Understanding High Blood Sugar Levels | Hyperglycemia

Elevated levels of glucose in the blood typically associated with diabetes or certain medical conditions.

High Blood Sugar FAQ

Is high blood sugar dangerous?

High blood sugar can be dangerous when it causes symptoms for people with undiagnosed diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops gradually, and people can have prediabetes or undiagnosed diabetes without knowing it. Over time, high blood sugar levels can progress to diabetes or cause complications of diabetes.

What is a high blood sugar level if you have diabetes?

People with Type 1 diabetes usually have very high blood sugar (above 250 mg/dL) upon diagnosis. For a person with diabetes, hyperglycemia is usually considered to be a blood glucose level greater than 180 mg/dL one to two hours after eating. But this can vary depending on what your target blood sugar goals are. What is blood sugar?

What is hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)?

Hyperglycemia (also called high blood sugar or high blood glucose) is when there's too much glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream, typically because your body isn't making or using insulin as well as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps balance out your blood sugar levels. Around 1 in 10 people in the United States have diabetes.

What happens if you have high blood sugar?

When it happens often or all the time, high glucose levels can cause damage to your nerves, blood vessels, and organs. It can also lead to other serious conditions. It's important to treat high blood sugar right away to help avoid more health problems.

What if I have a high blood sugar level?

Contact your diabetes care team immediately if you have a high blood sugar level and experience the following symptoms: These symptoms could be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis or a hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (see above) and you may need to be looked after in hospital.

Is high blood sugar a sign of diabetes?

It mainly affects people with diabetes and can be serious if not treated. People with diabetes can also have blood sugar that's too low. This is called low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). If you have diabetes, you can find out if your blood sugar level is high by having a blood sugar (blood glucose) test.

What are the symptoms of high blood sugar?

The main 3 symptoms of high blood sugar levels are increased urination, increased thirst and increased hunger. High blood sugar levels can also contribute to the following symptoms: Is hyperglycemia serious?