This information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical treatment. You should speak to your physician or make an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about this information or your medical condition. Exención de responsabilidad en Español | Complete disclaimer
Type 2 Diabetes
High Blood Sugar/Hyperglycemia
What is hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia means there is too much sugar in the blood. The body needs insulin to move the sugar into the cells. In type 2 diabetes the pancreas doesn't produce enough usable insulin, making it difficult to move the sugar into the cells. That is why people with type 2 diabetes sometimes need pills and/or insulin. Over time, high blood sugars can lead to serious health problems.
Signs and Symptoms:
You may have one or more of these symptoms when you have a high blood sugar:
- Strong thirst
- Frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Blurred vision
- Dry skin
- Drowsiness
- Decreased healing
Causes of high blood sugar:
- Not enough diabetes medication
- You forgot to take a dose of your pills or insulin
- You ate too much food (especially carbohydrates)
- You were less active
- You are stressed; either physical stress (illness, pain, etc) or emotional stress
What happens when the blood sugar stays high:
Research has shown that having a Hemoglobin above 7% and/or blood sugars over 140 greatly increases the chance of the complications of diabetes.
Things you can do to lower your blood sugar:
- Increase your activity. Activity lowers your insulin resistance and helps with weight loss which also lowers insulin resistance.
- Eat smaller portions.
- Ask your doctor if your medications for diabetes need to be:
- increased
- changed
- a second or third pill added
- you may need to go on insulin
