About this topic
Hyperglycemia is also known as high blood sugar. It happens when the blood sugar is not controlled and gets too high. It may turn into a health problem known as diabetes. You may not notice if your blood sugar levels are slightly high. When they get very high, you may have more thirst, need to pass urine more often, and have weight loss. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all drugs as ordered by your doctor. Do not miss doses.
- Check your blood sugar levels as you are told by your doctor. Write down the readings.
- Drink liquids that do not have sugar.
- Eat your meals at the same time each day and about the same amount.
- Talk with your doctor about a diet plan that is right for you.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may order a blood test to check how your sugar levels have been over time. This is a hemoglobin A1C level. You may need to have these done every 3 to 6 months. Be sure to have this test done as ordered.
Will physical activity be limited?
Talk with your doctor about an exercise plan that is right for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- High levels of acids called ketones build up in the blood. This is a very serious problem.
- Infection
- Injury to blood vessels and nerves
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Control your weight.
- Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Check your blood sugar levels often.
- Know the signs of high blood sugar and get help when needed.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of low blood sugar. These include anger, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.
- Signs of high blood sugar. These include sleepiness, blurry eyesight, passing urine more often, increased thirst, breath has a fruity sweet smell, upset stomach and throwing up, dizziness, or passing out.
- Signs of fluid loss. These include dark-colored urine or no urine for more than 8 hours, dry mouth and tongue, dry skin, sunken eyes, lack of energy, feeling faint, or passing out.
- Blood sugar levels are high for more than 2 days
- Shortness of breath
- Throwing up
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how often I need to check my blood sugar.
- I can tell you the signs of high blood sugar and what I will do if I have them.
- I can tell you the signs of low blood sugar and what I will do if I have them.
Where can I learn more?
American Diabetes Association ‚
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hyperglycemia.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