Hyperglycemia or high blood glucose

Hyperglycemia means that your blood glucose is above your target range and you need to take action to lower it.

Causes and symptoms of high blood glucose

Causes include:

• too much food
• not enough diabetes pills or insulin
• not enough physical activity
• surgery
• steroid medicine
• illness
• infection
• physical or emotional stress

Symptoms include:

• increased thirst
• frequent urination
• less energy
• blurred vision
• hunger

Treatment and prevention of hyperglycemia

The best way to treat hyperglycemia is to pay attention to your daily routine or manage your diabetes.

In your daily routine:

• Follow your food and activity plan.
• Check your blood glucose regularly.
• Check your urine ketones if recommended.
• Notice any signs of illness or infection.

Call your doctor or diabetes educator if your blood glucose is over 250 mg/dL for 2 to 3 days in a row. You may need a change in your treatment.

If you have type 2 diabetes, follow the blood glucose scale.

Note: We used the word "glucose" instead of the word "sugar" so it does not get it confused with the sugar in food.

Related Links

Blood glucose scale for type 2 diabetes

My meal plan

Hypoglycemia or low blood glucose

Where can I get help in managing my diabetes?

First published: 12/01/2006
Last updated: 05/01/2009

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts