According to the American Diabetic Association ADA , there are a number of reasons this might happen:. The role of genetics in hyperglycemia is best explained in the context of diabetes risk based on family history.

The ADA notes that diabetes doesn't seem to be inherited in a simple pattern. Still, some people are born more likely to develop diabetes than others. The similarity between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that something in your environment triggers a predisposition to the disease.

In the case of type 1 diabetes, which occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, you need to inherit risk factors from both of your parents before something in your environment is able to trigger it.

Common environmental factors that have been linked to type 1 diabetes include cold weather, viruses, and a person's diet early in life. It's less common in people who were breastfed and ate solids later than usual. Researchers have also noted people who develop diabetes late in life have certain autoantibodies in their blood.

Type 2 diabetes is different from type 1 in that the body becomes resistant to insulin. Research has found that genetics play a more significant role in type 2 diabetes than in type 1 diabetes, but lifestyle habits also factor in.

Daily habits play a much larger role in type 2 diabetes than in type 1 diabetes. Lifestyle risk factors commonly associated with type 2 diabetes include:. Pancreatic disease pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and cystic fibrosis and endocrine disorders such as Cushing syndrome can cause hyperglycemia, which means high blood sugar.

Surgery or injuries that trigger a stress response in the body can also cause it. Pregnant women may develop hyperglycemia in the form of gestational diabetes, and certain medications can raise blood sugar.

Following trauma or during an illness, blood glucose levels may rise due to stress on your body. If high blood sugar persists, though, it can cause problems and needs to be treated.

Following a hyperglycemic diet , exercising regularly, and managing your weight are the best ways to reduce your risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes. Smoking increases your risk, so avoid that as well. American Diabetes Association. Hyperglycemia high blood glucose. Learn the genetics of diabetes.

Zaharieva ET, Velikova TV, Tsakova AD, et al. Prevalence of positive diabetes-associated autoantibodies among type 2 diabetes and related metabolic and inflammatory differences in a sample of the bulgarian population.

J Diabetes Res. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Talk to your health care team about the best options for you. Diet is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

The American Heart Association recommends an eating plan that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, skinless poultry, fish, legumes, non-tropical vegetable oils and unsalted nuts and seeds. A healthy diet should also replace saturated fats with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, avoid trans fats, reduce cholesterol and sodium salt and limit red and processed meats, refined carbohydrates and sweetened beverages.

Try these healthy recipes today. Alcohol: Heavy use of alcohol can cause inflammation in the pancreas and limit its ability to produce enough insulin.

Alcohol can cause liver damage and adds more sugar and starch to your diet that must either be used or stored as fat. Moderate your alcohol intake. That means no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men. Stress and well-being: Everyone feels stress, but people react differently.

Managing the stress in our lives is an important part of healthy living, not only for diabetes but for heart disease and many other conditions. Find ways to address the causes of your stress and make time for things you enjoy. Learn how to take care of your mental health. Sleep: Adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep a night.

Sleep benefits your whole body, including your heart and brain. It improves mood, memory and reasoning. Research also has shown that too little or too much sleep is linked to a high A1C in people with Type 2 diabetes. If you have insomnia trouble going to sleep or waking up too soon or sleep apnea problems breathing while asleep , work with your health care team to diagnose and treat them.

Learn why sleep is essential to overall health. Last Reviewed: May 5, Sign up here for the monthly tips Conoce Diabetes de Corazón. Kuwait instituted the Kuwait National Nutrition Surveillance KNNS in to monitor changes in obesity and biochemical indicators of chronic diseases including blood glucose levels.

The present study was carried out to determine 8 year trends in prevalence of hyperglycemia and diabetes among Kuwaiti adults since , and to examine various socio-demographic, biological and lifestyle factors that may have contributed to variation in this prevalence.

