they notice any such issues. When affected by DKA, ketone levels increase in the blood and urine, mainly in people with type 1 diabetes. So, it is essential to understand the early symptoms of hyperglycemia, especially when one is affected by diabetes. Here are some common symptoms one might experience:

  • High blood sugar
  • Headache
  • Blurry vision
  • Feeling excessively hungry or thirsty
  • Frequent urination
  • Changes in appearance
  • Weakness
  • Vaginal and skin infections

Management options
If one notices one or more symptoms of high blood sugar, they should consult their healthcare provider regarding proper management techniques. Doctors can also offer guidance regarding how various treatment options can help keep blood glucose in check. If affected by diabetes, one should avoid missing a dose and follow the doctor’s instructions. The treatment for hyperglycemia is determined by factors like the frequency and severity of one’s blood sugar. Other factors include one’s age and health, and mental health. Here are a few management options for the condition:

Lifestyle changes
One’s lifestyle is one of the crucial factors taken into consideration when developing a treatment plan for hyperglycemia. This includes understanding one’s overall physical and mental health and introducing healthy eating habits. Healthcare experts may also recommend staying active. Additionally, keeping an eye on one’s blood sugar levels is crucial. Further, treatment for diabetes is influenced by one’s lifestyle and will not be entirely effective if one does not make better choices.

Healthy eating habits: A carbohydrate-rich meal plan can have a huge impact on one’s blood sugar. So, choosing sugary foods and beverages on a regular basis can increase the risk of developing hyperglycemia. So, it is essential to make changes to one’s meal plan to limit carbohydrates and added sugar and instead opt for fiber-rich food.

Regular exercise: Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle or long periods of sitting or sleeping can help prevent diabetes. Regular physical activity can help in achieving glycemic control when one is dealing with diabetes, as exercising lowers blood sugar levels. So, one can go for a walk after having a big meal to help them burn calories and excessive sugar in the blood. Regular workout also helps improve one’s overall health. But before one introduces drastic changes in their daily routine, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

Monitoring blood sugar: Regularly monitoring one’s blood sugar is a crucial step in diabetes management. Keeping track of one’s blood glucose also helps in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment options and lifestyle changes. Understanding the pattern of spikes in one’s glucose levels helps one manage and even prevent hyperglycemia.

Treatment options
While eating habits and lifestyle can help one avoid high blood sugar, certain prescriptions are required to keep blood glucose in check. The common options would include:

Insulin therapy: This is a hormone that controls the level of blood sugar in the body. When affected by type 1 diabetes, the body cannot produce enough insulin. So, one would have to take regular insulin doses to deal with the disease.

Other prescription options: Along with insulin, adjunctive treatments can help control the blood sugar level when dealing with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Other oral options can also help with controlling blood glucose.

Emergency treatment
If one experiences severe symptoms like diabetic ketoacidosis, they will have to be rushed to the hospital and get immediate treatment. Emergency treatment focuses on lowering blood sugar and bringing it back to the normal range. Here are the methods doctors usually use:

Fluid replacement: Here, one receives fluids intravenously until the body gets back all the fluid they might have lost due to frequent urination. Fluid replacement also assists in diluting the extra amount of sugar in the blood.

Electrolyte replacement: Electrolytes are minerals in blood that are essential for the tissues to function correctly. When there is a lack of insulin in the body, one might also experience a decrease in the blood’s electrolyte levels. So, here one will receive electrolytes through veins.

High blood sugar is a common concern in people with diabetes, however, healthy eating habits, an active lifestyle, and regular check-ups can help one avoid serious complications. Further, recognizing the early signs and risk factors of developing hyperglycemia is also a crucial step in managing diabetes.

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Foods to Eat and Avoid for Optimal Kidney Health

