Definitions
Hyperglycemia
When to make a doctor’s appointment
Make an appointment to see a doctor if:
- Difficulty maintaining normal blood sugar levels
- Persistent blurred vision
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent headaches
Description
High blood sugar, which affects people who have diabetes.
Self-care
Check blood sugar as often as a health care professional recommends. Get regular exercise. Take any diabetes medicines as prescribed. Eat a balanced diet with smaller portions and less sugar.
When to seek immediate medical care
Seek emergency help if a person with hyperglycemia has:
- Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, and can't keep down food or liquids.
- Blood sugar levels that stay above 240 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
- Acids called ketones in the urine, found with an at-home urine ketones test kit.
When to make a doctor's appointment
Make an appointment to see a health care professional if the person has:
- Ongoing diarrhea or vomiting, but can keep down some food or drinks.
- A fever that lasts longer than 24 hours.
- Blood sugar levels that stay above 240 mg/dL despite treatment, along with ketoacidosis symptoms such as extreme thirst and urinating often.
- Trouble keeping blood sugar within the prescribed target range.
