Definition - What does hyperglycemia mean?

Hyperglycemia is the medical term used to describe high blood sugar. The condition is often associated with diabetes. Hyperglycemia is diagnosed through use of a blood test that measures the level of glucose in a person's blood.

A person is considered to have hyperglycemia if he or she has a fasting blood sugar level that is 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) or higher. A blood glucose level of 180 mg/dl when measured 2 hours after a meal also indicates hyperglycemia. Generally, a healthy person's blood sugar level 2 hours following a meal should be approximately 140 ml/dl, depending on what was eaten.

Some of the symptoms of hyperglycemia include excessive thirst, blurred vision, headaches, fatigue, frequent urination, and weight loss. Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to nerve and tissue damage. The symptoms of ongoing hyperglycemia include recurring skin infections, slow healing, nerve damage, digestive problems, and impaired vision. Hyperglycemia is sometimes referred to as high blood sugar or high blood glucose.

SureHire explains hyperglycemia

The human body uses a form of sugar called glucose for energy. Glucose is transported to the cells of the body through the blood. A hormone produced by the body called insulin allow glucose in the blood to enter the cells of the body where it is converted into energy. In some situations, such as when a person has diabetes, this system of glucose delivery fails. This may occur because the body fails to produce enough insulin or the cells cannot process the insulin properly. When the body cannot absorb the glucose into the cells it remains in the blood stream causing high blood sugar.

Hyperglycemia can sometimes be treated through diet and lifestyle changes. In other instances, medication is used to control the person's blood glucose levels. Individuals diagnosed with diabetes usually monitor their blood sugar levels to ensure that they do not experience chronic hyperglycemia.

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