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7 Alarming Signs Your Blood Sugar Is Too HighHyperglycemia and regular health check-ups -
Normally, the body uses a hormone called insulin to move glucose from the blood into cells, thereby lowering glucose in the blood and providing cells with energy. Hyperglycemia can occur when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to insulin correctly.
In both cases, glucose stays in the blood instead of being sent to the cells, and as a result, blood glucose levels remain elevated. If more glucose enters the bloodstream—if you eat carbohydrate-rich food, for example—the blood glucose levels climb even higher.
In some cases, people with diabetes who have hyperglycemia can develop a complication called diabetic ketoacidosis DKA. In this condition, the cells cannot access glucose.
Instead, the body gets energy by breaking down fats. This process produces compounds called ketones, which build up in the blood, causing it to become acidic. DKA is a life-threatening condition. DKA is most commonly associated with type 1 diabetes , but can occur in people with type 2 as well.
In people with type 2 diabetes , very high blood glucose levels can lead to a life-threatening condition called hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state HHS , which causes profound dehydration and a change in mental status. Hyperglycemia most commonly affects people who have diabetes.
In type 1 diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body makes an adequate amount of insulin, but the cells do not respond to it properly. This is called insulin resistance. A diagnosis of hyperglycemia usually involves a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and blood tests.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and whether you have a family history of diabetes or other risk factors associated with hyperglycemia. He or she will conduct a physical exam.
Ultimately, though, blood tests that measure blood glucose levels are necessary to definitively diagnose hyperglycemia. Other blood tests may include a hemoglobin A1C test also known as glycated hemoglobin test and an oral glucose tolerance test OGTT.
DKA and HHS are medical emergencies. They are treated with intravenous fluids, electrolytes, and insulin. In general, hyperglycemia that is transient does not cause long-term problems.
But if hyperglycemia persists, it can lead to serious complications, including eye problems, kidney damage, nerve damage, and cardiovascular disease. But with appropriate treatment and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, people can reduce the risk of hyperglycemia, lower their chances of having serious complications, and live healthy lives.
Our multidisciplinary approach ensures people with blood glucose problems get self-management skills and knowledge to achieve and maintain long-term optimal blood glucose control.
We focus on lifestyle interventions, including healthy diet and exercise. Our patients have access to the most advanced medical care, including the latest medications and technologies to prevent hyperglycemic complications and maintain better health throughout their lives.
Visit the Yale Medicine Diabetes Content Center for more diabetes-related articles and videos. Skip to Main Content. Diet — Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is often a powerful motivator for lifestyle change. Dietary modification is a highly effective strategy for weight loss and for management of glycemia and hypertension in patients who are willing to commit to it, with metabolic benefit likely outlasting the effect of weight loss per se.
The improvement in glycemia is related both to the degree of caloric restriction and weight reduction [ 12,14,15 ]. Body weight loss of 5 to 10 percent may also improve nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, sleep apnea, and other comorbidities of type 2 diabetes [ 16 ].
Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, including natural fruit juice, should be specifically queried and strongly discouraged in order to manage glycemia, weight, and reduce risk for CVD and fatty liver [ 17 ]. See "Medical nutrition therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Designing a nutrition care plan' and "Management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adults", section on 'Initial lifestyle interventions'.
In a two-year analysis of the DiRECT trial, only 11 percent of intervention participants had weight loss of 15 kg or more compared with 24 percent in the one-year analysis [ 18 ]. However, 36 percent of participants maintained diabetes remission, compared with 3 percent of control patients. Several studies have evaluated the long-term efficacy of diet alone or with exercise in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes see "Medical nutrition therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus".
In the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study UKPDS , for example, all patients were given a low-calorie, low-fat, high complex carbohydrate diet [ 21 ]. Furthermore, the mean glucose value was substantially higher with diet alone than with diet plus an oral hypoglycemic drug or insulin.
The likelihood of a successful glycemic response to diet is determined in large part by the initial fasting blood glucose.
Pharmacologic therapy — Pharmacotherapy targeted solely for weight management is effective in patients with type 2 diabetes. Although metformin is usually started for the management of hyperglycemia, it is also frequently an effective medication to promote modest weight loss.
