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What to Expect During a CT Scan

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

A computerized tomography scan, or CT scan, is a type of imaging procedure that uses X-ray and computer technology to create cross-sectional images, also called slices, of the bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues inside the body. CT scan images show more detail than plain X-rays do.

CT scans help healthcare providers detect diseases and injuries and plan medical, surgical, or radiation treatment.

A healthcare professional may suggest a CT scan for many reasons. A CT scan can help:

Diagnose muscle and bone conditions, such as bone tumors and fractures
Show where a tumor, infection, or blood clot is
Guide procedures such as surgery, biopsy, and radiation therapy
Find and watch the progress of diseases and conditions such as cancer, heart disease, lung nodules, and liver masses.
Watch how well certain treatments, such as cancer treatment, work
Find injuries and bleeding inside the body that can happen after trauma

Your healthcare provider will tell you everything you need to know about CT scan preparation. Some general guidelines include:

Plan to arrive early. Your provider will tell you when to come to your appointment
Don’t eat for four hours before your CT scan
Drink only clear liquids in the two hours leading up to your appointment
Wear comfortable clothes and remove any metal jewelry or clothing. Your provider may give you a hospital gown to wear

During the test, you will lie on your back on a table. If your test requires it, a healthcare provider may inject contrast dye intravenously. This dye can make you feel flushed or give you a metallic taste in your mouth. When the scan begins:

The bed will slowly move in the doughnut-shaped scanner. At this point, you will need to stay as still as possible because movement can blur the images
You may also be asked to hold your breath for a short period, usually fewer than 15 to 20 seconds
The scanner takes pictures of the area your healthcare provider needs to see. Unlike an MRI scan, a CT scan is silent
When the exam is over, the table moves back out of the scanner

You can have a CT scan in a hospital or an outpatient facility. CT scans usually take about an hour. However, with newer machines, scans can take only a few minutes. The whole process can take about 30 minutes.

After the exam, you can return to your normal routine. If you were given contrast dye, you may be asked to wait a short time before leaving to ensure that you feel okay after the exam. You might be told to drink lots of fluids to help your kidneys remove the dye from your body.

CT images are stored as electronic data files. They’re most often reviewed on a computer screen. A radiologist looks at the images and creates a report that is kept in your medical records. It usually takes about 24 to 48 hours to get the results of your CT scan. Your healthcare professional talks with you about the results.

To schedule an appointment with the Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Radiology Department, call 718- 670-5458. To schedule an appointment for a CT scan or for more information about CT scans, please call 718-670-8851.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Bleeding Disorders

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Bleeding disorders are a group of conditions that affect the way the body controls blood clotting. The clotting process, known as coagulation, changes blood from a liquid to a solid.

When you’re injured, your blood normally begins to clot to prevent a massive blood loss. However, these conditions prevent blood from clotting properly, which results in heavy or prolonged bleeding.

Bleeding disorders can cause abnormal bleeding outside and inside the body. Some disorders can drastically increase the amount of blood leaving the body, while others cause bleeding under the skin or in vital organs, such as the brain.

There are numerous bleeding disorders. The most common include:

Hemophilia A and B- are conditions that occur when there are low levels of clotting factors in your blood. It causes heavy or unusual bleeding in the joints. Although hemophilia is rare, it can have life-threatening complications
Factor II, V, VII, X, or XII deficiencies- are bleeding disorders related to blood clotting problems or abnormal bleeding problems
Von Willebrand’s disease- is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. It develops when the blood lacks the von Willebrand factor, which helps the blood clot

For blood to clot, the body needs blood proteins called clotting factors and blood cells called platelets. Normally, platelets clump together to form a plug at the site of a damaged or injured blood vessel. The clotting factors then combine to form a fibrin clot, keeping the platelets in place and preventing blood from flowing out of the blood vessel.

