Because elderly people are more likely to have blood sugar that swings too far downward, with fewer warning signs, managing their glucose too tightly can put them at greater risk for hypoglycemia, says Bandukwala. RELATED: 10 Warning Signs of Low Blood Sugar.

As Dr. Emanuele says, glucose monitoring can be an important tool to help you get your blood sugar under control. Typically, you would do it yourself using a glucose meter or glucometer, which analyzes a drop of blood that you draw by sticking your finger with a lancet and placing the blood on a disposable test strip that you insert into the meter.

Some people will check their blood sugar daily or multiple times a day, sometimes using a continuous monitor that is worn on the body — particularly those who have type 1 diabetes or who have type 2 but take insulin.

The American Academy of Family Physicians is among the organizations advising that daily glucose self-testing has no benefit in patients with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin or medications associated with hypoglycemia. RELATED: 10 Ways to Better Control Blood Sugar After Eating.

Meanwhile, keep an eye out for these nine key warning signs and symptoms that blood sugar is too high — and talk to your doctor about whether you need to adjust your management plan. This is a common but not-so-obvious sign of blood sugar that is too high: feeling really thirsty and needing to drink more than usual.

You may become dehydrated and get dizzy. RELATED: Can Chronic Dehydration Lead to Type 2 Diabetes? Fatigue and extreme tiredness are symptoms of uncontrolled blood sugar , the ADA says.

Also, frequent urination can lead to dehydration , which Bandukwala identifies as another contributing factor to fatigue. RELATED: Why Does Type 2 Diabetes Make You Feel So Tired? High blood sugar levels can lead to swollen lenses in your eye from fluid leaking in, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases NIDDK.

This changes the shape of the lens, which makes it unable to properly focus, causing blurred vision. You may also find yourself struggling at work, having difficulty driving, and suffering from frequent headaches, Emanuele notes. RELATED: How Diabetes Can Damage Your Eyes.

Cuts, scrapes, bruises, and other wounds heal more slowly in the presence of uncontrolled blood sugar, according to the NIDDK. Even minor wounds are more prone to infections, which can become very serious and even result in amputations of the foot.

You may notice drainage seeping onto your socks or an unpleasant smell if you develop a foot ulcer, notes the American Podiatric Medical Association. RELATED: 11 Tips to Protect Your Feet and Legs if You Have Diabetes. As mentioned, uncontrolled blood sugar can cause nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy.

What you may notice is a tingling sensation or even numbness in your hands and feet. Some people experience pain in their hands and feet as well, and the pain is often worse at night. Though neuropathy is most common in people who have had diabetes for a long time, it can occur in anyone with poorly controlled diabetes.

RELATED: 4 Great Exercises for People Managing Diabetes-Related Neuropathy. Dark, thick areas of soft skin called acanthosis nigricans may form on the back of the neck or hands, armpits, face, or other areas. These can be a sign of insulin resistance , Zanini says. Blisters, infections, dryness, itchiness, discolorations, and abnormalities of the skin can all be warning signs of high blood sugar.

Check with your doctor if these skin changes develop. Conditions like acanthosis nigricans can be improved by keeping blood sugar levels in check, notes StatPearls. RELATED: 10 Diabetes Skin Problems You Should Know.

Hyperglycemia may lead you to get more frequent genital yeast infections. The culprit is often a type of yeast a fungus known as Candida albicans , per the ADA. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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Want to stay signed on? We are unable to switch you to this area of care. Symptoms of High Blood Sugar. Skip Navigation. Overview High blood sugar hyperglycemia most often occurs in people who have diabetes that isn't well controlled. Mild high blood sugar You may have mild symptoms if your blood sugar levels are consistently higher than your target range.

The main symptoms of mild high blood sugar are: Increased thirst. Increased urination. Weight loss. Moderate to severe high blood sugar You may have moderate to severe symptoms if your blood sugar levels are consistently high.

