causes of hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia refers to a long-term higher than normal level of glucose in the blood. Its causes mainly include the following aspects:
1. Genetic factors
▸Family inheritance: If a direct relative (such as parents, siblings) has hyperglycemia or diabetes, the individual's risk of developing hyperglycemia will be significantly increased. This is because genetic factors affect the secretion and action of insulin and the body's ability to metabolize glucose.
▸Genetic diseases: Some genetic diseases, such as glycogenosis type 1, acute paroxysmal porphyria, lipoatrophy syndrome, etc., are often accompanied by a hyperglycemic state. These diseases may affect the function of organs such as the liver and muscles, leading to abnormal blood sugar regulation.
2. Abnormal insulin secretion and action
▸Insufficient insulin secretion: Insulin is a hormone secreted by pancreatic beta cells, which is responsible for helping glucose enter cells. If pancreatic function is impaired, such as in patients with type 1 diabetes, insulin secretion is reduced, resulting in an inability to effectively lower blood sugar.
▸Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance is a major problem in people with type 2 diabetes. The body's cells are less responsive to insulin. Even if insulin levels are normal or elevated, glucose cannot enter the cells smoothly, causing blood sugar to rise.
3. Chronic diseases
▸Obesity: Obesity is one of the important causes of hyperglycemia. Excess fat tissue can interfere with the action of insulin and increase the risk of insulin resistance. Obesity may also lead to liver diseases such as fatty liver, which further affects blood sugar regulation.
▸Liver disease: Liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis will damage the glycogen synthesis and storage functions of the liver, leading to a decrease in liver glycogen reserve capacity and prone to postprandial hyperglycemia.
▸Thyroid disease: An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) accelerates the absorption of sugar from the intestines and increases the risk of abnormal glucose tolerance, which causes high blood sugar.
4. Drug factors
▸Hormone drugs: such as glucocorticoids (such as prednisone, dexamethasone, etc.), long-term use can cause glucose metabolism disorders and increase the risk of hyperglycemia.
▸Other drugs: Some diuretics, antipsychotics, etc. may also have adverse effects on blood sugar, causing blood sugar to rise.
5. Stress factors
▸Emotional stress: Being in a state of emotional stress such as stress, anxiety, and tension for a long time will lead to changes in hormone levels in the body, such as increased cortisol secretion, inhibiting the action of insulin, and causing an increase in blood sugar.
▸Physiological stress: such as short-term strenuous exercise, high-sugar diet, etc., can also cause a temporary increase in blood sugar.
Treatments for high blood sugar
▸Treatment of hyperglycemia aims to control blood sugar levels within the normal range to prevent the occurrence of diabetes and its complications. Here are some of the main treatments:
1. Diet control
▸Control total calorie intake: According to the patient's age, gender, weight, activity level and other factors, reasonably calculate the total calories required daily, and strictly control it within the target range.
▸Choose low glycemic index (GI) foods: Low GI foods release glucose slowly during digestion, which helps maintain blood sugar stability. Such as whole grains, oats, beans, most vegetables and fruits, etc.
▸Control carbohydrate intake: Reduce the intake of high-sugar foods (such as candy, cakes, sugary drinks, etc.) and high-fat foods (such as fried foods, fatty meat, etc.), and increase high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
▸Eat small meals frequently: Avoid overeating. It is recommended to eat 5-6 meals a day, and each meal should be moderate in size, which helps to stabilize blood sugar.
2. Exercise
▸Aerobic exercise: Such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, etc., at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week. Exercise can increase the body's sensitivity to insulin, promote the utilization and consumption of glucose, and thus lower blood sugar.
▸Strength training: Combine strength training, such as weightlifting, push-ups, etc., at least 2 times a week. Strength training helps increase muscle mass, which is an important organ for glucose consumption and can improve blood sugar control ability.
Exercise monitoring: Pay attention to monitoring blood sugar levels before and after exercise to avoid hypoglycemia.
3. Drug treatment
▸Oral hypoglycemic drugs: Commonly used oral hypoglycemic drugs include metformin, sulfonylurea drugs (such as glyburide), glinides (such as repaglinide), glycosidase inhibitors (such as acarbose), etc. Metformin is the first-line drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, which can reduce liver glycogen output and improve insulin sensitivity. Sulfonylurea drugs lower blood sugar by stimulating pancreatic beta cells to secrete insulin.
▸Insulin therapy: For patients who are not effective with oral hypoglycemic drugs or have severe hyperglycemia, insulin is needed to control blood sugar. Insulin therapy includes basal insulin (such as glargine insulin) and mealtime insulin (such as aspart insulin), and an individualized insulin plan is formulated according to the specific situation of the patient.
▸New hypoglycemic drugs: such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as liraglutide), SGLT-2 inhibitors (such as dapagliflozin), etc. GLP-1 receptor agonists can stimulate insulin secretion and inhibit glucagon secretion, while also protecting pancreatic beta cells and reducing weight. SGLT-2 inhibitors inhibit the reabsorption of glucose by the kidneys and increase urinary sugar excretion, thereby lowering blood sugar.
4. Surgical treatment
▸Metabolic surgery: Metabolic surgery can be considered for some obese patients with type 2 diabetes who are not well treated with medication. Surgery improves blood sugar control by changing the anatomical structure of the digestive tract, affecting food absorption and hormone secretion. Common metabolic surgeries include gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.
How to prevent hyperglycemia
▸Preventing hyperglycemia requires lifestyle, eating habits, regular monitoring, etc. Here are some specific defensive measures:
1. Dietary adjustment
▸Control carbohydrate intake: Reduce the intake of refined carbohydrates (such as white rice, white bread, etc.), and choose foods rich in dietary fiber such as whole grains and brown rice.
▸Increase the intake of vegetables and fruits: Eat at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits every day, and choose low-sugar fruits such as apples, pears, oranges, etc. The dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals in vegetables and fruits help maintain blood sugar stability.
▸Eat a moderate amount of high-quality protein: such as fish, lean meat, soy products, etc., and avoid excessive intake of high-fat meat.
▸Limit high-sugar and high-fat foods: Reduce the intake of candies, cakes, sugary drinks, fried foods, etc.
2. Increase physical activity
▸Regular exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, etc. Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and promote glucose utilization.
▸Strength training: Perform strength training 2-3 times a week, such as weightlifting, push-ups, etc. Strength training helps increase muscle mass, and muscles are important glucose consumption organs.
▸Daily activities: Daily activities such as walking more, climbing stairs, and doing housework can also increase energy consumption.
3. Control weight
▸Maintain a healthy weight: Control weight through a reasonable diet and moderate exercise. Obesity is one of the important causes of high blood sugar, and losing weight can help improve insulin resistance.
▸Avoid rapid weight loss: Take a healthy approach to weight loss and avoid extreme dieting or weight loss drugs.
4. Monitor blood sugar regularly
▸Regular physical examinations: Especially for people at risk of high blood sugar, such as family history, obesity, high blood pressure, etc., blood sugar should be tested regularly. Early detection of high blood sugar, timely intervention measures.
▸Self-monitoring: For patients with diabetes who have been diagnosed, self-blood sugar monitoring should be performed according to the doctor's advice. Monitoring results can help adjust treatment plans and better control blood sugar.
5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
▸Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking and excessive drinking can have adverse effects on blood sugar control. Quitting smoking and drinking in moderation can help reduce the risk of high blood sugar.
▸8 hours of sleep: Ensure adequate sleep
