Hyperglycaemia
Hyperglycaemia is when there is too much sugar in the blood. Sugar in the blood is called glucose. Our bodies need some glucose for energy. But when there is too much, it can cause problems. Hyperglycaemia means high blood sugar. It is important to know about because it can affect how the body works and sometimes cause emergencies.
What Hyperglycaemia Means
Every one of us has sugar in our blood. This sugar comes from the food we eat. Normally, the body controls blood sugar with a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps sugar move from the blood into the body’s cells where it is used for energy.
When someone has hyperglycaemia, their blood sugar is very high because either the body is not making enough insulin, or the insulin is not working properly. This happens a lot in people with diabetes, but anyone can get it if their body cannot control sugar well.
Why Hyperglycaemia Happens
Hyperglycaemia can happen for many reasons. Eating too much sugary or starchy food without enough insulin or medicine is one cause. Sometimes being sick or stressed can also raise blood sugar levels. Missing diabetes medicine, or not getting enough exercise can also cause hyperglycaemia.
How Hyperglycaemia Affects the Body
When blood sugar is too high, the body’s cells do not get the energy they need. The sugar stays in the blood and can cause damage over time. At first, hyperglycaemia might not feel bad. But if it lasts too long, it can cause serious problems like dehydration, infections, and even loss of consciousness.
Noticeable Signs and Symptoms
You might notice some signs if someone has hyperglycaemia. They may feel very thirsty and need to pee a lot. Their mouth can feel dry. It is also common to feel tired or weak. Some people get blurry vision or have headaches.
In more serious cases, the person might feel very sick. They can have belly pain, nausea or they may vomit. Their breath might smell sweet or fruity. Sometimes they may breathe faster or have trouble paying attention.
These signs mean the high blood sugar has become dangerous and needs urgent help.
What to Do in First Aid for Hyperglycaemia
If you see someone with signs of hyperglycaemia, the first thing to do is stay calm. Encourage them to check their blood sugar if they have a meter. If it is high, they might need to take their diabetes medicine or insulin as usual.
Help them to drink water to stay hydrated. Do not give them anything with sugar like juice or soda because their blood sugar is already high. Make sure they rest and avoid hard physical activity until they feel better.
When to Call Emergency Services
If the person is very sick with vomiting, belly pain, fast breathing, or confusion, call emergency services immediately. In Australia, dial 000 for an ambulance. These could be signs of a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, which needs urgent medical care.
Also call 000 if the person becomes unconscious or stops responding. It is better to get help quickly if you are unsure how serious it is.
How to Stay Safe
If you are helping someone with hyperglycaemia, make sure the area is safe for both of you. Keep calm and speak gently. Do not try to force anything into their mouth if they are drowsy or unconscious.
Remember to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser after helping to reduce germs. Always stay with the person until help arrives if they are very sick.
Why Understanding Hyperglycaemia is Important
Knowing about hyperglycaemia helps people act quickly. Early care can stop the situation from getting worse. This can save lives and prevent hospital visits.
Many people with diabetes learn to spot the signs of high blood sugar. But it is useful for everyone to know in case a family member, friend, or stranger needs help.
Final Thoughts
Hyperglycaemia means high blood sugar that can cause health problems. It is common in people with diabetes but may happen to others. Watch for signs like thirst, tiredness, and needing to pee a lot. If signs get serious, call 000 right away.
Simple first aid steps like helping someone drink water and rest can help. Stay calm and get help fast if needed. Learning about hyperglycaemia is a good way to be ready to help in a health emergency.
If you think someone has hyperglycaemia and feels unwell, do not wait. Call for medical help or emergency services to make sure they get the care they need.