If you have an an at-home test for ketones, check your ketone level every 4 to 6 hours when your blood glucose is very high or when you are having these symptoms. If the test shows that your ketones are moderate or high, or if you don't have a ketones test, contact your health care provider right away or get emergency medical help.

If you have diabetes, you'll most likely need to check your blood glucose every day and make sure that it's not too high. You can do this with a blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitoring CGM system.

There are also blood tests that providers can use to check if your blood glucose is too high. If you have severe hyperglycemia and are having symptoms of DKA, you will need treatment at the hospital.

The treatment often includes I. intravenous fluids and insulin. If you have diabetes, managing your diabetes can help prevent hyperglycemia.

To manage your diabetes, it's important to:. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.

Hyperglycemia Also called: High blood glucose, High blood sugar. On this page Basics Summary Start Here Diagnosis and Tests. Learn More Related Issues. See, Play and Learn No links available. Research Clinical Trials Journal Articles.

Resources Find an Expert. For You Children Patient Handouts. What is blood glucose? What is hyperglycemia? What causes hyperglycemia?

What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia? The symptoms of hyperglycemia include: Feeling thirsty Feeling tired or weak Headaches Urinating peeing often Blurred vision If you are diabetic and you often have high blood glucose levels or the symptoms of hyperglycemia, talk with your health care team.

What other problems can hyperglycemia cause? The symptoms of DKA may include: Trouble breathing Nausea or vomiting Pain in your abdomen belly Confusion Feeling very tired or sleepy If you have an an at-home test for ketones, check your ketone level every 4 to 6 hours when your blood glucose is very high or when you are having these symptoms.

How is hyperglycemia diagnosed? What are the treatments for hyperglycemia?

A key part of managing diabetes is controlling your blood glucose levels. To do this, you need to follow a diabetes meal plan and get regular physical activity.

You might also need to take diabetes medicines. You have to balance all of these to keep your blood glucose at the right levels.

But if you eat too much food or the wrong foods, don't take your medicines correctly, or don't get physical activity, you can get hyperglycemia. It can also happen if you are stressed or sick. Less commonly, people who don't have diabetes can also get hyperglycemia.

It can be caused by conditions that can affect insulin or glucose levels in your blood. They include problems with your pancreas or adrenal glands , certain medicines, and severe illnesses. If you are diabetic and you often have high blood glucose levels or the symptoms of hyperglycemia, talk with your health care team.

You may need a change in your diabetes meal plan, physical activity plan, or diabetes medicines. If you don't have diabetes and you are having these symptoms, see your provider to find out the cause and how to treat it.

If hyperglycemia is not treated, it can cause other problems. In people with diabetes, long-term hyperglycemia can lead to serious health problems diabetes complications. If your blood glucose levels get very high, you can develop diabetes-related ketoacidosis DKA.

It happens when your body doesn't have enough insulin to allow blood glucose into your cells for use as energy. Instead, your liver breaks down fat for fuel. This process produces acids called ketones.

When too many ketones are produced too fast, they can build up to dangerous levels in your body. This can be life-threatening. If you have an an at-home test for ketones, check your ketone level every 4 to 6 hours when your blood glucose is very high or when you are having these symptoms.

If the test shows that your ketones are moderate or high, or if you don't have a ketones test, contact your health care provider right away or get emergency medical help. If you have diabetes, you'll most likely need to check your blood glucose every day and make sure that it's not too high.

You can do this with a blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitoring CGM system. There are also blood tests that providers can use to check if your blood glucose is too high. If you have severe hyperglycemia and are having symptoms of DKA, you will need treatment at the hospital.

The treatment often includes I. intravenous fluids and insulin. If you have diabetes, managing your diabetes can help prevent hyperglycemia. To manage your diabetes, it's important to:. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.

Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Hyperglycemia Also called: High blood glucose, High blood sugar. On this page Basics Summary Start Here Diagnosis and Tests. Learn More Related Issues. See, Play and Learn No links available.

