Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. Signs and symptoms may include vomiting, abdominal pain, deep gasping breathing, increased urination, weakness, confusion and occasionally loss of consciousness. A person's breath may develop a specific 'fruity' smell. Onset of symptoms is usually rapid. People without a previous diagnosis of diabetes may develop DKA as the first obvious symptom.DKA happens most often in those with type 1 diabetes but ...

diabetic ketoacidosis

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Symptoms-of-hyperglycemia

Symptoms of hyperglycemia

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Hyperglycemia is characterized by abnormally high blood glucose levels. Some common symptoms associated with this condition include:

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<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Frequent urination</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Excessive thirst</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Increased hunger</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fatigue</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blurred vision</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Slow-healing wounds</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Weight loss</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dry mouth and dry skin</li></ol>

Possible-causes-of-hyperglycemia

Possible causes of hyperglycemia

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Some diseases and conditions that can cause hyperglycemia are:

Type-1-diabetes

Type 1 diabetes

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&nbsp;An autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Consult an endocrinologist for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Type-2-diabetes

Type 2 diabetes

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A metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, leading to high blood sugar levels. Endocrinologists specialize in diagnosing and treating this condition.

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Gestational-diabetes

Gestational diabetes

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A form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, usually resolving after childbirth. Seek advice from an obstetrician or endocrinologist.

Cushing's-syndrome

Cushing's syndrome

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&nbsp;A hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol. Consult an endocrinologist or an internal medicine specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

Pancreatitis

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&nbsp;Inflammation of the pancreas that can disrupt insulin production. Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and managing this condition.

Side-effects-of-medical-drugs

Side effects of medical drugs

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Some medications can cause hyperglycemia as a side effect:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Corticosteroids: Often prescribed for inflammation, these drugs can raise blood sugar levels.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Thiazide diuretics: Used to treat high blood pressure, these medications can increase glucose levels.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Beta-blockers: Another class of drugs for high blood pressure, which can also cause blood sugar spikes.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Statins: Cholesterol-lowering drugs that may contribute to elevated blood glucose.</li></ul>

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Herbal-and-natural-remedies

Herbal and natural remedies

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Several herbs and natural remedies can help manage blood glucose levels:

Cinnamon-verum-(Cinnamomum-verum)

Cinnamon verum  (Cinnamomum verum)

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Known for its blood sugar-lowering properties, cinnamon also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Gymnema-sylvestre

Gymnema sylvestre

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This herb has been used in traditional medicine to reduce blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity.

Fenugreek-(Trigonella-foenum-graecum)

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

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&nbsp;Rich in fiber and antioxidants, fenugreek seeds can help lower blood sugar levels and improve overall glucose metabolism.

Bitter-melon-(Momordica-charantia)

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia)

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This fruit has insulin-like properties that can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Lifestyle-changes

Lifestyle changes

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To prevent or manage hyperglycemia, consider the following lifestyle modifications:

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<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Maintain a healthy diet, focusing on whole foods and minimizing processed sugars.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Engage in regular physical activity to help regulate blood glucose levels.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Monitor your blood sugar regularly and adjust your treatment plan as needed.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Manage stress, as it can contribute to blood sugar fluctuations.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Get sufficient sleep to support overall health and wellbeing.</li></ol>

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Questions-and-Answers

Questions and Answers

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:

Below are ten frequently asked questions that are not covered in the article:

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Q: How do I know if my blood glucose levels are too high?

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A: Regular blood sugar monitoring can help you track your levels. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on target ranges.

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Q: Can hyperglycemia be reversed?

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A: In some cases, lifestyle changes and proper medical care can help manage or reverse hyperglycemia. Early intervention is crucial for better outcomes.

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Q: Can stress cause high blood sugar levels?

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A: Yes, stress can lead to increased cortisol levels, which can raise blood sugar levels. Managing stress is essential for overall health and blood sugar control.

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Q: How does exercise affect blood glucose levels?

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A: Exercise can help lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and promoting glucose uptake by muscle cells.

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Q: What is a healthy diet for managing hyperglycemia?

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A: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber, while minimizing processed sugars and refined carbohydrates, can help manage blood sugar levels.

