Hyperglycemia Symptoms: The Telltale Signs and What to Do

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Recognize The Symptoms of Hyperglycemia and Take Action.

 

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is an excess of glucose in the bloodstream. Even when you do your best to manage your blood glucose, you will experience highs. High blood sugars can lead to dangerous complications. The reference table below can help you quickly recognize the symptoms of hyperglycemia (when your fasting blood glucose is at or above 11 mmol/L)1 and act. You may want to print it off and keep it handy.

 

Recognize and treat symptoms of hyperglycemia

 

Symptoms to look out for What to do
  • Increased thirst
  • Urinating more often than usual, especially during the night
  • More tired than usual

Try to figure out why it’s high

Did you have a larger-than-usual meal or snack?

Did you calculate your carbohydrate intake correctly?

Did you not take enough insulin?

Were you less physically active than usual?

Are you feeling unwell or are you sick?
 

Take action to lower your blood glucose to your target levels

Note: When initially discussing your diabetes care plan, ask your Healthcare Professional how you should adjust your insulin when your blood glucose is high.

Engage in mild physical activity and drink non-sugary drinks to prevent dehydration. Re-test your blood glucose to see if it has decreased.

If it remains high for a few days, consult your healthcare team. Changes may be needed to your diabetes management plan.

Get medical help right away if you notice these symptoms and have ketones in your urine2:

 

Earliest symptoms:
Thirst or a very dry mouth
Frequent urination
High blood glucose levels

 

Later symptoms:
Constantly feeling tired
Dry or flushed skin
Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
Difficulty breathing
Fruity-smelling breath
A hard time paying attention or feeling confused

If your blood glucose is very high (>14.0 mmol/L) or if you have the symptoms below, check for ketones in your urine.3

Ketoacidosis develops when your body doesn’t have enough insulin, so it breaks down fats into ketones. Ketone levels can be measured with a simple urine test using ketone strips (similar to blood glucose test strips) purchased from the pharmacy. Ketoacidosis can be very serious and lead to a diabetic coma. Ketoacidosis usually develops slowly. But when vomiting occurs, this life-threatening condition can develop in a few hours

 

Because you may need help from those around you, it may be helpful to:

  • Wear a MedicAlert® bracelet to notify people of your condition
  • Alert those close to you (friends, family, coaches) on symptoms to watch out for and what to do
  • Be sure to share this list and information with your friends and family so they are informed and can help
  • Keep a supply of urine ketone test strips at home

 

References:

 

1 Malcolm J et al. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: In-Hospital Management of Diabetes. Can J Diabetes 2018;42(Suppl 1):S115-S123.

2 American Diabetes Association®. (n.d.). DKA (Ketoacidosis) & Ketones. Retrieved March 9, 2021, from https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/complications/dka-ketoacidosis-ketones

3 Goguen J, Gilbert J. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Hyperglycemic Emergencies in Adults. Can J Diabetes 2018;42(Suppl 1):S109-S114.

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