What is considered high blood sugar. How does hyperglycemia affect the body. What are the symptoms of high blood sugar. How is hyperglycemia diagnosed and treated. Can high blood sugar be prevented. What are the long-term complications of untreated hyperglycemia. When should you seek medical attention for high blood sugar.

Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: What’s Normal and What’s High?

Blood sugar, also known as glucose, is a vital energy source for our body’s cells. However, maintaining proper blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health. But what exactly constitutes high blood sugar, and is a reading of 130 mg/dL considered high?

For individuals without diabetes, normal fasting blood sugar levels typically range from 70 to 100 mg/dL. After eating, these levels may rise to 140 mg/dL or slightly higher. A blood sugar level of 130 mg/dL when fasting is considered high and falls into the prediabetic range. For those with diabetes, target blood sugar levels may differ based on individual factors and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Interpreting Blood Sugar Readings

• Normal fasting blood sugar: 70-100 mg/dL
• Prediabetes fasting range: 100-125 mg/dL
• Diabetes fasting range: 126 mg/dL or higher

Is a blood sugar level of 130 mg/dL always cause for concern? While it’s higher than the normal range, a single reading of 130 mg/dL doesn’t necessarily indicate diabetes. Factors such as recent food intake, stress, or certain medications can temporarily elevate blood sugar levels. Consistent readings in this range, however, warrant further investigation and discussion with a healthcare professional.

The Role of Glucose and Insulin in Body Function

To understand hyperglycemia, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental roles of glucose and insulin in our body’s functioning. Glucose serves as the primary fuel source for our cells, providing the energy needed for various bodily processes. But how does glucose enter our bloodstream, and what regulates its levels?

Glucose primarily enters our system through the foods we eat, especially carbohydrates. As we digest these foods, they’re broken down into simple sugars, with glucose being the most abundant. This glucose then enters the bloodstream, where it’s transported to cells throughout the body.

However, glucose can’t enter most cells on its own. This is where insulin comes into play. Produced by the pancreas, insulin acts as a key, unlocking cell membranes to allow glucose to enter. Without sufficient insulin or if cells become resistant to its effects, glucose remains in the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia.

The Insulin-Glucose Dance

1. Food is consumed and broken down into glucose
2. Glucose enters the bloodstream
3. The pancreas detects rising glucose levels
4. Insulin is released into the bloodstream
5. Insulin helps glucose enter cells
6. Blood glucose levels return to normal

How does this process differ in people with diabetes? In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little to no insulin, requiring external insulin administration. In type 2 diabetes, cells become resistant to insulin’s effects, or the pancreas may not produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Types of Hyperglycemia: Fasting vs. Postprandial

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, can manifest in different ways depending on when it occurs. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper diagnosis and management of blood sugar issues. What are the main types of hyperglycemia, and how do they differ?

Fasting Hyperglycemia

Fasting hyperglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels remain elevated even after an extended period without food, typically 8 hours or more. A fasting blood glucose level above 130 mg/dL is considered hyperglycemic. This type of hyperglycemia often indicates that the body is unable to properly regulate glucose production or utilization, even in the absence of food intake.

Postprandial or Reactive Hyperglycemia

Postprandial hyperglycemia, also known as reactive hyperglycemia, occurs after eating. In individuals without diabetes, blood sugar levels typically return to normal within 1-2 hours after a meal. However, if blood glucose levels remain above 180 mg/dL 1-2 hours after eating, this indicates postprandial hyperglycemia.

What causes postprandial hyperglycemia? In some cases, the liver may continue to produce glucose even after a meal, when it should normally stop. Additionally, the body may not produce enough insulin or may be resistant to its effects, leading to prolonged elevated blood sugar levels after eating.

Recognizing the Symptoms of High Blood Sugar

Identifying the symptoms of hyperglycemia is crucial for early detection and management of blood sugar issues. While some individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms, others may encounter a range of signs indicating elevated blood glucose levels. What are the common symptoms of high blood sugar?

• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Fatigue or weakness
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Slow-healing wounds

Why do these symptoms occur? As blood sugar levels rise, the body attempts to flush out excess glucose through urine, leading to increased thirst and urination. High blood sugar can also affect the body’s ability to use glucose for energy, resulting in fatigue and weakness. The excess glucose in the bloodstream can impact various organs and systems, causing symptoms like blurred vision and slow-healing wounds.