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Q: Can weight loss help with hyperglycemia?

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A: Yes, losing weight (if you are overweight) can improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar levels.

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Q: How often should I check my blood glucose levels?

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A: The frequency of monitoring depends on individual circumstances and your healthcare provider's recommendations. For some, it may be multiple times a day, while others may need to check less frequently.

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Q: Can alcohol consumption affect blood sugar levels?

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A: Yes, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to blood sugar fluctuations. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation and consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

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Q: Can hyperglycemia lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

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A: Yes, prolonged high blood glucose levels, especially in people with type 1 diabetes, can result in DKA, a life-threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care if you suspect DKA.

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Q: Are there any long-term complications associated with uncontrolled hyperglycemia?

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A: Uncontrolled hyperglycemia can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, vision problems, and an increased risk of infections.

Hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose, is a condition that can result from various diseases and medical conditions, such as diabetes and Cushing's syndrome. Certain medications, like corticosteroids and beta-blockers, can also contribute to elevated blood sugar levels. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include frequent urination, excessive thirst, and fatigue. To manage this condition, you can explore herbal and natural treatments like cinnamon and fenugreek, and make lifestyle changes like adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise. Consult a healthcare professional, such as an endocrinologist or a gastroenterologist, to determine the appropriate course of action for your specific situation.

High Blood Glucose: Understanding Hyperglycemia and Its Consequences

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What-is-diabetes?

What is diabetes? 

What-is-diabetes?_0_0

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when blood sugar (blood glucose) is too high and this may be due to insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes) or the inability to produce insulin (type 1 diabetes). &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1871402118304181" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

What-is-diabetes?_0_1

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood. In contrast, type 2 diabetes can develop at any age, but is more common in older adults. <a href="https://journals.lww.com/americantherapeutics/Abstract/2006/07000/A_Review_of_Types_1_and_2_Diabetes_Mellitus_and.12.aspx" target="_blank" data-ref="A Review of Types 1 and 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Their... : American Journal of Therapeutics" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;2]&nbsp;

What-is-diabetes?_0_2

There is also a prediabetic condition that occurs when blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.&nbsp;

Early-signs-and-symptoms-of-diabetes

Early signs and symptoms of diabetes 

Frequent-urination

Frequent urination 

Frequent-urination_1_0

Frequent-urination_1_1

When your blood sugar is high, your kidneys filter out excess blood sugar, causing you to urinate more often. One of the early warning signs of diabetes is frequent urination, which is urgent enough to wake you up even during sleep&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4311308/" target="_blank" data-ref="Page not available - PMCTwitterFacebookLinkedInGitHubSM-TwitterSM-FacebookSM-Youtube" rel="noopener">[ref. 3].</a>&nbsp;

Increased-thirst

Increased thirst 

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It became clear that your kidneys work hard and therefore you urinate more often, and valuable fluids are withdrawn from the tissues. Frequent urination will make you feel constantly thirsty and looking for more water, and you may also feel an insatiable thirst.

Fatigue

Fatigue_1_0

Fatigue_1_1

When blood sugar is high, the body works hard to get rid of excess sugar. This process not only affects your body, but also changes the way it uses glucose for energy. Excessively high blood sugar or hyperglycemia exhausts the body, among other symptoms. In addition, dehydration, which accompanies more frequent urination, is a common cause of fatigue in people with diabetes.

Blurred-vision

Blurred vision 

Blurred-vision_1_0

High blood sugar can cause damage to the small blood vessels of the eye, leading to swelling of the lens of the eye, which can cause blurred vision. As blood sugar levels rise and fall, your vision may return to normal or deteriorate over time.

Increased-appetite

Increased appetite 

Increased-appetite_1_0

When you have high blood sugar levels, the body actively seeks to normalize blood sugar levels. In diabetes, the body excretes much of the glucose you get from your diet, and therefore you may have an increased appetite.

Unexplained-weight-loss

Unexplained weight loss 

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By disposing of excess glucose, you lose your greatest energy supply, and when your body is unable to use glucose for energy, it begins to burn fat and muscle, leading to weight loss and other disorders. Unexplained weight loss is considered to be a loss of at least 5% of total body weight.