When additional body weight reduction is a primary goal of therapy, we choose medications that promote weight loss and lower glucose. Glucagon-like peptide 1 GLP-1 receptor and dual GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide GIP agonist therapies promote weight loss and help prevent weight gain due to other glucose-lowering pharmacotherapies.
We add these medications sequentially to metformin if additional glucose lowering or weight loss is a treatment goal.
See "Glucagon-like peptide 1-based therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus" and "Obesity in adults: Drug therapy". Surgical therapy — Weight loss surgery in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes results in the largest degree of sustained weight loss and, in parallel, improvements in blood glucose management and the most frequent sustained remissions of diabetes.
Weight loss surgery is an option to treat poorly managed type 2 diabetes when other modalities have failed. This topic is reviewed in detail separately. See "Management of persistent hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Bariatric metabolic surgery'. Exercise — Regular exercise is beneficial in type 2 diabetes, independent of weight loss.
It leads to improved glycemic management due to increased responsiveness to insulin; it can also delay the progression of impaired glucose tolerance to overt diabetes [ 22,23 ]. These beneficial effects are directly due to exercise, but concurrent weight reduction plays a contributory role.
In one study, however, only 50 percent of patients with type 2 diabetes were able to maintain a regular exercise regimen [ 24 ]. See "Exercise guidance in adults with diabetes mellitus".
Shorter-duration, intensive exercise may be appropriate for physically fit individuals [ 25 ]. Resistance training may be particularly important for individuals with type 2 diabetes who do not have overweight or obesity, in whom relative sarcopenia may contribute to diabetes pathophysiology [ 26 ].
Intensive lifestyle modification — In patients with established type 2 diabetes, intensive behavioral modification interventions focusing on weight reduction and increasing activity levels are successful in reducing weight and improving glycemic management while, at the same time, reducing the need for glucose-lowering and other medications [ 15,18, ].
The intensive intervention included caloric restriction maximum 30 percent calories from fat, minimum 15 percent protein, and the remainder from carbohydrates, in the form of liquid meal replacements, frozen food entrees, or structured meal plans , moderate-intensity physical activity goal minutes weekly , and weekly group or individual sessions with registered dietitians, behavioral psychologists, and exercise specialists.
The primary outcome was a composite of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and hospitalization for angina. Although the anticipated follow-up period was After a median follow-up of 9. The improvement in weight and glycemia did not reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events.
Possible reasons for this finding include the lower-than-expected rates of cardiovascular events in both groups, improved overall cardiovascular risk factor treatment with medical therapy antihypertensives, statins in the standard diabetes education arm, enrollment of a relatively healthy patient population, gradual weight loss in the control group such that the differential weight loss between the two groups was only 2.
A sustained weight loss of greater than that achieved in the trial may be required to reduce the risk of CVD. In an observational post hoc analysis of the Look AHEAD trial, weight loss of 10 percent or greater in the first year was associated with a reduction in the primary outcome 1.
However, this post hoc analysis is problematic. Moreover, the degree of weight loss is difficult to achieve and maintain through lifestyle intervention alone. Weight loss, weight loss maintenance, and exercise remain important components of diabetes management due to overall health benefits.
The following summarizes several other major observations from the Look AHEAD trial [ 27,31, ]:. The difference was attenuated but remained significant throughout the trial 6 versus 3.
Changes in waist circumference and physical fitness were also significantly better in the intervention group throughout the study.
By study end, mean A1C was significantly lower in the intervention group 7. Psychological interventions — Patients with type 2 diabetes often experience significant stress, a condition often called diabetes distress, related to the many self-care responsibilities required for glycemic management lifestyle modifications, medication, and blood glucose monitoring [BGM] [ 42 ].
Concurrent depression similarly may interfere with self-care. See "Overview of general medical care in nonpregnant adults with diabetes mellitus", section on 'Comorbid conditions'.
