High blood glucose (hyperglycaemia)

DOT constellation1
Hyperglycaemia is when your blood glucose levels are too high. There are several reasons why this may happen. It may be that you:
  • Have missed an insulin injection
  • Have underestimated the amount of carbohydrate that you have eaten
  • Are stressed
  • Are unwell from an infection
  • Have over-treated a hypo
Targets1

Blood glucose target

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:
  • Passing more urine than normal, especially at night
  • Being very thirsty
  • Headaches
  • Tiredness and lethargy.

How to prevent a hyper

  • Be aware of your carbohydrate portions and how they may be affecting your blood glucose levels.
  • When you are ill, continue taking your insulin even if you aren’t eating, and contact the team if you need more information.
  • Be as active as possible.
  • Remember to take your insulin, and always take it correctly.

Treatment

If your blood glucose level is high for just a short time, emergency treatment won’t be necessary. But if it stays high you need to take action to avoid developing diabetic ketoacidosis.
DOT constellation15
HM Queen Elizabeth II black and white
NHS Tayside Logo White
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

1926 - 2022