Hyperglycaemia Explained

Hyperglycaemia is the technical term for high blood glucose, and is the defining characteristic of diabetes. Before you were diagnosed with diabetes, you probably experienced some of the symptoms of hyperglycaemia, such as excessive thirst and frequent urination.

Even after you’ve started receiving treatment for diabetes, you may still experience episodes of hyperglycaemia from time to time. The most likely causes will be:

• Too much food
• Not enough insulin
• Loss of insulin potency

To catch episodes of hyperglycaemia early on and avoid further complications, it’s important to recognise the warning signs and test your blood glucose as often as your doctor recommends. The short-term goal of treating hyperglycaemia is to prevent the onset of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This occurs when the body starts breaking down its own muscle, fat, and liver cells for fuel. This leads to dehydration and a build up of acids (ketones) in the blood. If left untreated, this can be fatal.

The long-term goal of treating hyperglycaemia is to avoid chronic health problems associated with sustained high blood glucose, such as eye problems, kidney disease, and nerve damage.¹

Speak to your healthcare professional for guidance on what you should do if you experience hyperglycaemia.