Are these symptoms always indicative of diabetes? While these symptoms are commonly associated with diabetes, they can also occur in non-diabetic individuals experiencing temporary hyperglycemia due to stress, certain medications, or other health conditions. Persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Diagnosing Hyperglycemia: Tests and Procedures

Accurate diagnosis of hyperglycemia is essential for proper management and treatment. Healthcare providers use various tests and procedures to assess blood sugar levels and determine whether an individual has prediabetes, diabetes, or another condition causing high blood sugar. What are the primary methods used to diagnose hyperglycemia?

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test

The FPG test measures blood sugar levels after an 8-hour fast. It’s typically performed in the morning before breakfast. Results are interpreted as follows:

• Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
• Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dL
• Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

The OGTT assesses how the body processes glucose over time. After fasting overnight, the patient drinks a glucose solution, and blood sugar levels are measured at intervals over 2-3 hours. Results are interpreted as follows:

• Normal: Less than 140 mg/dL after two hours
• Prediabetes: 140-199 mg/dL after two hours
• Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher after two hours

Glycated Hemoglobin (A1C) Test

The A1C test provides an average of blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It doesn’t require fasting and can be done at any time of day. Results are interpreted as follows:

• Normal: Below 5.7%
• Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

How often should these tests be performed? For individuals without diabetes, screening is typically recommended every three years after age 45, or earlier for those with risk factors. People with diabetes may need more frequent testing to monitor their blood sugar control.

Treatment Strategies for Managing High Blood Sugar

Managing high blood sugar is crucial for preventing complications and maintaining overall health. Treatment strategies can vary depending on the underlying cause of hyperglycemia and the individual’s specific needs. What are the primary approaches to treating high blood sugar?

Lifestyle Modifications

For many individuals, especially those with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes can significantly impact blood sugar levels. These modifications may include:

• Adopting a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Increasing physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing stress
• Getting adequate sleep

Medications

When lifestyle changes alone aren’t sufficient, medications may be prescribed to help manage blood sugar levels. Common medications include:

• Metformin: Reduces glucose production in the liver
• Sulfonylureas: Stimulate insulin production
• DPP-4 inhibitors: Help the body produce more insulin when needed
• GLP-1 receptor agonists: Slow digestion and help lower blood sugar
• SGLT2 inhibitors: Help the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine

Insulin Therapy

For individuals with type 1 diabetes and some with advanced type 2 diabetes, insulin therapy is essential. This can involve:

• Long-acting insulin: Provides a steady baseline level of insulin
• Rapid-acting insulin: Used to cover meals and correct high blood sugar
• Intermediate-acting insulin: Provides coverage between meals

How is the most appropriate treatment determined? Treatment plans are typically individualized based on factors such as the type and severity of diabetes, overall health, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Regular monitoring and adjustments are often necessary to achieve optimal blood sugar control.

Preventing Hyperglycemia: Lifestyle and Dietary Considerations

Prevention is a key aspect of managing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of developing diabetes or its complications. While some risk factors for hyperglycemia, such as genetics, can’t be changed, many lifestyle and dietary choices can significantly impact blood sugar control. What are some effective strategies for preventing high blood sugar?

Balanced Nutrition

A well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Consider the following dietary guidelines:

• Choose complex carbohydrates over simple sugars
• Incorporate plenty of fiber-rich foods
• Balance meals with protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates
• Control portion sizes
• Limit intake of processed foods and sugary drinks

Regular Physical Activity

Exercise is a powerful tool for managing blood sugar levels. It helps improve insulin sensitivity and promotes glucose uptake by muscles. Aim for:

• At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week
• Strength training exercises 2-3 times per week
• Regular breaks from prolonged sitting

Stress Management

Chronic stress can contribute to elevated blood sugar levels. Implement stress-reduction techniques such as:

• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Deep breathing exercises
• Regular physical activity
• Adequate sleep and relaxation

Regular Health Check-ups

Routine medical check-ups can help detect blood sugar issues early. Schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider for:

• Blood sugar screenings
• Overall health assessments
• Personalized advice on diabetes prevention

Can these preventive measures guarantee you won’t develop hyperglycemia? While these strategies can significantly reduce your risk, it’s important to remember that some factors, such as genetics and age, are beyond our control. However, adopting these healthy habits can improve overall health and reduce the likelihood of developing blood sugar issues.

Long-term Complications of Untreated Hyperglycemia

Persistent high blood sugar levels can have serious long-term consequences on various body systems. Understanding these potential complications underscores the importance of proper blood sugar management. What are the primary long-term effects of untreated hyperglycemia?

