| Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS website. |
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| Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives. |
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HyperglycaemiaWhen your blood glucose levels are too high, it can cause hyperglycaemia (a hyper). This can happen if you're:
Speak to your care team if your blood glucose levels are high and you:
Very high blood sugar levels can lead to a serious problem called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Your body starts to break down fat for energy when there's not enough insulin, which leads to a build-up of acid (ketones) in your blood. It can be life threatening and should be treated in hospital. Check for ketones if your blood glucose level is higher than 11mmol. Some meters check for ketones, or you can get strips from your care team to check ketones in your pee. DKA can develop quickly over a few hours. Infections and drinking too much alcohol are common triggers for DKA. Speak to your care team immediately if your glucose level is high and you:
You might need treatment in hospital. |
| OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic. | | |
| Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com. | ||