A total of adults males and females ages 20 to 69 years from the KNSS for years through have been analyzed. The Administration for Food and Nutrition, Ministry of Health in Kuwait established the KNSS to continuously monitor the nutritional health status of the Kuwaiti population using a serial cross-sectional design.

Informed consent was sought from each participant before data were collected. Pregnant women or with diagnosed diabetes were excluded from the study.

The study was approved by the Ministry of Health, Kuwait. Surveillance efforts began in with an assessment of body weight, height and biochemical variables including blood glucose BG together with information on age, gender and education level.

However, information on fasting or non-fasting status during blood collection was available only from late Subsequently, information on smoking and exercise were added in Education level was determined by asking whether they were illiterate, or completed either primary, intermediary, secondary, diploma, undergraduate or postgraduate levels.

As Kuwaitis are generally engaged in office-work involving only sedentary activities and do little household work, physical activity was defined as deliberate non-work related exercise outside the home, such as walking, running, or cycling. Weight and height of subjects was measured in light clothing without shoes.

Height was measured to the nearest 0. Body weight was measured to the nearest 0. Serum total cholesterol TC was measured using the Reflotron Boehringer- Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.

Normal BG was defined as a fasting blood glucose FBG level below 6. FBG of 6. Hypercholesterolemia HC was classified as moderate TC 5. Chi-square test was performed for males and females separately to detect overall differences in the prevalence of IFG and diabetes with socio-demographic, biological and lifestyle factors.

Then differences between sub-groups for each of the variables were examined by Z-test. Trends in absolute FBG levels were examined using multiple linear regression analysis with inclusion of year of study, age, BMI, TC and education level, while trends in prevalence of IFG and diabetes were examined using multiple logistic regression analysis by four 2-year time periods compared with —03 for males and females separately using both unadjusted model and after adjustment for age, BMI, HC and education level categories.

A second model of logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors associated with IFG and diabetes in males and females separately by combining all study years with age, BMI, HC, education level, exercise and smoking categories included as independent variables. All statistical analysis was done using SPSS for Windows version 17 SPSS incorporation, Chicago, IL, USA.

Table 1 shows the distribution of study participants by various socio-demographic, biological and lifestyle variables within study periods. Overall, females constituted a significantly higher proportion than males in all study period.

For both males and females, younger people 20—29 y constituted the highest proportion males: Across study periods the prevalence of obesity varied from Relatively more males Unadjusted prevalence of IFG increased slightly with time until —05 in males and then decreased to 6.

During the 8 years —09 , the prevalence of IFG in males and females decreased by 7. In both genders, prevalence of diabetes also decreased with time period.

During the 8 year period —09 , the prevalence of diabetes in males and females fell by 9. Prevalence of both IFG and diabetes were higher in males than females throughout the study period.

IFG and diabetes prevalences were also affected by age Table 2. Diabetes prevalence also increased significantly with increasing age decades, reaching a maximum The diabetes prevalence also increased with increasing age decades, reaching a maximum There were no significant differences in the prevalences of IFG and diabetes between males and females throughout the age decades, except for diabetes in females in the 2 nd decades.

In both genders, the prevalence of IFG and diabetes increased significantly with overweight and obesity, and decreased with level of education, except for IFG in males Table 2.

Diabetes prevalence increased significantly with TC levels and decreased with any form of exercise. Both male and female smokers had lower prevalence of IFG with no significant changes in the prevalence of diabetes. Regression coefficients B indicated an overall 0.

Males had a greater decrease than females 1. Males with less education or who were obese also showed a greater change than the gender as a whole.

Logistic regression analysis was used to determine temporal trends in prevalence of IFG and diabetes for 2 year spans compared with —03 using both unadjusted model and after adjusting for age, BMI, HC and education levels for males and females separately.

Although unadjusted trends in prevalence of IFG and diabetes in both males and females were similar to that of adjusted trends, there were slightly higher OR in each study period. Therefore, we presented the adjusted OR Table 4.