Cardiovascular Complications

Chronic high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• High blood pressure
• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

Kidney Damage (Nephropathy)

Elevated blood sugar levels can impair kidney function over time, potentially leading to:

• Chronic kidney disease
• End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or transplantation

Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)

High blood sugar can damage nerves throughout the body, causing:

• Peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in extremities)
• Autonomic neuropathy (affecting internal organ function)

Eye Complications (Retinopathy)

Damage to blood vessels in the eyes can result in:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Increased risk of cataracts and glaucoma
• Potential vision loss

Foot Complications

A combination of poor circulation and nerve damage can lead to:

• Increased risk of infections
• Slow-healing wounds
• In severe cases, amputation

How quickly do these complications develop? The development of complications varies among individuals and depends on factors such as blood sugar control, duration of hyperglycemia, and overall health. However, maintaining good blood sugar control can significantly reduce the risk and progression of these complications.

Regular medical check-ups and proper management of blood sugar levels are essential for preventing or minimizing these long-term complications. Early detection and intervention can often slow or halt the progression of diabetes-related complications, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and care.

What Is High Blood Sugar?

Medically Reviewed

Symptoms, treatments, and prevention

Updated Jul 7, 2022

Medical ReviewerBrigid Gregg, M.D.

Hyperglycemia means high glucose (hyper- + glyc-) in the blood (-emia). Your body needs glucose to properly function. Your cells rely on glucose for energy.

Hyperglycemia is a defining characteristic of diabetes—when the blood glucose level is too high because the body isn’t properly using or doesn’t make the hormone insulin.

Overview

What Is Glucose?

Glucose is a simple sugar your body makes from the foods you eat. Blood sugar is also known as glucose. Glucose is an essential part of how your body processes the food you eat into energy.

It’s important to keep your blood glucose levels within a healthy range to avoid hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can both lead to dangerous complications.

The function of glucose is to provide fuel for the body. Your cells use glucose to make energy, which is the main function of sugar in the body.

You get glucose from the foods you eat. Carbohydrates, such as fruit, milk, potatoes, bread, and rice, are the biggest source of glucose in a typical diet. Your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose sugar, and then transports the body sugars to the cells via the bloodstream.

However, in order to use the glucose, your body needs insulin.

The Role of Insulin

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin helps transport glucose into the cells, particularly the muscle cells.

People with type 1 diabetes no longer make insulin to help their bodies use glucose, so they have to take insulin, which is injected under the skin. People with type 2 diabetes may have enough insulin, but their body doesn’t use it well; they are insulin resistant. Some people with type 2 diabetes may not produce enough insulin.

People with diabetes may become hyperglycemic if they don’t keep their blood glucose level under control (by using insulin, medications, and appropriate meal planning). For example, if someone with type 1 diabetes doesn’t take enough insulin before eating, the glucose their body makes from that food can build up in their blood and lead to high blood sugar.

Hyperglycemia Types

Types of Hyperglycemia

Your endocrinologist will tell you what your target blood glucose levels are. Your levels may be different from what is usually considered as normal because of age, pregnancy, and/or other factors.

Fasting Hyperglycemia

Fasting hyperglycemia is defined as high blood sugar when you haven’t eaten for at least eight hours.

The recommended blood glucose range after fasting in a person without diabetes is 70 to 130mg/dL. (The standard for measuring blood glucose is “mg/dL” which means milligrams per deciliter.)

If your blood glucose level is above 130mg/dL, that’s fasting hyperglycemia, a common diabetes complication.

Postprandial or Reactive Hyperglycemia

This type of hyperglycemia occurs after eating (postprandial means “after eating”).

During this type of hyperglycemia, your liver doesn’t stop sugar production, as it normally would directly after a meal, and stores glucose as glycogen.

If your blood glucose level 1-2 hours after eating is above 180mg/dL, that signals postprandial or reactive hyperglycemia.

However, it’s not just people with diabetes who can develop hyperglycemia. Certain medications and illnesses can cause it, including beta blockers, steroids, and bulimia. This article will focus on hyperglycemia caused by diabetes.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

Early signs of high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, may serve as a warning even before you test your glucose level. Typical symptoms include:

• Increased thirst and/or hunger

• Frequent urination

• Sugar in your urine

• Headache

• Blurred vision

• Fatigue

Ketoacidosis: When Hyperglycemia Becomes Severe for People With Type 1 Diabetes

If you have type 1 diabetes, it is important to recognize and treat hyperglycemia because if left untreated it can lead to a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis.

This happens because without glucose, the body’s cells must use ketones (toxic acids) as a source of energy. Ketoacidosis develops when ketones build up in the blood. It can become serious and lead to diabetic coma or even death.

According to the American Diabetes Association, ketoacidosis affects people with type 1 diabetes, but it rarely affects people with type 2 diabetes.

