Get information about COVID-19 vaccinations, testing and visiting standards. Learn More.

Patient & Family Education Materials

Start over with a New Search

Word! Hyperglycemia

Article Translations: (Spanish)

Hyperglycemia

Say: hi-per-gly-see-me-uh

Glucose (a type of sugar) is the body's main energy source. Hormones, such as insulin, control the level of glucose in the blood. It's unhealthy if a person's glucose levels get too high or too low. Hyperglycemia occurs when the levels get too high. This can happen to someone who has diabetes but doesn't know it yet. It also can happen to someone whose diabetes is not under control. Signs of hyperglycemia include increased urination (peeing), extreme thirst, and unexplained weight loss.

Back To Top

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

© 1995-2024 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com