8. Cardiac Arrhythmia
Hyperglycemia has been known to affect the nerves that permeate the heart and cause alterations in the cardiac rhythm that are also known as arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is considered by most experts as one of the most clinically significant cardiovascular risk factors, because it is heavily involved in the development of atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease and its many clinical manifestations such as angina, infarction, etc. Patients with Hyperglycemia, which are at significantly increased risk of developing diabetes, also regularly experience a decreasing capacity for myocardial contraction, as well as a decreased sensitivity to pain, so it is not uncommon for these patients to experience silent infarcts or asymptomatic heart attacks.
» Conclusion
The human endocrine system regulates the amount of sugar that is stored and used for the energy necessary for the functioning of the cells. The sugars that are consumed in our daily diets are used up or stored as a metabolic fuel, but certain conditions and disorders can cause a significant decrease in the body’s ability to process and store glucose as energy, which can result in an abnormal accumulation in the bloodstream. Hyperglycemia is simply an excess of blood sugar or glucose.
Levels of blood sugar are considered normal when they fall in the range of 70 to 145 mg/dl. Normal values may vary depending on the laboratory. Levels above these may indicate Hyperglycemia.
Hyperglycemia may be caused by a variety of clinically significant reasons, not the least of which is a diabetic disease. If you are overweight, if there is a family history of diabetes, or belong to specific ethnic groups such as African American, Hispanic or American Indian, you are at an increased risk of developing some form of diabetes.
Perhaps one of the single most influential and easily modifiable risk factors in the development of Hyperglycemia is physical activity levels. Regular exercise dramatically reduces the associated risks by diminishing blood sugars and promoting the circulation of blood. Diet also plays an important role in the prevention of this condition.
It is important to note that patients with diagnosed kidney or liver disease may experience elevated levels of blood sugar. It is also normal for glycemic values to increase temporarily during periods of viral or bacterial infections. Pregnant women are also susceptible to developing temporary gestational diabetes, which is characterized by increased levels of blood sugar, which typically normalize after birth.
Prolonged Hyperglycemia has the potential to cause vision loss, metabolic imbalances, and even kidney failure. Additionally, there are many long-term complications due to prolonged Hyperglycemia, such as cardiac problems and degeneration of the circulatory system. In cases of severe Hyperglycemia, blood sugar levels can rise to the point of causing seizures and coma.
Thankfully, Hyperglycemia can be easily detected with a simple and painless laboratory test and, if done so early enough, it can be easily treated with regular exercise and a moderated diet.
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