Many symptoms of ketoacidosis are similar to hyperglycemia. The hallmarks of ketoacidosis are:

• High level of ketones in the urine

• Shortness of breath

• Fruit-smelling breath

• Dry mouth

Additionally, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and confusion may accompany ketoacidosis. Immediate medical attention is highly recommended if you have any of these symptoms.

Some people with diabetes are instructed by their doctor to regularly test ketone levels. Ketone testing is performed two ways: using urine or using blood.

For a urine test, you dip a special type of test strip into your urine. For testing blood ketones, a special meter and test strips are used. The test is performed exactly like a blood glucose test.

If ketone testing is part of your self-monitoring of diabetes, your health care professional will provide you with other information including prevention.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS): When Hyperglycemia Becomes Severe for People With Type 2 Diabetes

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) is very rare, but you should be aware of it and know how to handle it if it occurs.

HHNS is when your blood glucose level goes way too high—you become extremely hyperglycemic. HHNS affects people with type 2 diabetes.

HHNS is most likely to occur when you’re sick, and elderly people are most likely to develop it.

It starts when your blood glucose level starts to climb: when that happens, your body will try to get rid of all the excess glucose through frequent urination. That dehydrates your body, and you’ll become very thirsty.

Unfortunately, when you’re sick, it’s sometimes more difficult to rehydrate your body. For example, it might be difficult to keep fluids down.

When you don’t rehydrate your body, the blood glucose level continues to climb, and it can eventually go so high that it could send you into a coma.

To avoid hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome, you should keep close watch on your blood glucose level when you’re sick (you should always pay attention to your blood glucose level, but pay special attention when you’re sick).

Talk to your health care professional about having a sick-day plan to follow that will help you avoid HHNS.

You should also be able to quickly recognize the signs and symptoms of HHNS, which include:

• Extremely high blood glucose level (over 600 mg/dL)

• Dry mouth

• High fever (over 101ºF)

• Sleepiness

• Vision loss

Treatment

Treating Hyperglycemia

Treating hyperglycemia is a matter of working on preventing it.

If your blood glucose level is consistently too high, talk with your doctor about what you can do to keep it in a more normal range. He or she may suggest:

• Medication adjustment: Your doctor may adjust your insulin (or glucose-lowering medication) dose or when you take it to help prevent hyperglycemia.

• Meal plan help: A healthy diet and proper meal planning can help you avoid hyperglycemia. This includes eating often, watching intake of sugar and carbohydrates, limiting use of alcohol, and eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit and whole grains. If you are having difficulty planning meals, talk to your doctor or dietitian.

• Exercise: Regular exercise is important (even if you don’t have diabetes). Maintaining a healthy level of activity can help you keep your blood glucose level in a normal range.

However, if you develop hyperglycemia and/or ketones are present in your urine, don’t exercise. Hyperglycemia and/or ketones in the urine mean exercise will cause your blood glucose to rise higher.

Prevention

Preventing Hyperglycemia

The easiest way to prevent hyperglycemia is to control your diabetes. That includes knowing the early symptoms—no matter how subtle. Remember, there are many aspects of your diabetes care you can control:

• Taking your insulin (or glucose-lowering medication) as prescribed

• Avoiding consuming too many calories (i.e., through sugary beverages)

• Consuming the right types and grams of carbohydrates

• Controlling stress

• Staying active (exercising)

• Going to your regularly scheduled doctor’s appointments

Complications

Complications of Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia is a common complication of diabetes, but through medication, exercise, and careful meal planning, you can keep your blood glucose level from going too high.

Keeping your blood glucose levels in the recommended ranges throughout the day will help you avoid long-term complications of diabetes, such as:

• Eye damage

• Heart attack—or other cardiovascular complications

• Kidney damage

• Nerve damage

• Stroke

• Problems with healing wounds

By maintaining your blood glucose levels—and avoiding hyperglycemia—you can reduce your risk of all these complications.

• American Diabetes Association. Hyperglycemia (High Blood Glucose). https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/blood-glucose-testing-and-control/hyperglycemia. Accessed February 18, 2015.

• American Diabetes Association. Checking Your Blood Glucose. October 6, 2014. https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/blood-glucose-testing-and-control/checking-your-blood-sugar. Accessed February 18, 2015.

Notes: This article was originally published August 25, 2009 and most recently updated July 7, 2022.

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What’s Normal for Glucose Levels?

Blood Sugar Levels: What’s Normal for Glucose Levels?

Posted on August 17, 2017

If you have diabetes, you may know that the goal of treatment is to bring blood sugar (glucose) as close to normal as possible. But what is “normal?” Knowing those numbers, and how to achieve them, is key to managing diabetes and living a healthy, active life.

