High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is most often seen in people who have diabetes that is not well controlled. The symptoms of high blood sugar can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Symptoms of mild high blood sugar include:
If your blood sugar level is too high when you are pregnant, you have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born and affects about 4% of pregnancies in the U.S. High blood sugar can cause problems for you and your baby. With gestational diabetes, your baby may grow too large, which can cause problems during delivery. Your baby may also be born with low blood sugar. But with treatment, most women with gestational diabetes are able to control their blood sugar...
Read the Gestational Diabetes article > >
- Increased thirst and urination, especially at night.
- Warm, dry skin.
Symptoms of moderate high blood sugar include:
- Dizziness or weakness when sitting or standing.
- Dark, concentrated urine in decreasing amounts.
- Gradual blurring of vision.
Symptoms of severe high blood sugar include:
- A rapid heart rate with a weak pulse.
- Drowsiness and difficulty waking up.
- Increased weakness.
- Sometimes, loss of consciousness.
If your blood sugar levels remain high, such as above 250 mg/dL, and you become dehydrated, you are at risk of getting a life-threatening condition called hyperosmolar state or diabetic ketoacidosis. These are both medical emergencies.
Get medical help immediately if you have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis:
- Rapid, deep breathing
- Fruity breath odor
- Loss of appetite, belly pain, and vomiting
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
June 09, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.
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Is This Normal?
Get the Facts Fast!Answer:
Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
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This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
