Also Known as High Blood Sugar
Hyperglycemiais high blood glucose (sugar) levels.
It is common in people with diabetes but can occur in people who have not been diagnosed with diabetes.
It can develop slowly with no obvious symptoms.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
This article describes symptoms of hyperglycemia and how to test for and manage high blood glucose levels.
It also reviews hyperglycemia complications and prevention of hyperglycemia episodes.
This is because hyperglycemia can develop and progress slowly over time.
Symptoms of hyperglycemiamay include:
What Is Hypoglycemia?
Why Do Some People Have Hyperglycemia?
In addition to having diabetes, hyperglycemia has many other risk factors.
A risk factor is not necessarily a cause but may contribute to the development of hyperglycemia.
Risk factors for hyperglycemia are similar to those for throw in 2 diabetes.
People with diabetes often have a home blood glucose monitor, also called a blood glucose meter orglucometer.
This is a small equipment into which you insert a single-use test strip.
Most glucometers display results within seconds.
Alternatively, it’s possible for you to get your blood glucose levels checked by a healthcare provider.
They can determine if you have hyperglycemia and/or diabetes.
Ask a healthcare provider any questions you have about your personal blood glucose target.
Hyperglycemia Treatment and Management
Several different approaches are used to treat and manage hyperglycemia.
Several different classes of medications are used to lower blood glucose levels.
They may be oral (pills), injectable/infusion, and/or inhalable medication.
Getting your blood glucose levels in a normal range is vital to help prevent complications from occurring.
Regular follow-ups can allow adjustments in your treatment plan and increase your chances of successfully managing your hyperglycemia.
Complications of Mismanaged Hyperglycemia
Untreated hyperglycemia may lead to extremely high blood glucose levels.
This could result in potential complications that are acute (meaning they develop rather quickly) but serious.
When this happens, the liver breaks down fat and uses it for energy instead.
This process creates acid byproducts called ketones.
These ketones can build up quickly to dangerously high levels in the body.
It usually occurs alongside dehydration, making the blood more concentrated than usual.
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any symptoms of DKA or HHS.
Other complications of mismanaged hyperglycemia tend to take a lot longer to develop but are just as serious.
However, there are several modifiable risk factorsthose you may be able to changethat are usually related to lifestyle.
This may include routinely self-monitoring your blood glucose levels at home.
The first step is to purchase or get a prescription for ablood glucose monitorandtest strips.
Depending on your diagnosis, you might qualify for acontinuous glucose monitor(CGM).
This small, wearable machine automatically checks your blood glucose levels throughout the day and night.
CGM use may also be considered for adults with pop in 2 diabetes who are taking glucose-lowering medications.
Summary
Hyperglycemia is high blood glucose (sugar) levels.
Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, blurred vision, and tingling in the hands and feet.
Hyperglycemia often occurs in people with diabetes but can also occur in people without diabetes.
Short-term complications of untreated hyperglycemia include diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS).
It may also include medication(s) and self-monitoring of blood glucose levels at home.
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