Sugar vs. glucose

There are different kinds of sugars, but the type the body uses most is glucose. Other sugars, like fructose from fruit or lactose from milk, are converted into glucose and used for energy. Our bodies also break down starches, which are sugars that bond to form glucose.

But when medical professionals use the terms, “blood sugar” and “blood glucose” in relation to assessing levels, they are simply using different phrases to describe the same thing.

What are normal blood sugar levels?

For people with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association suggests keeping blood sugar levels before meals from 80–130 mg/dl. One to two hours after meals, levels should be under 180.

In people without diabetes, healthy insulin function keeps sugars in a normal range. But in diabetics, insulin function is damaged, so it’s essential to support the body by eating right, exercising, taking medications or herbs and reducing stress.

Achieving normal blood sugar/blood glucose levels

For most people with diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels in check is all about being mindful of what and how much they eat and drink. Making healthy choices and watching portion sizes can help you control your weight and your blood sugar levels.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to navigate this road alone. When you have nutritionists who specialize in managing diabetes by your side, you can learn to choose the right foods, such as:

• Smart carbohydrates – Instead of white or flour-based bread, rice or pasta, choose whole grains, barley, brown rice, non-starchy vegetables and fresh fruit. These foods can be efficiently converted to energy.
• Lean proteins – Limit or avoid red meats and go for chicken, turkey, low-fat dairy, fish and shellfish.
• Healthy fats – Skip the cream sauces, butter, lard and processed foods, and start cooking with canola or olive oil. Like to snack? Munch on nuts like almonds, cashews, pecans and peanuts.

Nutritional expertise and individual care to help you manage diabetes

At Charles River Medical Associates, we take pride in supporting you and your family’s health from head to toe. When it comes to managing diabetes, whether for you or your children, know that you have comprehensive and caring diabetes nutrition in Framingham, Marlborough, and Natick, Massachusetts. Our specialists are here to help you learn proven ways to eat well and to give you the tools to keep you on track.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 508-848-2190 or click here to use our online form.

high blood sugar Medical On Group Ufa

Diabetes is a disease in which the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood rises. Currently, there is a real epidemic of this disease in the world: every eleventh inhabitant of the planet suffers from diabetes, and according to experts, in 2030, every tenth person will be “diabetic”.

High blood sugar is very dangerous. Like corrosion, it “corrodes” all organs. The eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart suffer the most. Patients with diabetes die from heart attacks, strokes, lose their sight. They develop kidney failure and have to undergo hemodialysis several times a week (purification of the blood using an artificial kidney machine). Sometimes leg ulcers appear on the legs, leading to amputation.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common. It occurs due to excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle, the consumption of large amounts of high-calorie foods, burdened heredity. In this case, the body loses sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that is responsible for maintaining normal blood glucose levels.

Type 1 diabetes is less common. It develops due to the fact that there is a failure in the immune system, and the body begins to destroy its own cells that produce insulin. This process is triggered by some viruses (Coxsackie virus, mumps virus), toxic substances (nitroso compounds). In this disease, heredity also plays a role.

How can a person know if they have diabetes?

Unfortunately, our body does not provide a sensory organ that would capture high blood sugar. Therefore, at the beginning of the disease, when blood glucose is still not very high, the person does not feel anything unusual. But at the same time, the harmful effects of glucose on the body are already beginning. In the future, when blood sugar is already high enough, glucose begins to penetrate into the urine, attracting water to itself, and frequent urination appears, followed by thirst. Sometimes these symptoms prompt a person to see a doctor and get a diagnosis.

In some patients, the first symptom of diabetes may be itching (glucose accumulates in the skin and irritates the nerve endings) or pustular skin rashes, boils.

In type 2 diabetes, symptoms develop slowly and a person can walk for years with high blood glucose levels while the body is already suffering irreparable damage. In type 1 diabetes, the symptoms usually develop quite quickly, there is a strong thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, weakness. If help is not provided on time, then ketones accumulate in the body, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath appear, a person may fall into a coma.

What can I do to prevent diabetes?

To prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary, no matter how trite it may sound, to lead a healthy lifestyle. Engage in physical education, eat right (do not abuse fatty foods, sweets and pastries, alcohol), observe the regime of work and rest. Annually undergo medical examinations, donate blood for sugar.

With the appearance of thirst, frequent urination, skin itching, pustules or boils on the skin, sores on the feet, weight loss, weakness, it is necessary to check the level of blood glucose. The normal fasting blood glucose from a finger is from 3.3 to 5.5 mmol / l, from a vein up to 6. 0 mmol / l. If these indicators are exceeded, it is necessary to consult an endocrinologist.