Psychotherapy reduces psychological distress and improves glycemic management in some [ 43,44 ], but not all [ 45 ], studies. In a meta-analysis of 12 trials of patients with type 2 diabetes randomly assigned to psychological intervention or usual care, mean A1C was lower in the intervention group pooled mean difference Measures of psychological distress were also significantly lower in the intervention group, but there were no differences in weight management.
Pregnancy planning — All women of childbearing age with diabetes should be counseled about the potential effects of diabetes and commonly used medications on maternal and fetal outcomes and the potential impact of pregnancy on their diabetes management and any existing complications.
See "Pregestational preexisting diabetes: Preconception counseling, evaluation, and management". When to start — Early institution of treatment for diabetes, at a time when the A1C is not substantially elevated, is associated with improved glycemic management over time and decreased long-term complications [ 46 ].
Pharmacologic therapy should be initiated along with consultation for lifestyle modification focusing on dietary and other lifestyle contributors to hyperglycemia. Weight loss and weight loss maintenance underpins all effective type 2 diabetes therapy, and lifestyle change reduces the risk of weight gain associated with sulfonylureas and insulin.
However, for those patients who have clear and modifiable contributors to hyperglycemia and who are motivated to change them eg, commitment to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages , a three-month trial of lifestyle modification prior to initiation of pharmacologic therapy is warranted.
Choice of initial therapy — Our suggestions are based upon clinical trial evidence and clinical experience in achieving glycemic targets and minimizing adverse effects table 1 , with the recognition that there is a paucity of high-quality, head-to-head drug comparison trials and long-duration trials or ones with important clinical endpoints, such as effects on complications.
The long-term benefits and risks of using one approach over another are unknown. In selecting initial therapy, we consider patient presentation eg, presence or absence of symptoms of hyperglycemia, comorbidities, baseline A1C level , individualized treatment goals and preferences, the glucose-lowering efficacy of individual drugs, and their adverse effect profile, tolerability, and cost [ 47 ].
We prefer initiating a single agent typically metformin and then sequentially adding additional glucose-lowering agents as needed, rather than starting with combination therapy [ 48 ]. Related Pathway s : Diabetes: Initial therapy for non-pregnant adults with type 2 DM.
Asymptomatic, not catabolic — The majority of patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes are asymptomatic, without symptoms of catabolism eg, without polyuria, polydipsia, or unintentional weight loss.
Hyperglycemia may be noted on routine laboratory examination or detected by screening. Metformin — In the absence of specific contraindications, we suggest metformin as initial therapy for patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes who are asymptomatic.
We begin with mg once daily with the evening meal and, if tolerated, add a second mg dose with breakfast. The dose can be increased slowly one tablet every one to two weeks as tolerated to reach a total dose of mg per day. See 'When to start' above and "Metformin in the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Dosing'.
Metformin is the preferred initial therapy because of glycemic efficacy see 'Glycemic efficacy' below , promotion of modest weight loss, very low incidence of hypoglycemia, general tolerability, and favorable cost [ 47 ]. Metformin does not have adverse cardiovascular effects, and it appears to decrease cardiovascular events [ ].
See "Metformin in the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Cardiovascular effects'.
Metformin is far less expensive and has more clinical practice experience than glucagon-like peptide 1 GLP-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 SGLT2 inhibitors. Although some guidelines and experts endorse the initial use of these alternative agents as monotherapy or in combination with metformin [ 48,52 ], we prefer initiating a single agent typically metformin and then sequentially adding additional glucose-lowering agents as needed, rather than starting with combination therapy.
In the clinical trials that demonstrated the protective effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, these agents were added to background metformin therapy in most participants.
Further, the cardiorenal benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors have not been demonstrated in drug-naïve patients without established CVD or at low cardiovascular risk or without severely increased albuminuria.
Although each diabetes medication is associated with adverse events, metformin is associated with less weight gain and fewer episodes of hypoglycemia compared with sulfonylureas, and with less edema, heart failure HF , and weight gain compared with thiazolidinediones.
See "Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for the treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Cardiovascular effects' and "Glucagon-like peptide 1-based therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Cardiovascular effects'.