Research Clinical Trials Journal Articles. Resources Find an Expert. For You Children Patient Handouts. What is blood glucose? What is hyperglycemia? What causes hyperglycemia? Illness or stress can trigger hyperglycemia. That's because hormones your body makes to fight illness or stress can also cause blood sugar to rise.

You may need to take extra diabetes medication to keep blood glucose in your target range during illness or stress. Keeping blood sugar in a healthy range can help prevent many diabetes-related complications. Long-term complications of hyperglycemia that isn't treated include:.

If blood sugar rises very high or if high blood sugar levels are not treated, it can lead to two serious conditions. Diabetic ketoacidosis. This condition develops when you don't have enough insulin in your body.

When this happens, glucose can't enter your cells for energy. Your blood sugar level rises, and your body begins to break down fat for energy.

When fat is broken down for energy in the body, it produces toxic acids called ketones. Ketones accumulate in the blood and eventually spill into the urine. If it isn't treated, diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to a diabetic coma that can be life-threatening.

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. This condition occurs when the body makes insulin, but the insulin doesn't work properly. If you develop this condition, your body can't use either glucose or fat for energy. Glucose then goes into the urine, causing increased urination.

If it isn't treated, diabetic hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state can lead to life-threatening dehydration and coma. It's very important to get medical care for it right away. On this page. When to see a doctor. Risk factors. A Book: The Essential Diabetes Book.

Early signs and symptoms Recognizing early symptoms of hyperglycemia can help identify and treat it right away. Watch for: Frequent urination Increased thirst Blurred vision Feeling weak or unusually tired. Later signs and symptoms If hyperglycemia isn't treated, it can cause toxic acids, called ketones, to build up in the blood and urine.

Symptoms include: Fruity-smelling breath Dry mouth Abdominal pain Nausea and vomiting Shortness of breath Confusion Loss of consciousness. Request an appointment. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.

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You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Many factors can contribute to hyperglycemia, including: Not using enough insulin or other diabetes medication Not injecting insulin properly or using expired insulin Not following your diabetes eating plan Being inactive Having an illness or infection Using certain medications, such as steroids or immunosuppressants Being injured or having surgery Experiencing emotional stress, such as family problems or workplace issues Illness or stress can trigger hyperglycemia.

Long-term complications Keeping blood sugar in a healthy range can help prevent many diabetes-related complications.

Long-term complications of hyperglycemia that isn't treated include: Cardiovascular disease Nerve damage neuropathy Kidney damage diabetic nephropathy or kidney failure Damage to the blood vessels of the retina diabetic retinopathy that could lead to blindness Feet problems caused by damaged nerves or poor blood flow that can lead to serious skin infections, ulcerations and, in some severe cases, amputation Bone and joint problems Teeth and gum infections.

Emergency complications If blood sugar rises very high or if high blood sugar levels are not treated, it can lead to two serious conditions. To help keep your blood sugar within a healthy range: Follow your diabetes meal plan.

If you take insulin or oral diabetes medication, be consistent about the amount and timing of your meals and snacks. The food you eat must be in balance with the insulin working in your body. Monitor your blood sugar. Depending on your treatment plan, you may check and record your blood sugar level several times a week or several times a day.

Careful monitoring is the only way to make sure that your blood sugar level stays within your target range. Note when your glucose readings are above or below your target range. Carefully follow your health care provider's directions for how to take your medication.

Adjust your medication if you change your physical activity. The adjustment depends on blood sugar test results and on the type and length of the activity. If you have questions about this, talk to your health care provider.

By Mayo Clinic Staff. Aug 20, Show References. Hyperglycemia high blood glucose. American Diabetes Association. Accessed July 6, What is diabetes? National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Wexler DJ. Management of persistent hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hirsch IB, et al. Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state in adults: Clinical features, evaluation, and diagnosis.

Managing diabetes. Inzucchi SE, et al. Glycemic control and vascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Comprehensive medical evaluation and assessment of comorbidities: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Diabetes Care.

The big picture: Checking your blood glucose. Castro MR expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 7,