Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)

Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Blood and lymph Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)can affect people with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes , as well as pregnant women with gestational diabetes. It can occasionally affect people who dont have diabetes, but usually only people who are seriously ill, such as those who have recently had a stroke or heart attack , or have a severe infection. Hyperglycaemia shouldnt be confused with hypoglycaemia , which is when a persons blood sugar level drops too low. This information focuses on hyperglycaemia in people with diabetes. Ishyperglycaemia serious? The aim of diabetes treatment is to keep blood sugar levels as near to normal as possible. But if you have diabetes, no matter how careful you are, youre likely to experience hyperglycaemia at some point. Its important to be able to recognise and treat hyperglycaemia, as it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Occasional mild episodes arent usually a cause for concern and can be treated quite easily or may return to normal on their own. However, hyperglycaemia can be potentially dangerous if blood sugar levels become very high or stay high for long periods. Very high blood sugar levels can cause life-threatening complications, such as: diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) a condition caused by the body needing to break down fat as a source of energy, which can lead to a diabetic coma; this tends to affect people with type 1 diabetes hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS) severe dehydration caused by the bodytrying to get rid of excess sugar; this tends to affect people with type 2 diabetes Regularly having high blood sugar levels for long periods of time (over months or years) can result in permanent damage to parts of the body such as the eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels. If you experience hyperglycaemia regularly, speak to your doctor or diabetes care team. You may need to change your treatment or lifestyle to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. Symptoms of hyperglycaemia Symptoms of hyperglycaemia in people with diabetestend to develop slowly over a few days or weeks. In some cases, there may be no symptoms until the blood sugar level is very high. Symptoms of hyperglycaemia include: increased thirst and a dry mouth needing topee frequently tiredness blurred vision unintentionalweight loss recurrent infections, such as thrush, bladder infections (cystitis) and skin infections Symptoms of hyperglycaemia can also be due to undiagnosed diabetes, so see your GP if this applies to you. You can have a test to check for the condition. Whatshouldmy bloodsugar level be? When youre first diagnosed with diabetes, your diabetes care teamwill usually tell you what your bloodsugar level is and what you should aim to get it down to. You may be advised to use a testing device to monitor your blood sugar level regularly at home, or you may have an appointment with a nurse or doctor every few months to see what your level is. Target bloodsugar levels differ for everyone, but generally speaking: if you monitor yourself at home  a normal target is 4-7mmol/l before eating and under 8.5-9mmol/l two hours after a meal if youre tested every few months  a normal target is below 48mmol/mol (or 6.5% on the older measurement scale) What causes high blood sugar? A variety of things can trigger an increase in blood sugar level in people with diabetes, including: stress an illness, such as a cold eating too much, such as snacking between meals a lack of exercise dehydration missing a dose of your diabetes medication, or takingan incorrect dose over-treating an episode of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) taking certain medicines, such as steroid medication Occasional episodes of hyperglycaemia can also occur in children and young adultsduring growth spurts. Treating hyperglycaemia If youve been diagnosed with diabetes and you have symptoms of hyperglycaemia, follow the advice your care teamhas givenyou to reduce your blood sugar level. If youre not sure what to do, contact your GP or care team. You may be advised to: change your diet  for example, you may be advised to avoid foods that cause yourblood sugar levels to rise, such as cakes or sugary drinks drink plenty of sugar-free fluids  this can help if youre dehydrated exercise more often gentle, regular exercise such as walking can often lower your blood sugar level, particularly if it helps you lose weight if you use insulin, adjust your dose  your care team can give you specific advice about how to do this You may also be advised to monitor your blood sugar level more closely, or test your blood or urine for substances called ketones (associated with diabetic ketoacidosis). Until your blood sugar level is back under control,watch out for additional symptoms that could be a sign of a more serious condition (see below). When to geturgent medical attention Contactyour diabetes care team immediatelyif you have a high blood sugar level and experience the following symptoms: feeling or being sick abdominal (tummy) pain rapid, deepbreathing signs ofdehydration , such as a headache , dry skin and a weak, rapid heartbeat difficulty staying awake These symptomscould be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis or a hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (see above) and you may need to be looked after in hospital. How to prevent hyperglycaemia There are simple ways to reduce your risk ofsevere or prolonged hyperglycaemia: Be carefulwhat you eat  be particularly aware of how snacking and eatingsugary foodsor carbohydrates can affect your blood sugar level. Stick to yourtreatment plan  remember to take your insulinor otherdiabetes medications as recommended by your care team. Be as active as possible getting regular exercise can help stop your blood sugar level rising, but you should check with your doctor first if youre taking diabetes medication, as some medicines can lead to hypoglycaemia if you exercise too much Take extra care when youre ill your care team can provide you with some sick day rules thatoutline what you can do to keep your blood sugar level under control during an illness. Monitor your blood sugar level  your care team may suggest using a device to check your level at home, so you can spot an increase early and take steps tostop it. Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 17 January 2023 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me Also on NHS inform Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)r Type 2 diabetes Other health sites Diabetes.co.uk: hyperglycaemia Diabetes UK: hypos and hypers NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852