In females, the odds of IFG decreased significantly with time period, except in — There was a gradual significant decrease in odds of diabetes with time period in both males and females. Compared with —03, the OR for diabetes in males was 0.

A second logistic regression model was carried out to determine the contribution of all the investigated risk factors of IFG and diabetes.

When compared with the 2 nd age decade, the odds of having IFG increased significantly from the 4 th age decade until the 6 th decade in both males and females Table 5. Both overweight and obese males and females were significantly more likely to have IFG than those with normal BMI.

Only in females did the odds of IFG decrease significantly with increased level of education. Compared with non-smokers, the odds of IFG decreased significantly among male and female smokers. Similarly, the odds of diabetes increased significantly with age from the 2 nd until the 6 th decade in both genders.

Both overweight and obese males and females were significantly more likely to be diabetic than those with normal BMI. The odds of diabetes decreased significantly with increased level of education in both genders.

No significant association was found with HC, exercise or smoking in either gender Table 5. Temporal changes in unadjusted prevalence of IFG and diabetes among Kuwaiti adults in the 8 years since show a significant decrease in both males and females.

Time trend data for the region that can be used for comparison: a study among Iranians showed an increased trend for diabetes from to [ 16 ], as did data from Oman for —, Saudi Arabia for —, and UAE for — [ 8 ]. However, these studies represented earlier data collection period comparable to the earlier part of our study except Iranian study — The overall crude prevalences of IFG and diabetes were significantly higher in males than females.

When the data were stratified by study periods, the prevalence of IFG in males was significantly higher than females only in —05, and for diabetes, it was higher in males than in females in —03 and — The results of linear regression showed a greater decrease over time in males and closer values between the genders in — When logistic regression was carried out with combined genders, after adjusting for various factors, females were less likely to have IFG OR: 0.

A similar gender difference in diabetes has recently been reported in Kuwaitis [ 12 ], though a lower prevalence of diabetes was reported in Kuwaiti males in an earlier study [ 17 ]. Studies from other countries in the region also reported mixed results.

Men had higher prevalences of diabetes in Saudi Arabia [ 18 ], Oman [ 19 ], Yemen [ 20 ] and Jordan [ 21 ], while women had higher prevalences in Iran [ 16 ], UAE [ 22 ] and Bahrain [ 23 ]. These variabilities between countries in diabetes with gender may reflect the variation in other factors that can influence diabetes including patient identification.

Further, in the present study we found a significant interaction of education level and gender with the prevalence of IFG and diabetes. In the present study we also explored the association of selected socio-demographic age, education , biological BMI and serum TC and lifestyle exercise and smoking factors.

As observed in earlier studies among Kuwaitis [ 12 , 17 ], and as would be expected, age was found to be an important predictor of IFG and diabetes prevalence for both genders in the present study.

The odds of IFG and diabetes increased with age until the 6 th decade in both genders. A similar age related change in diabetes has also been reported in other studies in the Arab Gulf region [ 16 , 18 , 22 , 24 ]. In the present study, both overweight and obese males and females were more likely to have IFG and diabetes which are in accordance with the findings from other countries in the region [ 9 , 18 , 25 — 28 ] where a consistently positive association of overweight and obesity with diabetes is demonstrated.

It is known that adipocytes fat cells secrete a number of adipocyte hormones and adipokines, which may in turn increase the risk of diabetes via several pathways such as increasing insulin resistance [ 29 ]. Unadjusted prevalence of diabetes was significantly higher in both genders with moderate-HC and high-HC than in individuals with normal cholesterol level.

After adjusting for confounding factors in logistic regression, the OR for diabetes in males OR: 1. More highly educated females were significantly less likely to have IFG or diabetes in our study, but only highly educated undergraduate or above males were less likely to be diabetes.

An earlier study in Kuwaiti adults also showed that higher education level was associated with a significant reduction in blood glucose levels [ 30 ]. Furthermore, a lower education level has been found to be associated increased likelihood of diabetes among Bahrainis [ 23 ], Omanis [ 24 ] and Iranians [ 31 ].