Should I panic if I am diagnosed with diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a serious disease that leads to adverse consequences. At the same time, today in the arsenal of an endocrinologist there are many effective drugs for lowering blood sugar levels and treating the consequences of diabetes. Therefore, if you follow the doctor’s recommendations, you can effectively manage this disease and live a long and happy life.

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How I Learned to Manage Type II Diabetes – Related Article Endocrinology

I found out that I have diabetes by accident when I was undergoing a dispensary examination at work. I had no complaints, I felt completely healthy. The blood test revealed an increase in blood sugar – 6.8 mmol/l. I was referred to an endocrinologist. The doctor said that this is above the norm (the norm is less than 6. 1 mmol / l) and an additional examination is needed: a test with a sugar load. They measured my sugar on an empty stomach (it was again above the norm – 6.9mmol/l) and gave him a glass of a very sweet liquid – glucose. When measuring blood sugar after 2 hours, it was also above the norm – 14.0 mmol / l (should be no more than 7.8 mmol / l). I also took a blood test for glycated hemoglobin (it shows the “average” sugar level for 3 months). It was also high – 7% (and no more than 6% is allowed).

And that’s when I heard from the doctor: “You have type 2 diabetes.” For me, it was a shock. Yes, I have heard about diabetes before, but it may be someone else, but not me. At that time I was 55 years old, I held a managerial position, I worked hard, I felt good and never had a serious illness. And in general, to be honest, I did not go to the doctors. At first, I took the diagnosis as a sentence, because diabetes cannot be cured. I remembered everything I had heard about complications – that something terrible is happening to the kidneys and eyes, ulcers appear on the legs and legs are amputated, that a person with diabetes will definitely be disabled. But I couldn’t let that happen! I have a family, children, a granddaughter will be born soon! I then asked my endocrinologist only one question: “what should I do?” And the doctor answered me: “You and I will learn to control the disease. If you keep diabetes under control, complications can be avoided ”And on a piece of paper I drew this diagram:

We started with learning: you can’t manage what you don’t know.

I chose the form of individual lessons (there are also group lessons – schools of “diabetes”). We practiced for 5 days for 1 hour. And even this seemed to me not enough, in addition at home I read the literature given to me by the doctor. In the classroom, I learned about what diabetes is, why it occurs, what processes occur in the body. The information was in the form of presentations, everything is extremely accessible and even interesting. Then, I learned how to measure blood sugar with a glucometer (it’s not difficult at all, and it doesn’t hurt), keep a self-control diary. The most important thing is that I really understood why it was necessary, first of all to myself. After all, I did not know that my sugar was elevated, because I did not feel anything. The doctor told me that I was lucky that diabetes was detected at an early stage, when blood sugar was not yet very high. But dry mouth, thirst, frequent urination, weight loss – appear when blood sugar is significantly elevated. The most dangerous thing about this is that a person does not know about his illness, does not receive treatment, and destruction occurs in the body and the risk of complications is higher, the later the diagnosis is made. This is why regular check-ups are so important: if you are over 45, your blood sugar should be checked every 3 years. But even if you are under 45 years old, but you are overweight, low physical activity, one of your relatives had diabetes, you had “borderline” increases in blood sugar levels, hypertension, high cholesterol levels – you also need to regularly take blood for sugar.

During the classes, I learned one very important concept: “target blood sugar”. It is different for everyone, depending on age and the presence of other diseases. That is, with diabetes, it makes no sense to strive for the norm, but you need to stay within “your limits” of sugar on an empty stomach, 2 hours after eating and the level of glycated hemoglobin. For me, the goal was chosen: less than 7 mmol / l, less than 9 mmol / l and less than 7%, respectively. In this case, the risk of complications should be minimal. I was recommended to measure blood sugar once a day at different times and once a week – several measurements, and record all indicators in a diary. I donate glycated hemoglobin every 3 months. All this is necessary to assess the situation by the doctor and timely change the treatment if necessary.

