highglucose

High glucose, or hyperglycemia, refers to an elevated level of glucose in the blood. Clinically, it is often defined as a fasting plasma glucose of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher, or a random plasma glucose of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) with symptoms. A diagnosis of diabetes is typically confirmed by repeated abnormal tests or by an elevated HbA1c (6.5% or higher). Hyperglycemia can occur in people with diabetes and, less commonly, in others during illness, stress, or certain medications.

Causes of high glucose include insufficient insulin action or secretion, most commonly due to type 1 or type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or other forms of diabetes. Other factors include acute illness or infection, hormonal changes, pancreatopathy, and medications such as glucocorticoids or certain antipsychotics. Poorly controlled diet, inactivity, and obesity can contribute to sustained hyperglycemia in susceptible individuals.

Symptoms of elevated blood glucose can include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. If glucose becomes very high or if dehydration occurs, more serious symptoms may develop, such as nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, or coma, particularly in diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.

Management focuses on lowering and maintaining blood glucose within target ranges. Acute management may require fluids, electrolyte correction, and insulin therapy; chronic management emphasizes lifestyle changes and medications to improve insulin action or secretion. Prevention of complications involves regular monitoring, control of blood glucose and blood pressure, eye and kidney screening, and adherence to treatment plans.