It is possible that those who were more highly educated may have greater awareness of the risk factors of hyperglycemia and diabetes, and thus more likely to practice more effective preventing measures. However, higher education had no significant impact on IFG prevalence in Kuwaiti males implying that they are either less aware of the risk factors of hyperglycemia.

The prevalence rates indicate that both males and females who were exercising were possibly less likely to be diabetic than those who were not exercising. However, the results odds ratio were not statistically significant when adjusted for other confounders including BMI supporting excess body weight as the primary risk factor.

Kuwaitis who participate in even moderate exercise have been shown to have delayed weight gain with age [ 32 ]. In a recent study we have also reported that the Kuwaiti males who exercised were significantly less likely to be obese [ 33 ].

Since we do not have any information on the duration and intensity of the exercise it is difficult interpret the present findings. We found that both males and females who were smokers were significantly less likely to have IGF than non-smokers even when adjusted for age and BMI, though no significant association between smoking and diabetes was observed.

Studies from UAE [ 28 ] and Qatar [ 25 ] showed that smokers were more likely to be diabetic than non-smokers, while a longitudinal study in Iranian adults found no association with smoking and incidence of diabetes [ 31 ].

Roughly 40 million US adults have Chronic Kidney Disease, and diabetes is the leading cause of CKD. Additionally, type 2 diabetes is the singular leading cause for renal failure for American adults.

The problem for most CKD patients is that they are unaware their kidneys are failing until damage is irreparable. The neuropathy causes damage to patients' blood vessels in their kidneys, which prevent them from functioning as efficiently to filter out waste.

The longer this goes on, the more damage is done to the kidneys until their glomerular filtration reaches a critical point and kidneys fail all together. Patients who are diagnosed with diabetes should be made aware of some signs and symptoms of kidney disease, so they can be regularly tested and screened.

In the meantime, patients who have both kidney disease and diabetes must be twice as cognizant of their dietary and activity choices. Heart Disease. Unfortunately, scientists cannot discern which condition between diabetes and heart disease is more likely to cause the other, but there is an undeniable link in the prevalence of those with cardiovascular risk factors who have also been diagnosed with diabetes.

There have studies that suggest hyperglycemia increases the risk of heart failure altogether due to an increased stress the condition has on left ventricular function. Some studies have even found an increased risk between hyperglycemia in heart failure patients who do not have diabetes, suggesting the condition could even be a cause.

Both conditions share similar risk factors, and people with type 2 diabetes are x more likely to develop heart failure. So, patients who have one condition should have a dialogue with their providers as to how to avoid leading to a diagnosis of the other.

To avoid developing heart disease, experts recommend people get 60 minutes of activity per day, in addition to getting at least eight hours of sleep each night.

Stress is also a significant risk factor that causes and exacerbates heart disease, so patients should be mindful of their mental wellness. In the last year, our society has placed an increased emphasis on our health and wellness.

Instead, we also need to ensure we are tending to what we put in our bodies and how we expend our energy. By reducing the risk factors associated with diabetes and hyperglycemia, patients can also reduce their chances of also being diagnosed with other chronic illnesses.

Heart disease, kidney disease, neuropathy are just a few of the additional conditions a person with chronic hyperglycemia can face, but the list is extensive. So be mindful, and if you have any questions about the potential impact your diagnosis can have towards other illnesses, contact your doctor and start a dialogue.

Jenny Hart is a contributing author on behalf of InsuranceFAQ. Jenny has been a copywriter for three years, and covers a wide array of topics ranging from autoimmune diseases to Medicare insurance. DFUs, Wagner Grade 3, and Osteomyelitis: Is it only skin deep?

The Right Fit? 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. Hyperglycemia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments. Print Share.