Then, we had a session on lifestyle changes, nutrition, and the importance of exercise in managing diabetes. I confess that this is, of course, the most difficult of all. I have always been used to eating what I want, when I want and how much I want. Physical activity: from the 4th floor by elevator, two steps to the car, by car to work, at work in a chair for 8-10 hours, by car home, by elevator to the 4th floor, sofa, TV, that’s all the activity. As a result, by the age of 40 I became a “moderately well-fed man” with a standard “beer” belly. When calculating the body mass index, I heard another unpleasant verdict: “obesity 1 degree.” Moreover, the location of fat on the abdomen is the most dangerous. And something had to be done about it. In the class, I learned that food is not just “food is tasty and food is not tasty”, but it consists of components, each of which plays a certain role. The most important carbohydrates for controlling diabetes are carbohydrates, which raise blood sugar. There are carbohydrates that quickly increase it – “simple” ones: sugar, honey, juices. They need to be practically eliminated (instead of sugar, I began to use stevia, a natural sweetener). There are carbohydrates that slowly increase sugar – “complex”: bread, cereals, potatoes. You can eat them, but in small portions. Also, products containing a lot of fat (fatty meat, fatty cheeses, mayonnaise, oils, sausages, fast food) were also banned. Fat sugar does not increase, but increases the calorie content of food. In addition, during the examination, I was found to have an increased level of cholesterol, which is taken from animal fats. Cholesterol can be deposited inside the blood vessels and close them, which ultimately leads to a heart attack, stroke, damage to the vessels of the legs. In diabetes, atherosclerosis develops especially rapidly, so cholesterol levels should also be “targeted” (lower than in people without diabetes!).

What can you eat?

Well, of course, these are various vegetables, herbs, lean meats, fish and dairy products. And most importantly, it was a reduction in portion sizes. After all, the pancreas, which produces insulin to lower blood sugar after eating, cannot cope with a large amount of carbohydrates. Therefore, I was advised to eat often and in small portions. I had to give up alcohol, especially beer and everything that comes with it. Alcohol, it turns out, contains a lot of calories, plus it increases appetite.

At first, all this seemed impossible to me, and I will not be able to enjoy food with all these prohibitions. However, this turned out not to be the case. My doctor compiled an individual diet for me, taking into account my food preferences (from allowed products, of course) and I brought it home to my wife. The wife organized the technical side of the food, for which many thanks to her. All forbidden foods disappeared from the house, and she herself began to eat the same, so that I would not be tempted to eat something wrong. And you know, proper nutrition can be tasty and you can enjoy it! Everything that is harmful can be replaced by something useful. Even alcohol – instead of beer or spirits, I now choose dry red wine, 1 glass at dinner. I got even more pleasure when I got on the scales after 6 months and saw that I had lost 5 kg of weight! Of course, this was achieved not only by changing the diet. We bought a subscription to a fitness club and started going to classes together. Before starting the exercises, we were examined by a sports doctor to exclude diseases in which a sharp increase in physical activity can lead to deterioration. We worked out with a trainer, according to an individual program, because if an untrained person comes to the gym and starts doing exercises on his own, this is not always effective and can even be dangerous to health. In addition, as the doctor explained to me, playing sports can lead to hypoglycemia, especially if a person is taking certain hypoglycemic drugs. We also discussed how to avoid hypoglycemia (an excessive decrease in blood sugar, a very dangerous condition), why it occurs, and how to deal with it, we also discussed in the classroom.

At first it is difficult to find time, after work you get tired, you want to go home and relax, but the goal is the goal. After all, in addition to weight loss, exercise classes reduce blood sugar (I also learned about this in the classroom – muscles use sugar to work, and the more movements, the better the sugar).

At first we went only on the weekend, once a week, then it appeared to go more often, and, most surprisingly, there was also time. They say correctly “if there was a desire.” And classes really improve mood and relieve stress after work much more effectively than relaxing at home in front of the TV. In addition, I refused the elevator both at home and at work, it seems to be a trifle, but also work for the muscles.

So, having organized my diet and added sports to my life, I managed to reduce weight by 5 kg and so far I have been able to maintain the achieved result.

What about blood sugar medications?

Yes, almost immediately (after receiving the results of the tests that everything is in order with my liver and kidneys), I was prescribed a drug – Metformin, and I still take it, twice a day, in the morning and in the evening with meals. As my doctor explained to me, this drug helps my body’s cells to better sense their insulin and thus keep my sugar levels within the chosen target. Is it possible to do without drugs? In some cases, yes, with only a diet and an active lifestyle. But this happens quite rarely, more often, metformin is prescribed immediately after the diagnosis is made. We also had a lesson on various drugs to lower blood sugar. There are many and they all work in different ways. It is up to your doctor to decide which drug to prescribe for you, based on your sugar and glycated hemoglobin levels. What helped your neighbor or was told on a TV show will not always be good for you, and may be harmful. We also talked about insulin. Yes, insulin is used in type 2 diabetes, but only in cases where the combination of several tablets at maximum doses ceases to help, that is, in a situation where its own pancreas has exhausted its reserves and can no longer produce insulin. Each person has an individual “reserve”, but still, in order not to “strain” the gland, it is necessary to follow the rules of nutrition in the first place, because the more carbohydrates we eat at the same time, the more insulin is needed to transport sugar to the cells, and the more intensively the pancreas has to work. There are still some cases when insulin is needed: for example, if the diagnosis is made at a very high level of sugar, when pills do not help, and insulin is temporarily prescribed. A temporary transfer to insulin is also required when planning operations under anesthesia. But even if it is necessary someday to switch to insulin, in order to keep diabetes “under control” I am ready for this. Yes, it will be a new task, you will have to learn new things, experience a little discomfort from daily injections, count the amount of carbohydrates and insulin doses, but this is not so important if it helps to avoid serious complications and loss of health.