Although virtually all recommendations for initial pharmacologic therapy outside of China, where alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are recommended as an alternate first-line monotherapy [ 53 ] endorse use of metformin , there are, in fact, relatively few relevant direct comparative effectiveness data available.
Contraindications to or intolerance of metformin — For patients who have gastrointestinal intolerance of metformin , slower titration, ensuring that the patient is taking the medication with food, or switching to an extended-release formulation may improve tolerability.
For patients who still cannot tolerate metformin or have contraindications to it, we choose an alternative glucose-lowering medication guided initially by patient comorbidities, and in particular, the presence of atherosclerotic CVD ASCVD or albuminuric chronic kidney disease.
See "Metformin in the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Contraindications'. When compared with placebo, the GLP-1 receptor agonists liraglutide , semaglutide , and dulaglutide demonstrated favorable atherosclerotic cardiovascular and kidney outcomes [ ].
The SGLT2 inhibitors empagliflozin , canagliflozin , and dapagliflozin have also demonstrated benefit, especially for HF hospitalization, risk of kidney disease progression, and mortality [ ]. Patients at high CVD risk but without a prior event might benefit, but the data are less supportive.
Similarly, patients without severely increased albuminuria have some benefit, but the absolute benefits are greater among those with severely increased albuminuria.
To select a medication, we use shared decision-making with a focus on beneficial and adverse effects within the context of the degree of hyperglycemia as well as a patient's comorbidities and preferences.
As examples:. SGLT2 inhibitors with cardiovascular benefit empagliflozin or canagliflozin are good alternatives, especially in the presence of HF. Given the high cost of these classes of medications, formulary coverage often determines the choice of the first medication within the class.
See "Glucagon-like peptide 1-based therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Cardiovascular effects' and "Glucagon-like peptide 1-based therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Microvascular outcomes'.
Choice of agent is primarily dictated by provider preference, insurance formulary restrictions, eGFR, and cost. In the setting of declining eGFR, the main reason to prescribe SGLT2 inhibitors is to reduce progression of DKD.
However, kidney and cardiac benefits have been shown in patients with eGFR below this threshold. Dosing in the setting of DKD is reviewed in detail elsewhere.
See "Treatment of diabetic kidney disease", section on 'Type 2 diabetes: Treat with additional kidney-protective therapy'. An alternative or an additional agent may be necessary to achieve glycemic goals.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are an alternative in patients with DKD as their glycemic effect is not related to eGFR. In addition, GLP-1 receptor agonists have been shown to slow the rate of decline in eGFR and prevent worsening of albuminuria.
See 'Microvascular outcomes' below and "Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for the treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus" and "Glucagon-like peptide 1-based therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus".
Of note, we avoid use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with frequent bacterial urinary tract infections or genitourinary yeast infections, low bone density and high risk for falls and fractures, foot ulceration, and factors predisposing to diabetic ketoacidosis eg, pancreatic insufficiency, drug or alcohol abuse disorder because of increased risk while using these agents.
SLGT2 inhibitors should be held for 3 to 4 days before procedures including colonoscopy preparation and with poor oral intake to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis. See "Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for the treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Contraindications and precautions'.
Repaglinide acts at the sulfonylurea receptor to increase insulin secretion but is much shorter acting than sulfonylureas and is principally metabolized by the liver, with less than 10 percent renally excreted.
Limited data suggest that dipeptidyl peptidase 4 DPP-4 inhibitors are effective and relatively safe in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, linagliptin is the only DPP-4 inhibitor that does not require a dose adjustment in the setting of kidney failure. GLP-1 receptor agonists may also be used safely in chronic kidney disease stage 4, but patient education for signs and symptoms of dehydration due to nausea or satiety is warranted to reduce the risk of acute kidney injury.
Insulin may also be used, with a greater portion of the total daily dose administered during the day due to the risk of hypoglycemia, especially overnight, in chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease ESKD.
See "Management of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and advanced chronic kidney disease or end-stage kidney disease", section on 'Patients not on dialysis'. Without established cardiovascular or kidney disease — For patients without established CVD or kidney disease who cannot take metformin , many other options for initial therapy are available table 1.