What is hyperglycemia? What causes hyperglycemia? What are the risk factors for hyperglycemia? Certain factors or conditions increase the risk for hyperglycemia, including: Obesity or being overweight Family history of type 2 diabetes Personal history of gestational diabetes Prediabetes when blood glucose levels are high, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia? Symptoms of hyperglycemia include: Urinating large amounts Excessive thirst Feeling tired Frequent hunger Dry mouth Weight loss Blurred vision Recurrent infections e. How is hyperglycemia diagnosed? How is hyperglycemia treated? The treatment depends on the cause of hyperglycemia, and may include the following: Insulin.

For people with type 1 diabetes, insulin is the main treatment for hyperglycemia. In some cases, it may also be used to treat people with type 2 diabetes. Glucose-lowering medications.

Various drugs such as metformin may be used to lower blood glucose levels. Glucose monitoring. People with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels as instructed by their doctor. Lifestyle changes.

Sleep deprivation is associated with increased inflammatory reactivity, even after just one night of sleep loss [ , ]. The microbiota composition may promote systemic inflammation by causing gut leakage and release of lipopolysaccharides into the circulation [ , ]. Persons with a sedentary lifestyle exhibit higher concentrations of circulating pro-inflammatory mediators [ , , ].

Physical activity is known to attenuate low-grade inflammation [ , ]. Fetuin released from the liver targets the same receptor as lipopolysaccharide [ ]. Depression is also closely associated with elevated levels of inflammatory mediators and, conversely, subclinical inflammation may promote the occurrence of depressive symptoms [ , , ].

Prodiabetic lifestyle factors target regulatory networks. Although the widely different lifestyle-defined diabetes risk factors are expected to interact with different parts of the body, they probably target the metabolic, endocrine, immune and neurological network s and synergise in promoting β-cell damage.

Neuronal activity in response to environmental conditions may also affect β-cell function. The mechanisms involved include activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the secretion of catecholamines.

Further, the hypothalamus—pituitary—adrenal axis may be activated, resulting in increased systemic levels of cortisol [ , , ]. The development of food addiction also translates a non-healthy lifestyle into increased diabetes risk [ ].

Trials of diabetes prevention have appreciated the contribution of lifestyle to diabetes risk. A primary strategy of such trials has been the targeting of moderate weight loss via lifestyle changes, including dietary measures and increased physical activity.

Further, there was substantial recovery of β-cell function after 8 weeks of a low calorie diet. A protein-rich, low calorie formula diet for meal replacement was found to substantially improve metabolic control, decrease the amount of antidiabetic medication and lower body weight in persons with insulin-treated T2D [ ].

Long-term data are available from the two early diabetes prevention trials. Thus, the lifestyle changes in the two studies halted the progression towards overt T2D in a large fraction of study participants for a few years, but was much less effective during follow-up.

In both studies, there was a substantial regain of body weight over time. It is probable that long-term maintenance of body weight reduction would have prevented progression to T2D also in the long term, since this correlation is observed in people at risk of T2D after bariatric surgery [ ].

A host of environmental or lifestyle-dependent T2D risk factors have been described in prospective epidemiological studies, ranging from energy-dense food consumption to long-term exposure to high levels of fine dust. In these studies, the amount of personal, environmental or lifestyle aspects data that can or has been documented is limited, leaving room for confounding.

For instance, the number of meals prepared at home or the frequency of tooth-brushing are rarely documented although both impact diabetes risk [ , ] and may therefore confound associations with other lifestyle factors. Further, which environmental or lifestyle facotrs are associated with diabetes risk but do not bear a cause-effect relationship remains unknown.

Combining epidemiological data with the experience from intervention trials may allow to tentatively define diabetes protective factors. A consistent finding from prospective studies is the association of plant food-based diets with a lower T2D risk [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 18 , 20 ].

This fits with the outcome of the PREDIMED trial of Mediterranean diet, suggesting that the diabetes-protective effect of body weight reduction can be replaced, at least in part, by an appropriate quality diet [ 32 ].

