High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is a condition in which blood glucose levels exceed normal limits. This condition often occurs without symptoms, so many people are unaware of it. If left untreated, hyperglycemia can progress to diabetes mellitus and increase the risk of serious complications such as heart disease, kidney problems, eye damage, and even nerve problems.
Therefore, regular blood sugar checks are very important to detect and control this condition early.
What are Normal Blood Sugar Levels?
Normal blood sugar levels can vary depending on the time of the test:
- Fasting blood sugar: less than 100 mg/dL
- Blood sugar 2 hours after eating: less than 140 mg/dL
- HbA1c (average blood sugar over the past 3 months): below 5.7%
If the results show numbers above the normal range, don't panic. The best course of action is to consult a doctor, preferably an internist or clinical pathologist, for a thorough assessment.
What Causes High Blood Sugar?
High blood sugar occurs when the body is unable to process glucose optimally. This condition can be triggered by daily habits, hormonal factors, and even certain medical conditions. The most common causes are:
- Too much sugar and simple carbohydrates: Sweet foods, soft drinks, white bread and cakes quickly raise glucose levels.
- Lack of physical activity: The body becomes less sensitive to insulin so glucose is not absorbed properly.
- Excess weight (obesity): Excess fat, especially in the abdomen, triggers insulin resistance.
- Prolonged stress: Stress hormones like cortisol cause blood sugar to rise more quickly.
- Lack of sleep: Insufficient sleep impairs insulin sensitivity and triggers blood sugar spikes.
- Family history of diabetes: Genetic factors increase the risk of hyperglycemia.
- Side effects of certain medications: Especially corticosteroids, blood pressure medications, and some psychiatric medications.
- Certain medical conditions: Such as PCOS, pancreatic disorders, severe infections, or hormonal disorders.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy: Can trigger gestational diabetes in some women.
Steps to Take If Your Blood Sugar is High
- Lifestyle Evaluation
Change your diet to a healthier one, such as reducing your intake of sugar, simple carbohydrates, and processed foods. Increase your intake of vegetables, low-sugar fruits, and healthy protein sources. - Regular Physical Activity
Exercise helps the body use glucose for energy and improves insulin sensitivity. Just 30 minutes of light physical activity, such as brisk walking, five times a week is enough. - Control Weight and Stress
Being overweight increases the risk of insulin resistance. Furthermore, excessive stress can also trigger blood sugar spikes. - Perform Further Examination
Your doctor may recommend further tests such as HbA1c or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to assess your metabolic condition more accurately. - Follow the Doctor's Recommendations and Prescribed Therapy
If a doctor diagnoses diabetes, treatment must be carried out regularly and consistently. Regular laboratory tests are also necessary to monitor the effectiveness of therapy.
When Should You Get a Checkup?
High blood sugar isn't the end of the world, but rather an early warning sign to start taking better care of your health. Checking your blood sugar at the right time is a crucial step in detecting hyperglycemia early.
If you experience symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or risk factors such as obesity or a family history of diabetes, a checkup should be scheduled promptly. Regular checkups are also recommended, especially for those over 35 or those with a less active lifestyle.
With proper laboratory testing, a healthy lifestyle, and medical guidance, blood sugar levels can be well-controlled. Small steps today can prevent major complications in the future.
The article was written by Dr. Johana Prihatini, Sp.PD, FINASIM (Internist Specialist at EMC Pekayon Hospital).