What is hyperglycemia?

Hyperglycemia is defined as having an excess of glucose in the bloodstream.

Causes:

  • Not enough insulin or diabetic medications or a decrease in the ability to make insulin in the body
  • Too much food or high sugar drinks, illness or stress

Symptoms:

  • Frequent urination
  • Dry skin
  • Hunger
  • Blurred vision
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea

If you're diagnosed with hyperglycemia, call your doctor if:

  • Glucose is more than 240 mg/dL for more than 24 hours
  • You experience vomiting or diarrhea for four hours or more
  • You have severe pain of any kind
  • You have a fever of more than 101 degrees
  • You have moderate to high urine ketones (if you have been instructed on this)

Ignoring high blood glucose levels can be very dangerous. Report high blood sugars even if you are feeling well.