Prebiotic plant fibres promote growth of a diverse and apparently healthy microbiota with less endotoxin leakage [ , , ]. This may avoid inflammatory activation of endothelial and Kupffer cells in the liver with concomitant hepatocyte dysfunction, as usually observed in response to a western-type high-fat diet or during non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [ , ].

A fibre-rich diet gives rise to the enhanced production of short-chain fatty acids by gut bacteria [ ]. There is direct binding of these products to the free fatty acid receptor 2 on β-cells and the promotion of cell growth and function [ ]. A second major diabetes-protective component of plant food are phytochemicals.

A property common to most phytochemicals is the activation of cell defence and anti-inflammatory genes, for instance, via the Nrf2 signalling pathway [ ].

These effects occur body-wide and are also demonstrable in β-cells [ ]. A third major diabetes-protective factor is exercise. Interestingly, muscle work also activates cell defence and anti-inflammatory pathways via Nrf2 signalling. There is a direct beneficial effect of exercise on β-cell function [ ], and also on liver function in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, although there is no body weight loss [ ].

The strongest diabetes-protective factor appears to be the avoidance or correction of a high body fat mass, notably visceral and ectopic fat.

There is rapid improvement, and often normalisation, of glucose homeostasis within the first week after bariatric surgery or initiation of a very low calorie diet [ , ]. After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass several rapid changes have been noted aside from the lower insulin and plasma glucose levels, including lower blood levels of leptin and branched amino acids, higher concentrations of adiponectin and bile acids, and stronger post prandial increases of GLP-1 and of the satiety peptide YY [ ].

However, many of these changes are not seen after gastric banding or a very low calorie diet, such as no increased production of GLP-1 [ , , ], bile acids [ , ], peptide YY [ ], or no decreased levels of branched amino acids [ ].

Therefore, it seems probable that the major determinant of rapid metabolic improvement seen with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric banding or a very low calorie diet is the acute negative energy balance, which is similar for the three procedures [ , ]. Obviously, the immediate response to severely restricted calorie uptake in the days after surgery or during a very low calorie diet is substantially less post-prandial insulin production, thus alleviating stress from β-cells.

The lower level of protein synthesis decreases the demand of ATP from mitochondria, thereby reducing the amount of concomitantly released radical oxygen species and allowing recovery of mitochondrial proteins from oxidative damage such as nitrosylation or carbonylation [ , ].

Indeed, within 1 week there is partial recovery of insulin production after the introduction of a very low calorie diet, with further normalisation in the following months [ , ].

Recovery of β-cell function to varying extents is also seen early after gastric bypass [ , , ]. A second immediate response to a very low calorie intake is the adaptation of metabolic control to the low amount of digestible carbohydrate.

Such adaptation is primarily important in the liver, where most of gluconeogenesis takes place, including the synthesis of glucose from glycerol of triglycerides and metabolic breakdown of released fatty acids to the acetate level.

Excess acetyl-CoA gives rise to acetoacetyl-CoA and, subsequently, to acetone and ß-hydroxybutyrate. The latter reduced ketone can be used as a substrate for oxidative energy production in place of glucose in peripheral tissues and can pass the blood—brain barrier [ ].

It has been proposed that calorie restriction mimetics may elicit similar cellular responses as seen during an acute negative balance, including an improved cellular resistance to oxidative stress and an anti-inflammatory milieu [ , ]. Many phytochemicals have been shown to exhibit activities related to calorie restriction, including the grape polyphenol resveratrol [ ], anacardic acid from cashews, curcumin from the spice turmeric, garcinol from the fruit of the Kokum tree, epigallocatechingallate from green tea, and spermidine from fermented soy beans or wheat germs [ ].

