Hyperglycermia is the medical word for high blood sugar. High blood sugar can occur either slowly or quickly. When your blood sugar goes up and stays high, it means that your diabetes is out of control.

Symptoms:

* increased thirst
* increased hunger
* frequent need to urinate
* dry itchy skin
* tired or sleepy feeling
* blurry vision
* feeling sick to your stomach
* breathing problems

Causes of High blood sugar :

* not taking your medicine as prescribed
* expired insulin (insulin that is too old or was not stored properly)
* getting sick or having other kinds of stress (physical or emotional)
* eating too much (especially carbohydrates)
* not getting your normal activity or exercise
* taking steroids or other medicines which can affect your blood sugar

What To Do

Check your blood sugar anytime you think it may be too high.

If your blood sugar is higher than normal, but you feel well:

* take your usual medicines at the usual times
* move more, even if it’s around your house or at work
* drink several glasses of water or sugar-free liquids (without caffeine)
* eat your regularly planned meals
* check and record your blood sugar every four hours until it is back to normal

If you have diabetes, also check your urine for ketones every four hours and record the results until back to normal.

You should call your health care provider if:

* you are vomiting, confused, sleepy, short of breath or feel dehydrated
* your blood sugar stays above 180 mg/dl for more than one week
* you have two consecutive readings of more than 300 mg/dl
* your urine shows moderate or large amounts of ketones