For people with bleeding disorders, however, the clotting factors or platelets don’t work the way they should or are in short supply. When the blood doesn’t clot, excessive or prolonged bleeding can occur. It can also lead to spontaneous or sudden bleeding in the muscles, joints, and other body parts.

Some bleeding disorders are present at birth and are passed down or inherited through families. However, other bleeding disorders can be caused by:

Medical conditions, such as liver disease
A low red blood cell count
A vitamin K deficiency
Side effects from certain medications

Symptoms of bleeding disorders can include:

Bruising easily
Heavy bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Nosebleeds that do not stop easily
Excessive bleeding due to surgical procedures
Umbilical cord bleeding after birth

A doctor will diagnose a bleeding disorder by asking about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam and run blood tests to make a proper diagnosis. These tests can include:

A complete blood count
A platelet aggregation test
A bleeding time test

Treatment options for bleeding disorders vary depending on the type of bleeding disorder and its severity. Although treatments can’t cure bleeding disorders, they can help relieve the symptoms associated with certain disorders. Treatment options include:

Iron supplementation
Blood transfusion

If you experience symptoms of a bleeding disorder, it’s important to get diagnosed as soon as possible; even if your symptoms are mild, talking to a doctor can help you avoid potential risk factors that may worsen them. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Complications of Ulcerative Colitis

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Ulcerative colitis is a form of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation and sores to develop on the inner lining of the colon and rectum.

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis may vary from person to person, they include:

Diarrhea (which may or may not be bloody)
Pus in the stools
Nausea
Abdominal cramping
Abdominal pain
Feeling the need to poop (even though your bowels are already empty)
An urgent need to have a bowel movement
Fever
Weight loss

People living with ulcerative colitis are at risk of developing complications or further health problems, such as:

Osteoporosis
Growth and development delay in young children
Bowel cancer
Colon cancer
Perforated colon
Toxic megacolon
Anemia
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Blood clots
Dehydration
Severe bleeding from the rectum
Sexual dysfunction

Perforated colon, toxic megacolon, severe dehydration, and severe bleeding from the rectum are complications that require immediate medical attention.

There is no known way to prevent ulcerative colitis; however, symptoms or flare-ups can be managed to reduce the risk of complications. You can manage symptoms by taking medications as prescribed, watching what you eat and drink, managing stress, and exercising.

National Endometriosis Awareness Month

Posted on March 4, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis is a condition that affects the lining of the uterus (also known as the endometrium); it currently affects an estimated 176 million women around the globe. Some of the symptoms of endometriosis include:

Painful sexual intercourse
Pain during pelvic examinations
Severe pain during menstruation
Pain during urination or a bowel movement
Excessive bleeding
Infertility

Symptoms of endometriosis tend to appear during reproductive years, between the ages of 12 and 60. The highest number of cases are diagnosed between the ages of 25 to 35; however, some women with endometriosis remain undiagnosed because they do not have symptoms. Additionally, this disorder can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions.

Endometriosis causes the inner lining of the uterus to grow outside of the uterus. This most commonly affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments that support the uterus, and the areas between the rectum and the vagina. Rarely, endometriosis can also occur in the lungs, thighs, arms, and other parts of the body that are more distant from reproductive organs.

When endometrial tissue spreads, it develops into growths called implants. These clumps of tissue are affected by the menstrual cycle as though they were inside of the uterus, regardless of their actual location. Each month, they build up, break down, and shed. However, endometrial tissue cannot be discharged from the body if it is not inside the uterus; as a result, these implants cause inflammation, swelling, internal bleeding, and the formation of scar tissue.

Doctors do not yet know what causes endometriosis, but certain risk factors have been identified that may make you more likely to develop it. These include:

An immediate family member with endometriosis
An abnormal uterus
Menstruation that begins before the age of 11
Shorter menstrual periods, lasting less than 27 days on average
Heavy menstruation that lasts for more than one week

If you experience symptoms of endometriosis, your doctor can perform a variety of tests, such as pelvic examinations, laparoscopy, and imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to accurately diagnose it. While there is no cure for endometriosis, your doctor can work with you to develop an effective treatment that may incorporate options such as medication, surgery, or alternative therapies.

