Hyperglycemia is commonly a symptom and complication of diabetes.

Symptoms tend to come on slowly and may include frequent urination and increased thirst.

Problems with the pancreas and/or insulin production can cause blood sugar levels to rise to unhealthy levels.

Woman experiencing a hyperglycemia (High blood sugar) episode

For people with throw in 1 diabetes, the pancreas isn’t able to produce enough insulin.

Causes in those without diabetes can include hormone fluctuations or a rise in stress hormones.

For hyperglycemia to cause symptoms, blood glucose levels must reach significantly high levels.

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More severe symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, fruity breath, rapid breathing, or loss of consciousness.

Symptoms

Key Terms

Carbohydrates are nutrients that break down into glucose in the body.

They can include sugar, starches, and fiber.

blood glucose test

Those with diabetes need to monitor their carbohydrate intake.

Everyone gets this surge, but people with diabetes may have an inadequate insulin response to adjust for it.

A serious condition that is a combination of hyperglycemia, elevated ketones, andmetabolic acidosis.

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DKA can lead to a diabetic coma or death.

It begins when hyperglycemia goes untreated and your body doesnt have enough insulin.

As your cells dont receive adequate glucose, your body burns fat and produces ketones.

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High levels of ketones can make the blood acidic and become poisonous.

Glucose is the main sugar in the blood thats a major source of fuel for the bodys cells.

Those with diabetes can help manage blood glucose levels by adjusting their diet and food choices.

Fatigue

The hormone insulin helps control levels in the blood.

If blood sugar is too high or too low it can lead to serious medical problems.

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps to manage glucose in the blood.

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In those withtype 1 diabetes, the pancreas stops producing insulin and supplemental insulin is essential.

Explore Hyperglycemia

American Heart Association.Carbohydrates.

Man suffering from high blood sugar or hyperglycemia

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high blood sugar

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Illustration of a urine test - Illustration by Katie Kerpel

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