What is High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)?
High blood sugar means a blood sugar level that has risen and stayed well above the normal target range. When your blood sugar stays high, your diabetes is out of control. High blood sugar can come on slowly, getting a little higher everyday. It can also come on quickly, after eating a large meal or when you are sick. High blood sugar is not normally an emergency that requires medical help. You can usually lower your blood sugar level yourself. Causes Blood sugar can get too high if you: • Don’t take enough insulin or diabetes medication; • Get sick or have other kinds of stress; • Eat too much; or • Don’t get your normal exercise. One or more of these things can cause your blood sugar to rise. You can usually prevent high blood sugar problems by following your daily routine. Test your blood sugar regularly and contact your physician if your blood sugar starts to get out of control. Symptoms Several possible symptoms can warn you when your blood sugar is well above target range. You sh