Therefore, it is not surprising that plant-based diets have been recognised to partly mimic the effects of calorie restriction [ , ]. Taken together, intervention trials of diabetes prevention indicate that long-term preservation of normoglycaemia in people at high risk of T2D is achievable.

Further research on the protective mechanisms associated with physical activity, healthy eating patterns and specific food components, anti-inflammatory strategies, or with weight reduction via low calorie diet or bariatric surgery seems warranted Box 2.

Infection with hepatitis C virus or Chlamydia pneumoniae no epidemiological data on relative risk increase available. a All factors remain significantly associated after statistical adjustment for body mass index BMI and other confounders, as described in the text.

Virtually all non-infectious pro-diabetic lifestyle characteristics promote an increase in BMI and waist circumference.

The global type 2 diabetes T2D epidemic is generally believed to result from environmental and lifestyle changes. Diabetes risk factors include energy-dense western style diets, decreased physical activity, increased sitting and monitor viewing time, exposure to noise or fine dust, short or disturbed sleep, smoking, stress, depression, and a low socioeconomic status.

It is suggested that the various diabetes risk factors probably target different organs of the body, but these are connected by endocrine, metabolic, immune and neurological networks. Since the loss of insulin production is the ultimate cause of developing overt T2D, environmental and lifestyle factors must directly or indirectly cause β-cell damage.

Epidemiological studies indicate that major diabetes-protective factors comprise plant food-based diets and moderate to high intensity muscle work. It may be possible to reproduce, at least in part, the benefits of body weight reduction by calorie restriction mimetics.

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Work-related stress and type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis. Occup Med Lond. Pouwer F, Kupper N, Adriaanse MC. Your readings within a couple of hours after eating reflect how your body reacts to the foods you consume. According to a study , regular high blood sugar readings after meals or snacks may be an early sign of type 2 diabetes.

There is also a relationship between fasting hyperglycemia and postprandial hyperglycemia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , target blood glucose levels for people with diabetes are typically:. However, you may not feel the effects of hyperglycemia until your blood glucose levels are very high for an extended period of time.

The longer the condition is left untreated, the more severe it may become. Long-term effects of hyperglycemia include:. Diabetic ketoacidosis DKA and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome HHS are two conditions caused by very high glucose levels.

The hallmarks of DKA are elevated ketones, acidic substances in the blood and urine, and acidosis , a state where blood becomes acidic. DKA generally occurs in people with type 1 diabetes and is less common with type 2 diabetes. However, not everyone with these blood glucose levels will have DKA.

In addition to excessive thirst and urination , symptoms may include:. You may experience regular episodes of high blood sugar in the early morning hours between 3 and 8 a. The dawn phenomenon occurs due to higher levels of hormones like cortisol and growth hormone.

These hormones signal the liver to make more glucose, so you have the energy that helps you wake up. If your levels are high, it may be because you have diabetes or your diabetes is not well managed. The American Diabetes Association says that if you experience episodes of hyperglycemia in the mornings only occasionally, they may not affect your A1C , a kind of blood glucose test.

If they become a frequent occurrence, your A1C levels may move higher, into a concerning range. An important part of managing your diabetes is checking your blood glucose levels often, such as before you eat, after you eat, or at bedtime.

Then, record that number in a notebook, blood glucose log, or blood glucose tracking app so you and your doctor can monitor your treatment plan. Knowing when your blood glucose levels are getting out of your target range can help you get your blood glucose back on track before more significant complications arise.

Exercise is one of the best and most effective ways to keep your blood glucose levels where they should be and lower them if they get too high. If you have complications such as nerve or eye damage, ask your doctor which exercises might suit you best. An important note: If you have had diabetes for an extended period of time and are on insulin therapy, talk with your doctor to see if there are any exercises you should limit when your blood glucose levels are high.

Exercising when ketones are in your body may cause your blood glucose level to rise even higher. Work with a dietitian or nutritionist to construct a nutritious, interesting selection of meals that can help you manage your carbohydrate intake and prevent higher blood glucose levels.

