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High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia)

Overview

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A blood sugar test can tell you if your level is high. What counts as a high level depends on the type of test you have and your circumstances.

Symptoms of high blood sugar include feeling very thirsty, peeing a lot and feeling weak or tired.

If you have diabetes, common causes of a high blood sugar level include being ill, feeling stressed and eating too much sugary or starchy food.

Things that can help you lower high blood sugar include taking any diabetes medicine you’re given, cutting down on starchy food and staying active.

High blood sugar can cause problems if not treated, including damage to your nerves or eyes, and a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.

High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) is where the level of sugar in your blood is too high. It mainly affects people with diabetes.

Page last reviewed: 26/05/2022
Next review due: 26/05/2025