We suggest choosing an alternative glucose-lowering medication guided by efficacy, patient comorbidities, preferences, and cost.
Although historically insulin has been used for type 2 diabetes only when inadequate glycemic management persists despite oral agents and lifestyle intervention, there are increasing data to support using insulin earlier and more aggressively in type 2 diabetes.
By inducing near normoglycemia with intensive insulin therapy, both endogenous insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity improve; this results in better glycemic management, which can then be maintained with diet, exercise, and oral hypoglycemics for many months thereafter.
Insulin may cause weight gain and hypoglycemia. See "Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Indications for insulin'. If type 1 diabetes has been excluded, a GLP-1 receptor agonist is a reasonable alternative to insulin [ 66,67 ].
The frequency of injections and proved beneficial effects in the setting of CVD are the major differences among the many available GLP-1 receptor agonists. In practice, given the high cost of this class of medications, formulary coverage often determines the choice of the first medication within the class.
Cost and insurance coverage may limit accessibility and adherence. See "Glucagon-like peptide 1-based therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Patient selection'.
Each one of these choices has individual advantages, benefits, and risks table 1. See "Sulfonylureas and meglitinides in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus" and "Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for the treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Patient selection' and "Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 DPP-4 inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Patient selection' and "Thiazolidinediones in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Potential indications'.
See "Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for the treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Weight loss' and "Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 DPP-4 inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Patient selection' and "Glucagon-like peptide 1-based therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Weight loss'.
The choice of sulfonylurea balances glucose-lowering efficacy, universal availability, and low cost with risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain. Pioglitazone , which is generic and another relatively low-cost oral agent, may also be considered in patients with specific contraindications to metformin and sulfonylureas.
However, the risk of weight gain, HF, fractures, and the potential increased risk of bladder cancer raise the concern that the overall risks and cost of pioglitazone may approach or exceed its benefits. See "Sulfonylureas and meglitinides in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus" and "Thiazolidinediones in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Potential indications'.
For patients who are starting sulfonylureas, we suggest initiating lifestyle intervention first, at the time of diagnosis, since the weight gain that often accompanies a sulfonylurea will presumably be less if lifestyle efforts are underway. However, if lifestyle intervention has not produced a significant reduction in symptoms of hyperglycemia or in glucose values after one or two weeks, then the sulfonylurea should be added.
Side effects may be minimized with diabetes self-management education focusing on medication reduction or omission with changes in diet, food accessibility, or activity that may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. See "Glucagon-like peptide 1-based therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Suggested approach to the use of GLP-1 receptor agonist-based therapies' and "Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for the treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Mechanism of action' and "Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 DPP-4 inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Mechanism of action' and "Thiazolidinediones in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Hypoglycemia'.
Symptomatic catabolic or severe hyperglycemia — The frequency of symptomatic or severe diabetes has been decreasing in parallel with improved efforts to diagnose diabetes earlier through screening. If patients have been drinking a substantial quantity of sugar-sweetened beverages, reduction of carbohydrate intake, and rehydration with sugar-free fluids will help to reduce glucose levels within several days.
See "Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Initial treatment'. However, for patients who are injection averse, initial therapy with high-dose sulfonylurea is an alternative option. High-dose sulfonylureas are effective in rapidly reducing hyperglycemia in patients with severe hyperglycemia [ 68 ].
Metformin monotherapy is not helpful in improving symptoms in this setting, because the initial dose is low and increased over several weeks. However, metformin can be started at the same time as the sulfonylurea, slowly titrating the dose upward.
Once the diet has been adequately modified and the metformin dose increased, the dose of sulfonylurea can be reduced and potentially discontinued.
Patients with type 2 diabetes require relatively high doses of insulin compared with those needed for type 1 diabetes. Insulin preparations, insulin regimens, and timing of dosing are discussed in detail elsewhere. See "Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus".
See "Glucagon-like peptide 1-based therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Administration'.
