Hello. I have a friend, Molly(Who is 20yrs of age), and she has hyperglycemia and has been having trouble keeping her sugar levels down. Currently her sugar is 303. She has been wondering what the immediate effects of high sugar are to her body. Her doctors only seem to be able to tell her what the long term effects are, but she really wants to know what hyperglycemia is doing to her now and what will happen if her sugar gets really high. If anyone has any knowledge or support about this we'd really appreciate it. She is very worried. :confused: thank you and god bless.

If she's a type 1 Diabetic, the immediate effect of a really high sugar would be ketoacidosis. Alot of type 1's get this when first diagnosed. When I was first diagnosed, my sugar was 900 and I was still walking around (feeling horrible, though). However, most diabetics are instructed to go to the ER if they hit 400. I personally do not do that. I would, however, do that if I couldn't bring it down with insulin within a few hours. Every diabetic is different and some may go into ketoacidos at a lower number than others, but I don't think it would happen at a number like 303. I always thought it happened at much higher numbers. Ketoacidos can lead to coma and ultimately death, if left untreated. The body produces "ketones" which become harmful to the body organs, etc.

However, if she is a type 2, there is a condition called hypersmolar..something, which is similar. Her best bet is to get that sugar down, and keep it down as best that she can. And of course, see the doctor for instructions on how to deal with high numbers.

Thank you very much for your reply it was very helpful. Molly has type 2 diabetes. There doesn't seem to be much information on hypersmolar. It surprises me especially since so many people have diabetes.

In addition to to previous response, I think the reason you hear more about the "long-term effects" is because for many people there are no immediate short-term effects of T2 diabetes, but the long-term effects are devistating. Of course high glucose levels can become quite dangerous, but you typically have to get really high for any immediate danger. The long-term effects of diabetes result in a slow deterioration of health, and all to often, the diabetic is unaware of the progression of their ailments until it is too late. From kidney disease, eye disease, permanent nerve damage, heart disease, etc etc, a diabetic is far more susceptable to these conditions and WILL likely face these ailments if they fail to control their glucose levels.

Molly will benefit greatly to focus in the long-term effects - now, while she is young and still has her health. Many of us wish we could turn back and do things differently. She should take whatever steps she can to maintain her glucose levels within normal range. What is her diet like? Is she on medication? How long has she been a diabetic? There are lots of people here who are willing to help!

Thanks for your replys.
I think Molly has had diabetes for about 2 years. She is on oral medication, although i'm not sure what. She is a bit forgetful about taking it, so that doesn't help I'm sure. She is in college, which is a very hard place to be on a diet of any kind, especially one that limits sugars. I think she really needs to make a change in her life style. Ha! Easier said than done. :rolleyes:
Is there any advice anyone could give for making changes in your diet, ect? It seems like it'd be hard to change everything at once. Is there a type of pasta that is better for a diabetic? Is it true that cinnamon can help lower your sugar? If anyone has anymore advice, it'd be much appreciated. :)