Understanding Uncontrolled Blood Glucose: Causes & Risk Factors

Uncontrolled blood glucose levels occur when the body is unable to appropriately manage glucose metabolism and/or insulin production. When this happens, a person's blood sugar can rise above or fall below the normal range for a healthy person.

Fact

• According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), 5.7 million people in the United States have diabetes and don't know it.

Prediabetes

• ADA data suggests that 57 million people living in the United States have this condition. You are considered prediabetic when you have blood glucose levels that have not reached the point of diabetes, but are consistently higher than levels in a normal person.

Diabetes

• Diabetes is divided into type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the person's immune system destroying the body's insulin-producing cells. Without insulin, the body cannot effectively metabolize glucose. Type 2 diabetes normally begins with a gradual increase in the body's insulin resistance. Over time, the body eventually ceases to produce insulin.

Hypoglycemia

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a common occurrence among those with diabetes. It can happen as a result of giving too much insulin, or not eating enough.

Considerations

• Uncontrolled glucose levels over extended periods of time can damage the body's vital organs. Therefore, if you have issues with elevated glucose levels, you will need regular monitoring and management by your physician and other medical professionals in order to minimize complications.