Diet plans you may want to explore include:. You doctor may reevaluate your diabetes treatment plan based on your personal health history and your experiences with hyperglycemia. They may change the amount, type, or timing of your medication. You may experience a variety of skin issues when blood sugar levels are high.

For example, your skin may be dry and itchy or you may find skin tags on your groin, armpit, or neck. Hyperglycemia may make it hard for the body to heal itself, leading to open sores, wounds, ulcers, and skin infections.

You may notice these issues particularly on the feet. High blood sugar may also lead to diabetic neuropathy , which is a form of nerve damage. According to the CDC , damage to the nerves develops slowly and may present as tingling, numbness, weakness, or sensitivity. The HbA1c test gives an average of your blood glucose levels over the past 10 to 12 weeks.

You do not need to fast for it. If a blood test shows results in the diabetes range but you show no symptoms of diabetes, a second pathology test is needed to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.

If you don't have diabetes, but your glucose levels are higher than normal, this is called pre-diabetes and it includes one or both of:. The aim of diabetes treatment is to keep you as well as possible, and reduce the risk of damage to various parts of your body that can happen over time.

Maintain blood glucose levels within the recommended range. You can help keep your blood glucose levels as near as possible to normal by:. Blood glucose targets are individualised. However, if you are taking either diabetes tablets that can cause hypos or insulin, the blood glucose levels generally recommended are:.

Keeping your blood glucose levels within the target range can help prevent long-term problems that can affect your heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol within the recommended range is very important to help prevent long-term problems, especially to your heart, blood vessels, kidneys and eyes.

Regular diabetes checks of your eyes, feet blood supply and nerves , heart, blood pressure, kidneys and long-term blood glucose HbA1C are an important part of diabetes management. Your doctor and diabetes educator will help you arrange these tests.

A lifelong condition like diabetes is best managed with the support of a diabetes healthcare team. You are the most important member of your diabetes team. Other members are:. Early evidence shows that some people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight and recently diagnosed can reverse type 2 diabetes External Link if they are able to achieve significant weight loss.

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Skip to main content. Home Diabetes. Diabetes type 2. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Diabetes Types of diabetes Symptoms of type 2 diabetes Risk factors for type 2 diabetes Diagnosis of diabetes Accuracy of diabetes test results Management of type 2 diabetes Your diabetes healthcare team Remission Self-care of diabetes Where to get help.

Diabetes Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose a type of sugar in the blood. Excess glucose is stored in the liver, or converted to fat and stored in other body tissues.

Types of diabetes There are 2 main types of diabetes — type 1 and type 2. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes High blood glucose levels often cause signs and symptoms of diabetes. Common signs and symptoms include: being more thirsty than usual passing more urine feeling tired and lethargic slow-healing wounds recurring infection blurred vision.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes There are genetic and environmental risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Those most at risk of developing type 2 diabetes include: people with pre-diabetes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people people of high risk ethnicities including Pacific Islanders, Maori, Asian including the Indian subcontinent, or of Chinese origin Middle Eastern, North African or Southern European people aged 40 and over who are overweight and obese those who have high blood pressure people with a first-degree relative with type 2 diabetes all people with cardiovascular disease such as past history of heart attack , angina , stroke or narrowed blood vessels women with polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS who are overweight women who have had gestational diabetes people aged 55 or over.

The risk increases with age people taking certain antipsychotic medication or corticosteroid medication. Lifestyle risk factors for type 2 diabetes include: being overweight, especially around the waist low levels of physical activity, including more than 2 hours of television watching per day unhealthy eating habits, such as regularly choosing high-fat , high-sugar , high-salt or low-fibre foods cigarette smoking high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Diagnosis of diabetes There are 4 types of blood tests for diabetes: fasting glucose blood test oral glucose tolerance test random blood glucose test glycosylated haemoglobin HbA1c test.