What Is Hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia is a condition where blood sugar (glucose) levels are higher than normal. It’s most commonly associated with diabetes, but it can also occur temporarily due to illness, stress, or certain medications.
Glucose is a vital energy source for the body, but consistently high levels can cause serious complications over time.
What Causes Hyperglycemia?
The most common causes include:
- Uncontrolled diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
- Skipping insulin or diabetes medications
- Consuming too many carbohydrates or sugary foods
- Physical or emotional stress
- Infections or illness
- Lack of physical activity
- Certain medications, such as steroids or diuretics
What Are the Symptoms?
Mild hyperglycemia may not cause noticeable symptoms at first. As blood sugar rises, symptoms may include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue or weakness
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Slow-healing wounds
- Unexplained weight loss (especially in Type 1 diabetes)
If not treated, it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)—both serious medical emergencies.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Hyperglycemia is diagnosed through blood tests, such as:
- Fasting blood sugar test (above 126 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia)
- Random blood sugar test (above 200 mg/dL with symptoms)
- Hemoglobin A1C (average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months; above 6.5% suggests diabetes)
- Urine tests (may detect glucose or ketones in cases of severe hyperglycemia)
What Is the Treatment?
The treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity:
- Adjusting diabetes medications or insulin
- Staying hydrated to help flush out excess sugar
- Healthy eating with controlled carbohydrate intake
- Exercise to lower blood sugar (if ketones are not present)
- Monitoring blood sugar regularly
In emergencies like DKA or HHS, hospitalization and intravenous fluids, insulin, and electrolytes may be required.
Are There Any Complications?
Long-term or repeated episodes of hyperglycemia can lead to serious complications, especially in people with diabetes. These may include:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy)
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Vision problems or blindness (diabetic retinopathy)
- Poor wound healing and increased risk of infections
What Is the Outlook?
If caught early and managed properly, the outlook is generally good. However, chronic uncontrolled hyperglycemia can lead to irreversible complications, making early treatment and lifestyle changes crucial.
Can Hyperglycemia Be Prevented?
Yes, many cases can be prevented or managed with:
- Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels
- Following a balanced, low-glycemic diet
- Taking medications or insulin as prescribed
- Staying physically active
- Managing stress and avoiding infections