What does it mean?
We speak of hyperglycemia when the level of glucose in the blood exceeds the abnormality by excess:
Glycemic values at FAST (mg / dl) *
* During the day, fluctuations ranging from 60 to 140 mg / dl are considered normal. We speak of postprandial hyperglycemia when after two hours from the meal the glycaemia exceeds 140 mg / dL.
Depending on the sources, we speak of impaired fasting blood glucose when the blood glucose levels measured on a small venous blood sample, taken after fasting for at least 8 hours (only water is allowed), are:
- greater than or equal to 110 mg / dL (6.1 mmol / L), but still less than 126 mg / dL (6.9 mmol / L, which are pathognomic of diabetes) - WHO Guidelines World Health Organization -
- greater than or equal to 100 mg / dL (5.6 mmol / L), but still less than 126 mg / dL (6.9 mmol / L, which are pathognomic of diabetes) - ADA guidelines American Diabetes Association.
Regulation of blood sugar
Just as the efficiency of an engine depends on the optimal injection of petrol into the cylinders, in order to function at its best the body needs the right quantities of glucose, which is an almost indispensable energy source for cells (especially for red blood cells and brain). .
Even when blood glucose concentrations become excessive (hyperglycemia), a healthy body is perfectly capable of handling the situation.
- increasing the release of insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas that favors the passage of glucose from the blood to the cells, which use it for energy purposes or convert it into fatty acids);
- inhibiting the secretion of hormones that increase blood sugar (hyperglycemic).
In the opposite situations, that is when blood glucose is scarce (hypoglycemia), the organism intervenes in a diametrically opposite way, reducing the secretion of insulin and increasing that of hyperglycemic hormones, such as glucagon and glucocorticoids. A fine mechanism is thus created. control of glycemic levels, which decrease during prolonged fasting (hypoglycemia) and increase after a large meal (hyperglycemia). When something in this homeostatic mechanism breaks down, glycemic control is deficient and the excess or deficiency of glucose determines a series of problems with the body.
Symptoms
Hyperglycemia is a clinical condition characterized by the "three P's":
- polyuria - increase in the amount of urine passed during the day;
- polydipsia - increased thirst;
- polyphagia - increased hunger;
Other common symptoms in conditions of hyperglycemia are weight loss (when the condition becomes chronic), blurred vision, easy fatigue, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, skin redness and dehydration, xerostomia (poor and altered salivary secretion), "acetonemic breath (smell of ripe fruit) and candida infections. This last symptom is due to the loss of glucose in the urine (glycosuria), which favors bacterial colonization of the urinary tract. In extreme cases, hyperglycemia can lead to coma and even death. Note, however, that beyond this unfortunate and rare occurrence, the first symptoms of hyperglycemia tend to manifest themselves clearly only above 180/200 mg / dL; on the other hand, it must not be forgotten that glycemic levels chronically higher than 125 mg / dl are in any case capable of causing significant organ and vascular damage in the very long term.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of acute hyperglycemia is made through a common blood test aimed at measuring blood glucose; this test, which can also be performed at home, can be accompanied by the search for glucose and ketone bodies in the urine and by the blood dosage of the C peptide and glycated hemoglobin (useful for monitoring the average trend of glycaemia in the last two - three months).
Causes
The best known cause of hyperglycemia is undoubtedly diabetes mellitus, a disease characterized by a defect in insulin secretion and / or action. In addition to this, however, many other hormones are involved in the regulation of the body's blood sugar levels and even more so. there are numerous conditions potentially capable of causing hyperglycemia, both acute (ie limited in time) and chronic (persistent).
STRESS HYPERGLYCEMIA
In conditions of severe physical stress - for example during an infection, a serious illness (heart attack) or after surgery - the blood levels of hyperglycemic hormones - such as catecholamines and cortisol - increase significantly.
DRUG HYPERGLYCEMIA
In the diabetic on hypoglycemic therapy, hyperglycemia very often results from insufficient administration of insulin or hypoglycemic drugs. The cortisone, mimicking the action of cortisol, increase the serum concentrations of glucose like epinephrine (adrenaline). Other drugs that promote hyperglycemia include: beta blockers, thiazide diuretics, niacin, growth hormone, protease inhibitors, pentamidine, asparaginase and some antipsychotics.
HYPERGLYCEMIA DUE TO BEHAVIORAL HABITS
abruptly reducing the level of physical activity or consuming a meal rich in carbohydrates contributes, especially in the diabetic patient, to significantly raise blood sugar levels. Mild hyperglycemia is also often recorded during pregnancy; despite being a frequent occurrence, this condition still deserves careful monitoring, in order to better manage the possible appearance of gestational diabetes.
Cures and Remedies
Considering the understandable difficulties in summarizing such vast and complex topics within a single article, here are the links to the related in-depth articles:
- All the Remedies to Lower Blood Sugar
- Diet and Foods to Lower Blood Sugar
- Medicines to lower blood sugar
- Supplements and natural remedies to lower blood sugar (see also the scheme on supplements and herbal remedies potentially useful in case of diabetes)
