The situations and symptoms that have led the writer to understand and deal with their hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia refers to high levels of sugar, or glucose, in the blood. It occurs when the body does not produce or use enough insulin, which is a hormone that absorbs glucose into cells for use as energy.
Several factors can contribute to hyperglycemia in people with diabetes, including food and physical activity choices, illness, non-diabetes medications, or skipping or not taking enough glucose-lowering medication.
Increased thirst
Blurred vision
Fatigue
Headache
In my personal experience, I have gone through all but one of these symptoms. The one that I have not experienced is headaches. The above list is not all-inclusive but rather indicative. Through scenarios, I would like to demonstrate how each symptom manifests.
Frequent Urination: I think the way to describe frequent urination is that it is more than what others go to pee. I have to pee, it's an incessant need. My friends tease me that Veda is always on the lookout for the loo. It occurs when I have had a full meal with 70% carbs and 30% all else. In the worst-case scenario, frequent urination can happen during the night. That is one of the classic signs of someone being diabetic.
Increased Thirst: I feel the urge to drink a lot of water like I have been dehydrated but that is far from the case. This usually happens when I have eaten salty foods - or a combination of carby and salty foods. I distinctly remember an incident where I was eating Hakka noodles and halfway through I rushed to get a bottle of water and downed 2 bottles one after the other. I was not myself. I felt little to no control over my actions. But since then I have started to identify the telltale signs. This prompts me to stop eating or start drinking water between bites. This helps in 2 ways - 1. Reduces intake of food as my stomach is full of water 2. Stops the feeling of dehydration.
Blurred Vision: This is the most common symptom that I have experienced. It starts off with my head feeling lighter, my eyes getting droopy and my body saying “It’s time to go to bed”
It's the kind of feeling you get when you have had a full stomach. For me it happens everytime I eat something sweet.
Fatigue: You may be thinking what has to be tired or fatigued have to do with being a diabetic? Well, I get tired faster and fatigued easily. The effects tend to last longer. I often get what is described as DOMS - Delayed onset of muscle spasm. The pain is felt over the next couple of days.
I have enumerated all the symptoms but what do I do when I am hyperglycemic? Well, there is no easy solution. I play by ear depending on the intensity of symptoms. Usually, I do the following things
Drink water
Stop eating
Take a break (or lie down in the case of blurred vision)
Stay silent and focus on my breathing
So there you have it, the signs and symptoms of my hyperglycemia. Half the battle is recognizing the symptoms accurately. Once you know what is happening your mind is relatively calm and you can take better decisions.
About Vedashree (She/Her):
Vedashree is a market researcher by profession and believes in the synergy of the mind and body. You'll find her talking animatedly, wearing a bright lip thinking about her next meal.
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