Hyperglycaemia

Hyperglycaemia occurs when there is a higher than normal level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This causes:

• increased thirst
• the need to urinate frequently
• tiredness

Glucose is produced when food is digested. Hyperglycaemia occurs when the body is unable to remove the glucose from the blood and turn it into energy. This usually only happens in people with diabetes. There are two types of diabetes:

• type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent)
• type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent)

Type 1 diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the body produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that takes glucose out of the blood and moves it into the cells, where it is broken down to produce energy.

People with type 1 diabetes require lifelong treatment to replace the insulin that their body does not produce. They will also need to check their blood glucose level regularly to prevent any complications from developing.

For more information, see the Health A-Z topic on Type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes

In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not make enough insulin, or it cannot use the insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. This type of diabetes is often linked to obesity or being overweight. It is sometimes referred to as maturity onset diabetes because it occurs mostly in people who are over 40 years of age.

For more information, see the Health A-Z topic on Type 2 diabetes.

Outlook

Hyperglycaemia usually occurs in people who have diabetes. For example, it can occur in people with type 1 diabetes if they miss a dose of insulin. If this happens, appropriate steps need to be taken to lower blood glucose levels, such as increasing the dose of insulin. Diet and exercise can also be used to adjust blood glucose levels. 

Left untreated, hyperglycaemia can develop into diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a serious condition that can lead to coma (a sleep-like state where someone is unconscious for a long period of time), or even death. Diabetic ketoacidosis will need to be treated in hospital.

Glossary

Glucose

Glucose (or dextrose) is a type of sugar that is used by the body to produce energy.

Blood

Blood supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide. It is pumped around the body by the heart.

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas. It helps the body to control blood sugar levels.

Onset

The onset is the beginning or early stages of a condition or disease.

Obesity

Obesity is when a person has an abnormally high amount of body fat.