You can schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center to receive high-quality treatment for endometriosis. To learn more, please call 718 670-5702.

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Lauren Shore, LMSW

Posted on March 3, 2025 by Andrew Rubin

We are proud to recognize our New Beginnings Team member, Lauren Shore, LMSW, a social worker in Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Mother-Baby New Beginnings unit. Lauren began her career at Flushing Hospital 22 years ago, first working in the Women’s Services division of the Ambulatory Care Center, then moving on to her current role in the Mother-Baby unit.

Lauren truly enjoys working with our patients and being able to take care of them from the start of their journey into parenthood. She takes pride in working as a social worker. Her position allows her to support families during the most challenging and transformative times in their lives.

Welcoming a new baby can bring both joy and stress, especially when medical complications arise. She finds being able to provide emotional support, resources, and guidance to parents navigating the NICU experience is incredibly fulfilling. She finds purpose in helping families feel heard, empowered, and connected to the care they need. Witnessing their strength and resilience and knowing that she can make a difference during this critical time makes her work deeply meaningful. Lauren feels grateful that she is surrounded by an amazing team and has learned so much from her colleagues.

Stroke Treatment Options

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Strokes happen when a blood clot or broken blood vessel prevents blood from getting to your brain. The lack of blood flow deprives brain cells of the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive, causing them to die in minutes.

There are two types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic.

Ischemic strokes usually happen because a blood clot blocks a blood vessel connected to your brain. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in your brain breaks or ruptures.

Strokes can be fatal. Therefore, you must know the symptoms and pay attention to them when they occur. Symptoms of strokes include:

Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying
Numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the face, arm, or leg
Problems seeing in one or both eyes
Headaches
Trouble walking
Confusion
Dizziness or vertigo
Blurred vision or double vision
Loss of coordination

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a stroke, even if they seem to come and go or disappear completely.

To diagnose a stroke, a healthcare provider will use a combination of neurological exams and tests that include:

Blood tests
CT scan
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
MRI
Carotid ultrasound
Cerebral angiogram

Some treatments are most effective when given soon after a stroke starts. Emergency treatment depends on whether you’re having an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.

To treat an ischemic stroke, blood flow must quickly be restored to the brain. This can be done with:

Emergency IV medicine
Emergency endovascular procedures
- Medications delivered directly to the brain
- Removing the clot with a stent retriever
Other procedures, such as a carotid endarterectomy and angioplasty and stents

Emergency treatment of hemorrhagic stroke focuses on controlling the bleeding and reducing the pressure in the brain caused by excess fluid. If the area of bleeding is large, surgery may be needed to remove the blood and relieve pressure on the brain. Surgery may also be required to repair blood vessel damage due to the hemorrhagic stroke. A healthcare professional may recommend a procedure if an aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), or other blood vessel condition caused the stroke. Procedures include:

Surgical clipping
Endovascular embolization, also known as coiling
Surgical removal of a tangle of thin-walled blood vessels, known as AVM
Stereotactic radiosurgery

Stroke rehabilitation is an important part of stroke treatment. Rehabilitation will help you adjust to changes in your brain and body after a stroke. You may need to regain abilities you had before or need to adjust to new or different disabilities. You may need a combination of:

Cognitive rehabilitation
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Speech therapy

Maintaining your overall health is the best way to reduce your risk of a stroke. Some ways you can sustain your overall health include the following:

Eating plenty of healthy foods and maintaining a healthy weight
Engaging in regular physical activity
Managing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and any health conditions you may have
Quitting smoking

If you are experiencing any symptoms of a stroke, call 911 immediately. If you need assistance managing your health to prevent a stroke or maintaining your overall wellness, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Anorexia #NationalEatingDisorderAwarenessMonth

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Anorexia nervosa, more commonly known as anorexia, is an eating disorder that involves severe calorie restriction and often a low body weight based on personal weight history. It is a complex condition that has mental, behavioral, and physical symptoms.