Did the doctor tell me in our classes about the complications of diabetes? Yes, and in some detail and openly, not in vague terms “something bad with the kidneys, eyes, blood vessels”, but specifically what happens in the body in various organs with a constantly elevated sugar level. Particularly insidious in this regard are the kidneys – the organs where the blood is cleansed of toxins. With their defeat, there is no sensation to suspect something is wrong, up to the stage when these changes are irreversible and the kidneys completely stop working. In such cases, people need to cleanse their blood with a special device – dialysis in a special institution several times a week. How can you know that something is happening with the kidneys? It is necessary to regularly donate blood for creatinine, according to the level of which, the doctor will be able to assess the effectiveness of cleansing the blood of toxins by the kidneys. In the absence of changes, this is carried out every year. The higher the creatinine level, the worse the kidneys work. Changes can also be seen in urinalysis – in the general (ordinary) urinalysis there should be no protein, and in a special analysis for microalbumin – it should not be above a certain level. I take these tests every 6 months, and so far everything is normal.

In order for the kidneys not to suffer, it is necessary to have normal blood pressure (about 130/80 mm Hg). As it turned out, my blood pressure was elevated, and I didn’t know about it either, because I never measured it. The cardiologist picked up drugs that reduce blood pressure for me. Since then, I’ve been taking them constantly and my blood pressure is just right. I visit a cardiologist for a consultation once a year to assess the effectiveness of treatment, conduct an ECG, and bring a diary of self-control. During the time that I was observed, I also had an ultrasound of the heart, an ultrasound of the vessels of the neck – so far no abnormalities have been detected. Another organ that can be affected in diabetes is the eyes, or rather the vessels of the retina. Here, too, there will be no sensations, and you don’t need to focus on how you see good or bad either. These changes can only be seen by an ophthalmologist, when examining the fundus. But a person can “feel” on his own only a sharp deterioration in vision, up to an absolute loss, which occurs due to retinal detachment. This condition is treated with laser coagulation of the retina – “soldering” it to the eye. However, with advanced stages, this may not be possible, which is why it is so important that the ophthalmologist sees you at least once a year or more often if there are changes in order to prescribe treatment in time and save vision.

The most terrible complication for me seems to be the amputation of the legs with the development of gangrene. My doctor told me why this might happen. With constantly elevated sugar levels, the nerves of the legs are slowly but surely affected. At first, unpleasant sensations, burning, “goosebumps” in the feet may appear, which a person often does not pay attention to. Over time, the sensitivity decreases and may disappear altogether. A person can step on a nail, stand on a hot surface, rub a corn and not feel anything and walk with a wound for a long time until he sees it. And wound healing in diabetes mellitus is significantly reduced, and even a small wound, abrasion can turn into an ulcer. All of this can be avoided by following some simple foot care routines and, of course, maintaining a target blood sugar level. In addition to self-monitoring of the legs, it is necessary that the doctor (endocrinologist or neurologist) at least once a year evaluate the sensitivity with special tools. To improve the condition of the nerves, droppers with vitamins and antioxidants are sometimes prescribed.

In addition to the affected nerves, vascular atherosclerosis (deposition of cholesterol plaques) plays an important role in the development of foot ulcers, leading to a decrease in blood flow to the legs. Sometimes, the lumen of the vessel can close completely, and this will lead to gangrene, in which amputation becomes the only way out. This process can be detected in time during an ultrasound scan of the arteries of the legs. In some cases, special operations are performed on the vessels – the expansion of the vessels with a balloon and the installation of stents in them – meshes that prevent the lumen from closing again. A timely operation can save from amputation. In order to reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis (and the same process is the cause of stroke and heart attack: there is also a blockage of blood vessels, but only those that feed the brain and heart), it is necessary to maintain a “target” level of cholesterol and its “good” and “bad” fractions.