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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffHyperglycemia doesn't cause symptoms until glucose values are significantly elevated — above 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 11 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Symptoms of hyperglycemia develop slowly over several days or weeks. The longer blood sugar levels stay high, the more serious the symptoms become.
Early signs and symptoms
Recognizing early symptoms of hyperglycemia can help you treat the condition promptly. Watch for:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Headache
Later signs and symptoms
If hyperglycemia goes untreated, it can cause:
- Toxic acids (ketones) to build up in your blood and urine
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dry mouth
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Coma
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or emergency medical assistance if both are true:
- You're sick and can't keep any food or fluids down.
- Your blood glucose levels are persistently above 240 mg/dL (13 mmol/L) with ketones in your urine.
Make an appointment with your doctor if:
- You experience ongoing diarrhea or vomiting, but you're able to take some foods or drinks
- You have a fever that lasts more than 24 hours
- Your blood glucose is more than 240 mg/dL (13 mmol/L) even though you've taken your diabetes medication
- You have trouble keeping your blood glucose within the desired range
- Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose). American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hyperglycemia.html. Accessed Dec. 9, 2009.
- Nathan DM, et al. Medical management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes: A consensus algorithm for the initiation and adjustment of therapy: A consensus statement of the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2009;32:193.
- Shane F, et al. Metabolic and endocrine emergencies. In: Stone CK, et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Emergency Medicine. 6th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3112282. Accessed Dec. 22, 2009.
- Collazo-Clavell ML (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 2, 2010.
- A1C. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/a1c/. Accessed Dec. 22, 2009.
- Kitabchi AE, et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 22, 2009.
- Your guide to diabetes: Type 1 and type 2. Diabetes overview. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/DM/pubs/type1and2/YourGuide2Diabetes.pdf. Accessed Dec. 23, 2009.
- Checking your blood glucose. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/type-2-diabetes/blood-glucose-checks.jsp. Accessed March 5, 2010.
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes — 2010. Diabetes Care. 2010;33:S11
- Diagnosis and Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Adults. Bloomington, Minn.: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. http://www.icsi.org/diabetes_mellitus__type_2/management_of_type_2_diabetes_mellitus__9.html. Accessed March 3, 2010.
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