People who have anorexia often have a strong fear of gaining weight and may think they’re overweight, even if they are not. To prevent gaining weight or to continue to lose weight, people with anorexia often limit the amount or type of food they eat. They do this by restricting the number of calories they consume, resulting in a nutrient deficit and usually, but not always, a very low body weight.

Anorexia can cause changes in the brain due to malnutrition. If left untreated, weight loss can get to a point where people with anorexia are at high risk of serious physical harm or death. Anorexia has the second-highest death rate of any mental illness, surpassed only by opioid overdoses. Most anorexia-related deaths stem from heart conditions and suicide.

There are two subtypes of anorexia nervosa based on eating behaviors:

Restrictive anorexia– the person severely limits the amount and type of food they eat

Binge-purge anorexia– the person greatly restricts the amount and type of food they eat. However, they also have binge-eating and purging episodes where they eat large amounts of food in a short time and then intentionally vomit or use laxatives or diuretics to get rid of what they consumed.

Anorexia involves physical, behavioral, and emotional and mental signs and symptoms.

Emotional and mental signs of anorexia include:

Intense fear of gaining weight
Body dysmorphia
Obsessive interest in food, calories, and dieting
Fear of certain foods or food groups
Being very self-critical
Denying the seriousness of your low body weight and/or food restriction
Feeling a strong need to be in control
Insomnia

It is common to have other mental health conditions alongside anorexia, you may have additional mental and emotional symptoms.

Behavioral signs of anorexia include:

Changes in eating habits or routines, such as eating foods in a certain order or rearranging foods on a plate
A sudden change in food preferences, such as eliminating certain food types or food groups
Making frequent comments about feeling “fat” or being overweight despite weight loss
Purging through intentional vomiting and/or misusing laxatives or diuretics
Going to the bathroom right after eating
Misusing diet pills or appetite suppressants
Compulsive and/or excessive exercising
Continuing to limit calories even when your weight is love for your sex, height, and age
Wearing loose clothing and/or wearing layers to hide weight loss and stay warm
Withdrawing from loved ones and social events

Physical signs and symptoms of anorexia can include:

Significant weight loss over several weeks or months
Not maintaining an appropriate body weight based on your height, age, sex, stature, and physical health
Unexplained change in growth curve or body mass index (BMI) in children and still-growing adolescents

Physical signs and symptoms of anorexia that are side effects of starvation and malnutrition include:

Dizziness and/or fainting
Fatigue
Abnormal heart rhythm
Low blood pressure
Feeling cold all the time
Absent periods or irregular menstrual periods
Bloating and/or abdominal pain
Muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass
Dry skin, brittle nails, and/or thinning hair
Poor wound healing and frequent illness

Anorexia is a complex condition with no singular cause. Research suggests that a combination of certain factors may be responsible, such as:

Genetics
Brain changes
Trauma
Environment and culture
Peer pressure
Emotional health

Anorexia nervosa affects all gender identities, races, ages, incomes, and body types. It is also more common among teenagers, although people of any age can develop anorexia. Teens can be more at risk due to all of the changes their bodies go through during puberty. They also face peer pressure and can be more sensitive to criticism or casual comments about weight or body shape. Certain factors can raise the risk of anorexia and other eating disorders, including:

Family history
A history of weight bullying
A history of dieting
Transitions

A healthcare provider can diagnose anorexia nervosa based on the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The three criteria include:

Restriction of calorie consumption that leads to weight loss or a failure to gain weight. This results in a significantly low body weight based on your age, sex, height, and stage of growth.
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
Having a distorted view of yourself and the seriousness of the state of your health

