Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Acute Hyperglycemia?

Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen

Acute hyperglycemia is a sudden and dramatic spike in blood sugar, and is a serious condition that can can result in immediate and lasting damage. It occurs most often in people whose blood sugar must be carefully managed with insulin injections, and may require hospitalization if the glucose level cannot be normalized. The exact level at which high blood sugar is considered to be acute hyperglycemia varies, though it typically falls into a range of 144 to 270 mg/dl (8 to 15 mmol/l). Symptoms may include excessive hunger, thirst, and urination, as well as blurred vision and fatigue. Since these symptoms may not appear until blood glucose has risen to dangerous levels, diabetics often monitor their blood sugar very closely.

Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of both chronic and acute hyperglycemia. Chronic hyperglycemia is a condition in which blood sugar is consistently at a level considered to be higher than normal. Even this can cause organ and tissue damage if left untreated. People whose chronic hyperglycemia is managed with insulin injections may develop acute hyperglycemia if they fail to receive their insulin injections, or for other reasons.

Diabetics monitor blood sugar levels to help prevent hyperglycemia.
Diabetics monitor blood sugar levels to help prevent hyperglycemia.

Serious conditions, like osmotic diuresis, may occur with excessively high blood glucose levels. This related condition can result due to glucose entering the kidneys and causing osmotic diuresis. This, in turn, causes in polyuria, or excess urination, and polydipsia, or excess thirst. The thirst is caused by the body becoming dehydrated due to lack of water, while the fact that the kidneys are voiding excess urine may result in the inability to properly rehydrate by simply drinking water.

Drinking water when suffering from acute hyperglycemia may not be enough to ward off dehydration.
Drinking water when suffering from acute hyperglycemia may not be enough to ward off dehydration.

Related conditions, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, may be associated with acute hyperglycemia. Ketoacidosis is actually caused by a lack of insulin in the blood, so someone with type I diabetes who neglected to take their insulin supplements could exhibit both acute hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. This serious condition can potentially result in coma or death, and typically also causes confusion, shortness of breath, and vomiting. Other symptoms can include a peculiar sweet or fruity odor on the breath, which is the result of fatty acids being released from adipose tissues and subsequently being turned into ketones.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common causes of both chronic and acute hyperglycemia.
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common causes of both chronic and acute hyperglycemia.

Careful monitoring of blood glucose levels and the administration of insulin or other prescribed treatments can help avoid acute hyperglycemia. In cases where it cannot be avoided, the monitoring can allow foreknowledge of the condition before levels rise to the point where symptoms actually occur. This can allow help to be sought and stave off some of the serious complications of the condition.

Discussion Comments

discographer

I think some health conditions-- like hypothyroidism can also cause hypoglycemia. I am a diabetic, but it was under control until I developed hypoglycemia. I had to increase my insulin to keep my blood sugar under control. My sister also had hyperglycemia when she was pregnant.

ddljohn

@literally-- Cortisone injections are known for causing temporary acute hyperglycemia. People who have diabetes or who have borderline blood sugar levels have to be very careful when getting cortisone shots.

I had them last year as well and my blood sugar also went up very high. It lasted for almost three weeks and then it went back to normal.

Unfortunately, doctors sometimes forget to mention this side effect of cortisone to their patients.

literally45

Can medications cause acute hyperglycemia?

My father had normal sugar levels until recently. A few weeks ago, he had to get cortisone shots for arthritis pain and his blood sugar has shot through the roof.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Diabetics monitor blood sugar levels to help prevent hyperglycemia.
      By: Dmitry Lobanov
      Diabetics monitor blood sugar levels to help prevent hyperglycemia.
    • Drinking water when suffering from acute hyperglycemia may not be enough to ward off dehydration.
      By: DragonImages
      Drinking water when suffering from acute hyperglycemia may not be enough to ward off dehydration.
    • Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common causes of both chronic and acute hyperglycemia.
      By: Dmitry Lobanov
      Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common causes of both chronic and acute hyperglycemia.
    • Exercise therapy can be used to help diabetics maintain low blood glucose levels.
      By: nyul
      Exercise therapy can be used to help diabetics maintain low blood glucose levels.
    • Conditions stemming from hyperglycemia can cause symptoms including shortness of breath.
      By: DURIS Guillaume
      Conditions stemming from hyperglycemia can cause symptoms including shortness of breath.
    • An increased need to urinate can be a symptom of acute hyperglycemia.
      By: Chatchai
      An increased need to urinate can be a symptom of acute hyperglycemia.