Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia (or high blood glucose) can occur any time blood glucose is above the target range.

Hyperglycemia is caused by having too much sugar and/or not enough insulin in the body. In fact, the symptoms of diabetes are the same as the symptoms of hyperglycemia. That's because diabetes itself causes hyperglycemia.

The two main reasons for having hyperglycemia are poor blood glucose management and getting sick. If your blood glucose levels are frequently above your target range, it's probably time to change your diabetes treatment. Talk to your parents and your doctor about what you can do to manage your blood glucose better.

Don't worry too much about an occasional high reading. Everyone has high blood glucose once in a while. It's only a problem when you have high blood glucose a lot or when the level is extremely high.

When you get sick, your blood glucose level goes up. It's your body's way of trying to get the energy it needs, especially when you're not eating as much. Your doctor or diabetes educator can advise you how to treat your diabetes when you're sick. (Learn more about sick days.)

Hyperglycemia: Signs, Symptoms & What to do

Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) occurs when blood glucose levels get too high, which can occur when:

1.  The body gets too little insulin, too much food, or too little exercise.

2.  The body is under stress from a cold, sore throat, or other illness.

Symptoms of hyperglycemia include:

• Excessive thirst
  
• Fatigue, weakness
  
• Increase in number of trips to the bathroom
  
• Blurry vision