We typically use glimepiride 4 or 8 mg once daily. An alternative option is immediate-release glipizide 10 mg twice daily or, where available, gliclazide immediate-release 80 mg daily. We contact the patient every few days after initiating therapy to make dose adjustments increase dose if hyperglycemia does not improve or decrease dose if hyperglycemia resolves quickly or hypoglycemia develops.
See "Sulfonylureas and meglitinides in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Sulfonylureas'.
Glycemic efficacy — The use of metformin as initial therapy is supported by meta-analyses of trials and observational studies evaluating the effects of oral or injectable diabetes medications as monotherapy on intermediate outcomes A1C, body weight, lipid profiles and adverse events [ 51, ].
In a network meta-analysis of trials evaluating monotherapy in drug-naïve patients, all treatments reduced A1C compared with placebo reductions in A1C ranged from Most medications used as monotherapy had similar efficacy in reducing A1C values approximately 1 percentage point.
In this and other meta-analyses, metformin reduced A1C levels more than DPP-4 inhibitor monotherapy [ 51, ]. There are few high-quality, head-to-head comparison trials of the available oral agents.
In one such trial, A Diabetes Outcome Progression Trial ADOPT , recently diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to monotherapy with the thiazolidinedione rosiglitazone , metformin , or glyburide [ 72 ]. At the four-year evaluation, 40 percent of the subjects in the rosiglitazone group had an A1C value less than 7 percent, as compared with 36 percent in the metformin group and 26 percent in the glyburide group.
Glyburide resulted in more rapid glycemic improvement during the first six months but caused modest weight gain and a greater incidence of hypoglycemia, and metformin caused more gastrointestinal side effects.
Rosiglitazone caused greater increases in weight, peripheral edema, and concentrations of low-density lipoprotein LDL cholesterol. There was also an unexpected increase in fractures in women taking rosiglitazone. The study was limited by a high rate of withdrawal of study participants.
Although rosiglitazone had greater durability as monotherapy than glyburide, its benefit over metformin was fairly small and of uncertain clinical significance [ 73 ]. See "Thiazolidinediones in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Safety'.
Cardiovascular outcomes — Cardiovascular benefit has been demonstrated for selected classes of diabetes medications, usually when added to metformin.
See "Management of persistent hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Monotherapy failure'. The cardiovascular effects of diabetes drugs are reviewed in the individual topics. See "Glucagon-like peptide 1-based therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Cardiovascular effects' and "Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for the treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Cardiovascular effects' and "Sulfonylureas and meglitinides in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Cardiovascular effects' and "Thiazolidinediones in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Cardiovascular effects' and "Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 DPP-4 inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Cardiovascular effects' and "Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus".
In trials of patients with type 2 diabetes with and without chronic kidney disease, GLP-1 receptor agonists slowed the rate of decline in eGFR and prevented worsening of albuminuria [ 54,56,58 ].
These trials and other trials evaluating microvascular outcomes are reviewed in the individual topics. Guidelines — Our approach is largely consistent with American and European guidelines [ 52,74,75 ]. A consensus statement regarding the management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes by the American Diabetes Association ADA and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes EASD was developed in and has been updated regularly, with the most recent revision published in [ 75 ].
The guidelines emphasize the importance of individualizing the choice of medications for the treatment of diabetes, considering important comorbidities CVD, HF, or chronic kidney disease; hypoglycemia risk; and need for weight loss and patient-specific factors including patient preferences, values, and cost [ 75 ].
We also agree with the World Health Organization WHO that sulfonylureas have a long-term safety profile, are inexpensive, and are highly effective, especially when used as described above, with patient education and dose adjustment to minimize side effects [ 76 ].
Blood glucose monitoring BGM is not necessary for most patients with type 2 diabetes who are on a stable regimen of diet or oral agents and who are not experiencing hypoglycemia.
BGM may be useful for some patients with type 2 diabetes who use the results to modify eating patterns, exercise, or insulin doses on a regular basis. See "Glucose monitoring in the ambulatory management of nonpregnant adults with diabetes mellitus", section on 'Type 2 diabetes'.
The balance among efficacy in lowering A1C, side effects, and costs must be carefully weighed in considering which drugs or combinations to choose.
