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Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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In this Article

• Hyperglycemia facts
• What is hyperglycemia?
• What causes hyperglycemia?
• What are the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia?
• How is hyperglycemia diagnosed?
• How is hyperglycemia treated?
• What are the complications of hyperglycemia?
• Patient Comments: Hyperglycemia - Describe Your Experience
• Hyperglycemia Index

Mild or transient hyperglycemia may not need medical treatment, depending upon the cause. People with mildly elevated glucose or prediabetes can often lower their glucose levels by incorporating diet and lifestyle changes. To assure that you chose the right dietary and lifestyle changes , you should speak with your health care professional or use reliable resources such as the American Diabetes Association.

Insulin is the treatment of choice for people with type 1 diabetes and for life-threatening increases in glucose levels. People with type 2 diabetes may be managed with a combination of different oral and injectable medications. Some people with type 2 diabetes also take insulin.

Hyperglycemia due to medical conditions other than diabetes is generally treated by addressing the underlying condition responsible for the elevated glucose. In some cases, insulin may be needed to stabilize glucose levels during this treatment.

Long-term complications of prolonged hyperglycemia can be severe. These occur in people with diabetes and are worse when the condition is poorly controlled. The long-term complications of diabetes tend to develop slowly over time. Some of the complications of hyperglycemia in poorly-controlled diabetes are:

• Heart and blood vessel disease, that can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease
• Poor kidney function eventually leading to kidney failure
• Nerve damage, that can lead to burning, tingling, pain, and changes in sensation
• Eye diseases, including damage to the retina, glaucoma, and cataracts
• Gum disease

REFERENCES:

CDC.gov. Diabetes.

American Diabetes Association.