Kidneys help filter waste from the blood and dispose of it off the body via urine. They also help balance the electrolyte and fluid levels in the body. But, conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes may intervene with their ability to work as required. Furthermore, damage to the kidney might also result in chronic kidney disease. Hence making changes in your meal plan is a vital aspect of treatment. You can prevent damage to these organs by following a kidney-healthy meal plan. Below, we will address some foods to eat and avoid for better kidney health. Foods to eat Cauliflower Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable. It's an excellent source of folate, Vitamins B, K, and C. It's rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles, a fiber source. In addition, you can use mashed cauliflower as a replacement for potatoes. For example, a cup of cooked cauliflower has 40 mg of phosphorous, 176 mg of potassium, and 19 mg of sodium. Sweet potatoes They are relatively similar to white potatoes but have more fiber content, resulting in them breaking down more gradually. Hence, you will experience a less spike in insulin levels. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium that help balance the sodium levels in the body and lower their impact on the kidneys. But, since sweet potatoes have a high potassium content, people on dialysis or those with CKD should curtail the intake of this vegetable. Red bell peppers They are rich in flavor and low in potassium, but that is not the sole reason they are considered a hit among people with kidney disease. Red bell peppers have Vitamin C and A sources and are also high in fiber, folic acid, and B6 vitamin content. In addition, red bell peppers are also suitable because they have lycopene, an antioxidant that shields against some cancers. You can eat them raw with a dip, mix them into your salad, or enjoy them as an appetizer. Some people also like roasting bell peppers and using them as a topping for lettuce salads or sandwiches. Olive oil It contains healthy fat and has anti-inflammatory properties. Since it is monosaturated fat, it stays stable even at higher temperatures as you cook. Thus, switching to extra virgin olive oil can give you more antioxidants while you still enjoy your favorite dish. Green vegetables Leafy veggies like spinach, kale, romaine, arugula, and cabbage are hydrating, low in calories, and have high antioxidant and vitamin content. If you wish to be cautious about your mineral levels, you must opt for cabbage and arugula, which are nutrient-rich and lower in sodium, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium. In addition, kale and spinach have a high potassium content, which is ok for people seeking to improve their kidney health, but best for those already dealing with chronic kidney disease. Blueberries They are called superfoods because they are rich in antioxidants and are a low-calorie Vitamin-C and fiber source. You can stock them in abundance from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. You can also shop for frozen berries in the off-season and enjoy healthy smoothies. People with kidney diseases can also eat other berries like raspberries, cranberries, and strawberries. Apples Apples are low in potassium and rich in fiber when you eat them with peel. They also have a natural anti-inflammatory effect and are ideal for your kidneys. Foods to avoid Soda Soda has zero nutritional benefits and instead has high sugar content. It only adds to the extra calories. Some studies link high soda consumption to conditions like kidney disease, osteoporosis, dental problems, and metabolic syndrome. If you opt for their lower calorie alternative like coke zero, even that will do you no good, as it has no nutritional value and contains artificial sweeteners and additives. Hence, you must omit soda and opt for healthy beverages like water. If you do not enjoy plain water, add a slice or two of fresh fruit for added flavor. Avocados Avocadoes are known for their many nutritious qualities. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Even though consuming avocado is often considered healthy, people with kidney disease must avoid it as avocados have a high potassium content. An average-sized avocado has about 690 mg of potassium. If you love the taste and do not want to eliminate it, you can reduce the portion size to only 1/4th of the avocado. In addition, it will lower potassium intake.  Salty foods Sodium or salt is one of the most prevalent inclusions in foods you consume daily. However, their density is higher in processed foods. Salt results in water retention and may cause blood pressure, lung, and heart disease. Healthy kidneys work towards maintaining the correct fluid balance in the body. So, if your kidneys do not function as desired, the fluid balance may be disturbed. Hence, you must curtail sodium-rich foods like processed foods, packaged items, and soy sauce. When cooking meals at home, opt for low-sodium alternatives. You can replace salt with spices and herbs and keep the salt shaker off the table. Dairy Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and milk are rich in protein, calcium, and other vital nutrients. They also contain potassium and phosphorous. People with stage three kidney disease might want to curtail their potassium, phosphorous, and protein intake, which is high in dairy. So, you can instead reach out for dairy alternatives like rice, soy, or almond milk as they have lower potassium, phosphorous, and protein content than cow’s milk. Bananas Though naturally low in sodium, bananas' potassium content is significantly high. So, to ensure your kidney disease does not aggravate, monitor your potassium intake, and it might be challenging if the banana is your staple. Conclusion Whatever you eat or drink will affect your health regardless of any health issue. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight and following a balanced meal plan are prerequisites to staying fit and controlling blood sugar levels. A kidney-healthy meal plan is less about eliminating certain foods but following portion control and finding a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

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6 Useful Tips to Manage Eczema

