In a recent episode of Netflix’s Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, Maheep Kapoor, wife of actor Sanjay Kapoor, candidly shared her experience with hyperglycemia, a condition where blood sugar levels rise to dangerous levels. Maheep, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in March 2022, revealed a terrifying incident where her blood sugar levels shot up to 700, requiring immediate hospitalization.
Maheep’s recollection of the event highlighted the seriousness of her condition, explaining how close she came to a medical emergency. Her husband, Sanjay Kapoor, shared how their nephew, Mohit Marwah, played a crucial role in ensuring she was rushed to the hospital in time, potentially saving her life. The incident left their children, Shanaya and Jahaan, deeply shaken, especially as it reminded them of past family tragedies involving the loss of close family members.
Maheep’s Experience with Hyperglycemia: A Near Medical Crisis
On the show, Maheep recounted how unwell she felt before the incident. At the time, Sanjay was in Los Angeles, and she found herself relying on her nephew, Mohit, who stepped in to get her to the hospital. According to Sanjay, Maheep’s condition was so critical that, if not addressed in time, it could have led to a coma or organ failure. Maheep admitted that it was a shocking experience for her children, especially after witnessing the effects of previous family losses, such as the deaths of Sridevi and Mona Kapoor.
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The incident became a wake-up call for the Kapoor family, highlighting how quickly hyperglycemia can escalate into a life-threatening situation. Maheep was fortunate to receive timely medical intervention, but the emotional toll on her family, especially her daughter Shanaya, was evident. Sanjay described how Shanaya stepped up during the crisis, handling communication with doctors and the family, displaying maturity well beyond her years.
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Understanding Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, occurs when the body lacks enough insulin to properly manage glucose levels. In Maheep’s case, her blood sugar levels reached a staggering 700 mg/dL, a state that could have led to severe complications if left untreated. Prolonged hyperglycemia can result in a range of health issues, including diabetic retinopathy (damage to the eyes), kidney failure, neuropathy (nerve damage), and cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, such extreme levels of blood sugar can lead to more immediate emergencies like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), where a lack of insulin causes the body to break down fat too quickly, producing ketones that make the blood acidic. If not treated promptly, DKA can lead to confusion, loss of consciousness, or even death.
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
Recognizing the early symptoms of hyperglycemia is crucial, especially for individuals managing diabetes. As per Dr Basavaprabhu, Consultant Internal Medicine, KMC Hospital, Mangalore, some of the initial signs include:
- Increased thirst (polydipsia) and hunger
- Frequent urination
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
If hyperglycemia persists over time without treatment, it can lead to more serious symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurring skin infections
- Slow-healing cuts and sores
- Vaginal yeast infections
For those living with diabetes, these symptoms can start to manifest when blood sugar levels exceed 250 mg/dL. However, some individuals may not experience any noticeable signs until their blood sugar has risen to more dangerous levels, as in Maheep’s case.
Why It’s Important to Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
For people with diabetes, monitoring blood sugar regularly is vital to preventing episodes of hyperglycemia. Those who rely on insulin or other diabetes medications need to stay vigilant, as unchecked high blood sugar can progress into more dangerous conditions like DKA. The symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include nausea and vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pain, deep and laboured breathing, rapid heartbeat, and confusion or disorientation.
DKA is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening if not addressed immediately. In individuals with undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes, this condition can develop unexpectedly, as the body lacks the necessary insulin to manage glucose levels.
Bottomline: A Wake-Up Call for Managing Diabetes
Maheep Kapoor’s harrowing experience with hyperglycemia serves as a reminder of how quickly diabetes-related complications can spiral out of control. Her candid revelation on Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives underscores the importance of understanding the symptoms of high blood sugar and acting swiftly to prevent dangerous outcomes. For those managing diabetes or caring for someone who is, staying informed and vigilant is key to preventing emergencies like the one Maheep faced.
Hyperglycemia may seem manageable at first, but if left untreated, it can lead to severe health complications, including organ failure or coma. Maheep's story reminds us of the importance of monitoring and managing diabetes effectively to avoid life-threatening situations.