What is Hyperglycemia?

Hyperglycemia is a condition where the amount of glucose present in the blood plasma
exceeds the normal level. Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar may be caused due to different factors such as diabetes, eating disorders or stress.

(a) Diabetes:

The major cause of hyperglycemia is the disease 'Diabetes Mellitus'. When one suffers
from chronic hyperglycemia for a long period of time and even in the fasting state,
it is due to diabetes. Diabetes is caused when the Pancreas fails to produce sufficient amounts of the hormone insulin.

(b) Eating disorders:

Acute hyperglycemia may be caused due to certain eating disorders. If a person consumes a large amount of food containing simple and complex carbohydrates, his/her blood sugar level may increase temporarily. There are certain medicines which may increase the risk of hyperglycemia. Examples are -- beta blockers, diuretics, corticosteroids, niacin etc.

(c) Infections and stress:

Hyperglycemia may also occur due to some infections or in times of stress. Patients suffering from stroke or myocardial infarction may develop hyperglycemia, which may not be caused due to diabetes. During periods of stress certain hormones are released which increase the blood glucose levels.

The various symptoms of hyperglycemia are given below:

* Frequent hunger and thirst.
* Excessive urination.
* Fatigue.
* Weight loss.
* Dry/itchy skin.
* Male impotence.
* Slow healing of wounds.

The main treatment of acute hyperglycemia is the administration of insulin, under medical supervision.