Slowly-healing-skin-injuries-and-wounds

Slowly healing skin injuries and wounds 

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Like damaged eye tissue causing blurred vision, damaged blood vessels cause weakened blood circulation. Because of this, it is more difficult for blood to reach the affected area, and minor cuts or wounds can take weeks or months to heal. This slow healing increases the risk of infection of unhealed cuts and wounds, but with good hygiene, things can be controlled.

Numbness-of-the-hands-or-feet

Numbness of the hands or feet 

Numbness-of-the-hands-or-feet_1_0

High blood sugar can have a significant impact on the nerves and nervous system. This damage can start with a tingling or tingling sensation and can turn into neuropathy over time.&nbsp;

Risk-factors-for-developing-diabetes

Risk factors for developing diabetes 

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If you find that you have risk factors for developing diabetes, it's important to take extra care to prevent it from occurring. Some common risk factors include:

Risk-factors-for-developing-diabetes_2_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Age 45 or over</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Overweight or obese</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sedentary lifestyle</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Family history of diabetes</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">History of gestational diabetes</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">History of high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Belonging to a particular ethnicity - African Americans, Alaska natives, American Indian and others.</li></ul>

You-should-not-ignore-the-signs-of-diabetes

You should not ignore the signs of diabetes

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It's hard to ignore the signs of type 1 diabetes because symptoms can often appear quite quickly. But if left untreated, the disease can lead to serious health problems, including diabetic ketoacidosis.

You-should-not-ignore-the-signs-of-diabetes_3_2

Although the majority of people with type 1 diabetes are diagnosed in childhood and early adulthood, the symptoms are the same at any age. Adults with type 1 diabetes may not recognize their diabetes symptoms as quickly as children, which may mean that their diagnosis and treatment may be delayed.

You-should-not-ignore-the-signs-of-diabetes_3_3

Type 2 diabetes may be easier to ignore because it develops more slowly, especially in the early stages when it can be harder to spot symptoms. But untreated diabetes affects many major organs, including the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys. Early diagnosis and management of blood sugar levels can help prevent these complications.

People with type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that is unable to produce insulin due to an autoimmune attack. And people with type 2 diabetes still produce insulin, but their cells struggle to use that insulin. This is the main difference in how early symptoms of diabetes vary between the two types. The three most common early signs of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are increased thirst, frequent urination, low energy levels, and fatigue. In addition, there are other specific symptoms that can be observed. It is extremely important to take marks in time so that the condition does not progress.&nbsp;

Early signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes

Бетина Цветкова

&nbsp;Author: Sylvia Marinova, PhD student in the Genomic Stability Laboratory at BAS

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Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@sharonmccutcheon?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sharon McCutcheon</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/sugar?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unsplash</a>

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Type 1 diabetes mellitus, also known by the outdated names insulin-dependent or childhood diabetes, is due to the inability of the pancreas to produce enough of the hormone insulin. Type 1 is the main form of diabetes, which usually occurs in childhood or adolescent age (very rarely in the elderly) and is <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">due from 5% to 10%</a> [ref. 1] of all cases of diabetes mellitus.

Basic-information-and-causes-of-occurrence

Basic information and causes of occurrence

Basic-information-and-causes-of-occurrence_0_0

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces very little or no amount of the hormone insulin. It is necessary for the body in order for the main cell fuel coming from food (glucose) to enter from the blood into the cells where it is used for energy.

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When there is no insulin, then glucose remains in the blood. This can lead to very high blood sugar and to a state of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is life-threatening (explained below).

Basic-information-and-causes-of-occurrence_0_2

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, which means that our immune system by mistake attacks the body's own cells. In this case, these are special cells in the pancreas called beta cells, which are responsible for the production of the hormone insulin. This process begins months or years before the first symptoms of the disease are present. With the appearance of a clinical picture, a large part of these cells are already destroyed, sometimes up to 90% of them.

diabetic ketoacidosis

Early signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes

All About Type 1 Diabetes - What You Need to Know About the Disease