Understanding High Blood Sugar in Diabetes: Causes & Types

According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse website, diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and disability for Americans. High blood sugar is a symptom of diabetes. If left untreated it can lead to medical complications such as heart attack and stroke.

Types

• The two most common forms of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 often affects those younger than 20 years of age. It develops when the pancreas destroys insulin-producing cells. Most diabetics have type 2, and it's generally a result of lack of exercise and poor diet. High blood sugar is a symptom of both types of diabetes.

The Facts

• Insulin is needed so glucose (sugar) in the blood can enter the body's cells and be used for energy. If a person has diabetes, sugar stays in her blood instead of going to the cells. This condition is called hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar. With type 1 diabetes blood sugar rises because the body doesn't produce enough insulin. With type 2 diabetes the body produces insulin but uses it incorrectly.

Considerations

• Additional factors also cause blood sugar levels to rise. People with type 1 diabetes might experience high blood sugar if they don't take enough insulin. Failing to exercise or overeating can cause a blood sugar spike for people with type 2 diabetes. Stress and illness can also cause blood sugar levels to rise.

Time Frame

• Pre-diabetes means a person has higher than normal blood sugar levels, but hasn't developed the disease. If this stage is caught soon enough, it is possible to keep the disease from becoming full-blown diabetes.

Warning

• Diabetics must constantly monitor their blood sugar levels. Signs that blood sugar levels are too high include frequent urination, tiredness, excessive thirst and unexplained weight loss.