Avoiding insulin, the most potent of all hypoglycemic medications, at the expense of poorer glucose management and greater side effects and cost, is not likely to benefit the patient in the long term. See "Management of persistent hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Our approach'.
SOCIETY GUIDELINE LINKS — Links to society and government-sponsored guidelines from selected countries and regions around the world are provided separately.
See "Society guideline links: Diabetes mellitus in adults" and "Society guideline links: Diabetic kidney disease".
These articles are best for patients who want a general overview and who prefer short, easy-to-read materials. Beyond the Basics patient education pieces are longer, more sophisticated, and more detailed.
These articles are written at the 10 th to 12 th grade reading level and are best for patients who want in-depth information and are comfortable with some medical jargon.
Here are the patient education articles that are relevant to this topic. We encourage you to print or e-mail these topics to your patients. You can also locate patient education articles on a variety of subjects by searching on "patient info" and the keyword s of interest.
Weight reduction through diet, exercise, and behavioral modification can all be used to improve glycemic management, although the majority of patients with type 2 diabetes will require medication. See 'Diabetes education' above. Glycemic targets are generally set somewhat higher for older adults and for those with comorbidities or a limited life expectancy and little likelihood of benefit from intensive therapy.
See 'Glycemic management' above and "Glycemic control and vascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus", section on 'Choosing a glycemic target'.
In the absence of specific contraindications, we suggest metformin as initial therapy for most patients Grade 2B. Although some guidelines and experts endorse the initial use of alternative agents as monotherapy or in combination with metformin, we prefer initiating a single agent typically metformin and then sequentially adding additional glucose-lowering agents as needed.
See 'Metformin' above and 'Glycemic efficacy' above. We suggest initiating metformin at the time of diabetes diagnosis Grade 2C , along with consultation for lifestyle intervention.
See 'When to start' above. The dose of metformin should be titrated to its maximally effective dose usually mg per day in divided doses over one to two months, as tolerated. See 'Contraindications to or intolerance of metformin' above. See 'Established cardiovascular or kidney disease' above.
The majority of patients in the cardiovascular and renal outcomes trials had established cardiovascular disease CVD or diabetic kidney disease DKD with severely increased albuminuria, and therefore, these are the primary indications for one of these drugs. See 'Without established cardiovascular or kidney disease' above.
Each one of these choices has individual advantages and risks table 1. Choice of medication is guided by efficacy, patient comorbidities, preferences, and cost. Sulfonylureas remain a highly effective treatment for hyperglycemia, particularly when cost is a barrier. Side effects of hypoglycemia and weight gain can be mitigated with careful dosing and diabetes self-management education.
For patients who are injection averse, initial therapy with high-dose sulfonylurea is an alternative, particularly for patients who have been consuming large amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages, in whom elimination of carbohydrates can be anticipated to cause a reduction in glucose within several days.
See 'Symptomatic catabolic or severe hyperglycemia' above and "Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus". Further adjustments of therapy, which should usually be made no less frequently than every three months, are based upon the A1C result and in some settings, the results of blood glucose monitoring [BGM].
See 'Monitoring' above. See "Management of persistent hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus" and "Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus". Why UpToDate? Product Editorial Subscription Options Subscribe Sign in.
Learn how UpToDate can help you. Select the option that best describes you. View Topic. Font Size Small Normal Large. Initial management of hyperglycemia in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Formulary drug information for this topic. No drug references linked in this topic.
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Diabetes is a condition in which there is Herbal alternative medicine much glucose a type of sugar in the blood. Meal planning app time, Dehydration and alcohol blood glucose levels can Hyperylycemia the body's organs. Possible long-term Hypervlycemia include damage to heaoth macrovascular and small microvascular blood vessels, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and problems with the kidneys, eyes, gums, feet and nerves. The good news is that you can reduce the risk of the long-term effects of diabetes by keeping blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels within recommended range. Also, being a healthy weight, eating healthily, reducing alcohol intake, and not smoking will help reduce your risk.
