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Understanding Diabetes: Hyperglycemia

October 25, 2018
Lenora Alabi
Diabetes is one of the most common health ailments throughout the United States, impacting more than 30 million people. Experts estimate that more than one and a half million people will be diagnosed with the disease this year. As a family caregiver, it is important to understand that those living with diabetes can experience a variety of symptoms, challenges, and complications related to the disease. Knowing these potential complications can help you to detect changes in your senior's symptoms and functioning that can indicate these issues so you can assure your senior gets the care needed to manage them.

Most people understand that diabetes has to do with the levels of blood sugar in a person's body. This same issue that can lead to a potentially serious complication known as hyperglycemia. As opposed to another known as hypoglycemia, which is characterized by too little sugar in the blood, this complication involves blood levels that are too high. This occurs when the body does not have enough insulin, or it is not utilize insulin properly to process sugar. 

Unlike hypoglycemia, the symptoms of hyperglycemia are not as readily apparent, and do not occur quickly. Signs that do exist include:
  • Frequent urination
  • Increased thirst
  • High blood glucose readings
  • High blood sugar levels in urine
Though there are few symptoms, high blood sugar can have serious complications. If your parent frequently has hyperglycemia that is not managed, they can suffer a potentially life-threatening problem known as ketoacidosis. This occurs when the body is not able to process glucose, and instead begins to break down fat for energy and produces ketones. While this can be a natural process, if it happens in large amounts, ketoacidosis can occur, which can be fatal.

If your parent frequently deals with high blood sugar, it is important to talk to their doctor. They can give recommendations for how to better manage their blood levels, avoid this condition, and protect their health. 

Independence is valuable to everyone, regardless of their age. Feeling independent and autonomous can actually become even more important as your senior gets older. Knowing they are in control of their life, and can live the way they want to, is vital to mental and emotional health, motivation, and quality of life. If you have been trying to find ways to help your parent feel more independent, starting elderly care may be the ideal solution. An elderly home care services provider can be there with your aging parent to help them manage their challenges and needs in ways that support their independence, and encourage them to live the life they want. This can include transportation, mobility support, assistance with personal care tasks and housekeeping, support in finding and enjoying activities, and more. 

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hyperglycemia.html?loc=lwd-slabnav

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING ELDERLY CARE IN STREETERVILLE, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.