If you have signs and symptoms of anorexia, a healthcare provider will do a complete medical history and physical exam. They will ask questions about your:

Dietary history
Exercise history
Psychological history
Body image
Purging frequency and elimination habits (use of pills, laxatives, and diuretics)
Family history of eating disorders

Treatment for anorexia varies depending on the person’s needs. They may receive treatment through inpatient or outpatient care based on their current medical and mental state. Treatment for anorexia most often involves a combination of:

Individual and group psychotherapy
Medication
Hospitalization

A person with anorexia or any eating disorder will have the best recovery outcome if they receive an early diagnosis. If you or someone you know are experiencing signs and symptoms of anorexia, be sure to talk to a provider as soon as possible.

To find out more about our mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

Tuberculosis

Posted on February 25, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. It is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis can spread when a person with the illness coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing tiny droplets of germs into the air. Another person can breathe in the droplets, and the germs will enter the lungs.

When tuberculosis germs survive and multiply in the lungs, it is a TB infection. A TB infection can happen in one of three stages, each with symptoms.

Primary TB infection is the first stage of TB infection. Immune system cells find and capture the germs, which the immune system may destroy. However, some captured germs can still survive and multiply.

Most people don’t have symptoms during primary infection. Some people may have flu-like symptoms, including:

Low fever
Tiredness
Cough

Latent TB infection is the stage following primary TB infection. Immune system cells build a wall around lung tissue with TB germs, which keeps them under control. However, the germs survive. There aren’t any symptoms during latent TB infection.

Active TB disease happens when the immune system can’t control an infection. Germs cause disease throughout the lungs or other parts of the body. Active TB disease can happen right after primary infection, but it usually occurs after months or years of latent TB infection. Symptoms of active TB disease in the lungs begin gradually and worsen over a few weeks. Symptoms can include:

Cough
Coughing up blood or mucus
Chest pain
Pain with breathing or coughing
Fever
Chills
Night sweats
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Tiredness
Not feeling well in general

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis occurs when an active TB infection spreads from the lungs to other body parts. Symptoms vary depending on what part of the body is infected. Common symptoms can include:

Fever
Chills
Night sweats
Weight loss
Not wanting to eat
Tiredness
Not feeling well in general
Pain near the site of infection

Common sites of active TB disease outside of the lungs include:

Kidneys
Liver
Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord
Heart muscles
Genitals
Lymph nodes
Bones and joints
Skin
Walls of blood vessels
The voice box or larynx

People with active TB infection can spread tuberculosis easily, especially in crowded spaces.

To diagnose a TB infection, a healthcare provider will perform an exam that includes:

Listening to you breathe with a stethoscope
Checking for swollen lymph nodes
Asking you questions about your symptoms

Your healthcare provider will order tests if:

Tuberculosis is suspected
You were likely exposed to a person with active TB disease
You have health risks for active TB disease

Your healthcare provider will determine whether a skin or blood test is best. X-rays, sputum tests, and other lab tests can also diagnose a TB infection.

Your healthcare provider may treat you with drug treatments if you have a latent TB infection. This is especially true for people who are at an increased risk of active TB disease. Most latent TB infections are treated for three or four months. Active TB may be treated for four, six, or nine months. Specialists in TB treatment will determine which drugs are best for you.

It is important to take every dose as instructed when your healthcare provider prescribes medication. You must complete the full course of treatment, as it is important for killing the bacteria in your body and preventing new drug-resistant bacteria.

If you are experiencing symptoms of tuberculosis, you must receive treatment from a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Robotics: Gastric Bypass

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Gastric bypass or “Roux-en-Y” is a metabolic and weight-loss procedure that works by modifying your digestive system so that you consume and absorb fewer calories. It modifies your stomach and also your small intestines.