High blood sugar, also Herbal alternative medicine hyperglycemia, heaoth people who Hydration importance diabetes. Several factors can Hhperglycemia Herbal alternative medicine hceck-ups Herbal alternative medicine hyperglycemia in people with diabetes. They include regu,ar and physical activity, illness, and abd not related to diabetes. Skipping doses or not taking enough insulin or other medication to lower blood sugar also can lead to hyperglycemia. It's important to treat hyperglycemia. If it's not treated, hyperglycemia can become severe and cause serious health problems that require emergency care, including a diabetic coma. Hyperglycemia that lasts, even if it's not severe, can lead to health problems that affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart. Hyperglycemia and regular health check-ups -
Physical activity Get at least minutes a week of moderate activity, such as brisk walking or riding a bike. Healthy eating Eat healthy foods that give you the nutrition you need and help your blood sugar stay in your target range.
Your blood pressure and weight will be checked, and your self-care plan and medicines will be reviewed. Dental exam Get your teeth and gums cleaned at least once a year more often if your doctor recommends , and let your dentist know that you have diabetes.
Flu shot Kidney tests Cholesterol test Dilated eye exam You may need this exam more often if you have diabetes-related eye problems. Hearing check Complete foot check You may need this foot check more often if you have ever had diabetes-related foot problems. New symptoms or health problems If you notice new health problems or if existing problems are getting worse, call your doctor immediately so you can be evaluated.
Videos: Learn the Basics of Self-Care Diabetes Education and Support Manage Blood Sugar Prevent Diabetes Complications Steps to Help You Stay Healthy With Diabetes Managing Diabetes: Medicare Coverage and Resources [PDF — 1 MB]. Last Reviewed: April 19, Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Unfortunately, the body cannot release all the ketones and they build up in your blood, which can lead to ketoacidosis. Many people with diabetes, particularly those who use insulin, should have a medical ID with them at all times.
In the event of a severe hypoglycemic episode, a car accident, or other emergency, the medical ID can provide critical information about the person's health status, such as the fact that they have diabetes, whether or not they use insulin, whether they have any allergies, etc.
Emergency medical personnel are trained to look for a medical ID when they are caring for someone who can't speak for themselves. Medical IDs are usually worn as a bracelet or a necklace.
Traditional IDs are etched with basic, key health information about the person, and some IDs now include compact USB drives that can carry a person's full medical record for use in an emergency. Your best bet is to practice good diabetes management and learn to detect hyperglycemia so you can treat it early—before it gets worse.
Breadcrumb Home Life with Diabetes Get the Right Care for You Hyperglycemia High Blood Glucose. What causes hyperglycemia? A number of things can cause hyperglycemia: If you have type 1, you may not have given yourself enough insulin.
If you have type 2, your body may have enough insulin, but it is not as effective as it should be. You ate more than planned or exercised less than planned. You have stress from an illness, such as a cold or flu.
You have other stress, such as family conflicts or school or dating problems. You may have experienced the dawn phenomenon a surge of hormones that the body produces daily around a.
to a. What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia? The signs and symptoms include the following: High blood glucose High levels of glucose in the urine Frequent urination Increased thirst Part of managing your diabetes is checking your blood glucose often.
How do I treat hyperglycemia? What if it goes untreated? Ketoacidosis is life-threatening and needs immediate treatment.
Contributor Disclosures. Please read the Hypegrlycemia at the Energy boosting strategies of this Hyperflycemia. All of Hyperglycemia and regular health check-ups treatments and Dehydration and alcohol need to Hyperg,ycemia tempered based Hyperglycejia individual factors, such as ergular, Dehydration and alcohol expectancy, and ceck-ups. Dehydration and alcohol studies of bariatric surgery, aggressive insulin therapy, and behavioral interventions to achieve weight loss have noted remissions of type 2 diabetes mellitus that may last several years, the majority of patients with type 2 diabetes require continuous treatment in order to maintain target glycemia. Treatments to improve glycemic management work by increasing insulin availability either through direct insulin administration or through agents that promote insulin secretionimproving sensitivity to insulin, delaying the delivery and absorption of carbohydrate from the gastrointestinal tract, increasing urinary glucose excretion, or a combination of these approaches.
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