Eczema is a common skin disease that results in dry, itchy skin. It is also called atopic dermatitis. Dermatitis, in general, is a term used to refer to skin conditions that become a source of irritation. The irritation makes the skin peel off and causes constant discomfort, followed by rashes all over. Besides itchy rashes, eczema sometimes causes tiny bumps on the skin. But one can manage the condition efficiently. What causes eczema? There is no clear cause for this skin disease. Some experts believe that eczema occurs when people inherit defective genes from their parents. In most people, the first signs appear before the age of five. And as the child grows, the condition either vanishes or stays the same. Moreover, anyone can be diagnosed with the disorder, irrespective of skin color. But people with dry skin or working in hot or icy environments are more susceptible. Those at risk should look out for the symptoms and visit a doctor on noticing them. Tips for managing eczema While the condition requires treatment, one can manage mild cases with simple home remedies and lifestyle changes. A few tips are discussed below: Moisturize often Dry skin is one of the most common signs of eczema, and one way to get rid of it is to moisturize frequently. Moist and hydrated skin reduces itchiness and other discomforts, making the condition more manageable. However, it is crucial to use the right product. Doctors recommend moisturizers with natural ingredients and without chemicals. It is because some chemicals work as irritants, triggering an immune response and worsening the symptoms. Resist the urge to scratch Some forms of eczema cause tiny fluid-filled blisters between the layers of the skin, which can last for up to a month. While these blisters can itch, patients must refuse the urge to scratch. Scratching can cause the blisters to release fluids, worsening the irritation. When these blisters emit fluids, they can also cause a burning sensation. If one experiences the urge to scratch, they can avoid it by getting distracted by something else. Some people rub their hands over the itching areas to find relief. But rubbing, too, does not do any good. It spreads the fluids all over the hands and worsens the skin disease. Determine the triggers This can take some time, but determining what triggers eczema flares is crucial. It could be anything. For some people, sweaty palms are the trigger, while it is hard water for others. Flares could also be caused due to direct contact with jewelry, certain plants, or by inhaling fragrances. These triggers can go undetected for years, making it challenging to manage such skin diseases. To determine the cause, one can maintain a journal and note down the times when they get severe itching or rapid skin drying. After a few days, it will help point out what repeatedly causes the episodes. Once patients find the exact cause or trigger, they should eliminate it from their routine. Avoiding the direct application of chemical products on the skin and avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures are a few ways to keep flare-ups in check. Avoid specific treatments Some treatments can cause eczema as a side effect. Though they do not directly lead to this skin disease, they induce dry skin, which triggers an episode. So, individuals undergoing treatment for a health condition must inform the doctor about their eczema in advance. It will help the healthcare provider revise the treatment plan depending on the severity of the symptoms. Sometimes, they may also suggest alternatives to avoid complications. Avoid stressful situations Mental disorders like OCD, high anxiety, and stress also trigger eczema episodes. The itching becomes a compulsive behavior to let out all the accumulated stress. Therefore, patients should avoid stressful situations as far as possible. When faced with a problem, one can try distracting themselves by drinking water, taking a short walk, taking a small break, or meditating. Developing new hobbies or habits can also help deal with stress effectively. A descriptive mental health treatment plan may be required if a person scratches every time they are stressed. Such individuals can consult a doctor to find a solution. Avoid standing for a long time Sometimes, this skin disease affects specific body parts with poor blood flow. As a result, it is common for people who stand for long periods and seniors with weaker veins tend to develop eczema on their ankles, causing them to become itchy, discolored, and swollen. The discolored skin sometimes becomes pigmented, looking like an injury. When scratched, the area bleeds and becomes hard and red. If a job or chore requires a person to stand for long periods, they should rest regularly. Moreover, while standing for long, it is advisable to lift the legs occasionally to promote blood flow. Besides following these practices, patients must keep their ankles moisturized and rested as much as possible to manage the symptoms and flare-ups effectively. It is essential to note that there are different types of eczema, each with different symptoms. For instance, in nummular eczema, the skin develops dry, itchy red spots, which can be bulgy and often appear in groups all over the body. It is often confused with ringworm as both have the same symptoms. The types of eczema commonly observed in people are atopic dermatitis (eczema), dyshidrotic eczema, hand eczema, nummular eczema, neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and contact dermatitis. Irrespective of the type, the skin becomes rough and flaky through constant itching and irritation. And redness and rashes remain for a long time, weakening the skin. The affected skin does not offer much protection from external microbes. Hence, it is best to visit a doctor to learn how to manage the skin disease and minimize discomfort in the long run.

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