Similar to other bariatric surgery operations, gastric bypass is recommended for people who have clinically severe obesity. It has been shown to help relieve a long list of obesity-related health conditions, including:

Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Obstructive sleep apnea
GERD (chronic acid reflux)
Heart disease
Hyperglycemia
Fatty liver disease
Hyperlipidemia
Osteoarthrosis

The Roux-en-Y procedure gets its name from how it changes your digestive system. “Roux-en-Y” means “in the shape of a Y”. The procedure divides your stomach and small intestine, connecting each new segment to form a “Y” shape. This procedure reduces the functional part of your stomach to a small pouch, separating it from the rest with surgical staples, and restricting the amount of food your stomach can hold. Then, it connects the new stomach pouch to a lower segment of your small intestine. This means that when food goes through your digestive system, it will now bypass most of your stomach and the first part of your small intestine, causing your digestive system to not absorb all of the nutrients or calories in your food.

Gastric bypass surgery requirements are similar to those of other bariatric procedures. A qualified healthcare provider must recommend you for surgery. You may be a candidate for gastric bypass surgery if you:

Have been diagnosed with class III obesity
Have a BMI of at least 35 with at least one obesity-related condition
Have obesity-related type 2 diabetes

Most Roux-en-Y surgical procedures today are laparoscopic, a minimally invasive surgical technique. However, sometimes they are done with robotic assistance.

There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted surgery over other types of surgery including:

Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images of inside your abdomen that create a clearer picture for them to reference as they operate compared to the 2D images used during laparoscopic surgery
Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand
You’ll have a few tiny scars rather than one large incision scar (as with open surgery)
You’re more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery compared to open surgery
You’re more likely to have a quicker recovery time than with open surgery

To learn more about the robotic surgical procedures at Flushing Hospital Medical Center or to schedule an appointment, call (718) 670-5000.

Signs Your Blood Sugar is Too High

Posted on February 14, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Hyperglycemia, also known as high blood sugar, is common in people who have diabetes. It occurs when too much sugar (glucose) is in the blood and the body has too little insulin or if the body can’t use insulin properly to regulate blood sugar levels.

People with diabetes can experience hyperglycemia episodes frequently.

Hyperglycemia usually doesn’t cause symptoms until blood sugar levels are high – above 180 to 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 10 to 11.1 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).

Symptoms for hyperglycemia develop slowly over several days or weeks. The longer sugar levels stay high, the more serious symptoms can become. However, some people who’ve had type 2 diabetes for a long time may not show any symptoms despite high blood sugar levels. Early symptoms of hyperglycemia include:

Frequent urination
Increased thirst
Blurred vision
Feeling weak or unusually tired
Headache

Recognizing early symptoms of hyperglycemia can help identify and treat it right away.

If hyperglycemia isn’t treated, it can cause toxic acids called ketones, to build up in the blood and urine. This condition is called ketoacidosis. Symptoms include:

Fruity-smelling breath
Dry mouth
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Shortness of breath
Confusion or disorientation
Loss of consciousness
Dehydration
Rapid heartbeat

Hyperglycemia most often results from a lack of insulin. This happens due to insulin resistance and/or issues with the pancreas, the organ that makes insulin.

However, other hormones can contribute to the development of hyperglycemia as well. Excess of the stress hormone cortisol or the growth hormone can lead to high blood sugar.

Chronic hyperglycemia over the years can damage blood vessels and tissues in your body. This can lead to a variety of complications, including:

Retinopathy
Nephropathy
Neuropathy
Gastroparesis
Heart disease
Stroke

Hyperglycemia is diagnosed when a healthcare provider orders blood work to screen for the condition and diagnose diabetes. These tests may include:

Fasting glucose tests.
Glucose tolerance tests.
A1c test.

Injected insulin is the main way to treat hyperglycemia episodes. Everyone requires different doses. Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine which dose is best to treat and prevent high blood sugar. Dietary changes and exercise plans can also help manage your blood sugar to prevent hyperglycemia.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of hyperglycemia, you can receive treatment from an endocrinologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.