Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. When the glucose level in the blood rises, the pancreas releases insulin. The insulin unlocks the cells so that glucose can enter. This provides the fuel the cells need to work properly. Extra glucose is stored in the liver and muscles.

This process lowers the amount of glucose in the bloodstream and prevents it from reaching dangerously high levels. As the blood sugar level returns to normal, so does the amount of insulin the pancreas makes.

Diabetes drastically reduces insulin's effects on the body. This may be because your pancreas is unable to produce insulin, as in type 1 diabetes.

Or it may be because your body is resistant to the effects of insulin, or it doesn't make enough insulin to keep a normal glucose level, as in type 2 diabetes.

In people who have diabetes, glucose tends to build up in the bloodstream. This condition is called hyperglycemia. It may reach dangerously high levels if it is not treated properly. Insulin and other drugs are used to lower blood sugar levels.

Illness or stress can trigger hyperglycemia. That's because hormones your body makes to fight illness or stress can also cause blood sugar to rise. You may need to take extra diabetes medication to keep blood glucose in your target range during illness or stress.

Keeping blood sugar in a healthy range can help prevent many diabetes-related complications. Long-term complications of hyperglycemia that isn't treated include:. If blood sugar rises very high or if high blood sugar levels are not treated, it can lead to two serious conditions.

Diabetic ketoacidosis. This condition develops when you don't have enough insulin in your body. When this happens, glucose can't enter your cells for energy. Your blood sugar level rises, and your body begins to break down fat for energy.

When fat is broken down for energy in the body, it produces toxic acids called ketones. Ketones accumulate in the blood and eventually spill into the urine. If it isn't treated, diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to a diabetic coma that can be life-threatening.

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. This condition occurs when the body makes insulin, but the insulin doesn't work properly. If you develop this condition, your body can't use either glucose or fat for energy. Glucose then goes into the urine, causing increased urination.

If it isn't treated, diabetic hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state can lead to life-threatening dehydration and coma. It's very important to get medical care for it right away. On this page. When to see a doctor. Risk factors. A Book: The Essential Diabetes Book.

Early signs and symptoms Recognizing early symptoms of hyperglycemia can help identify and treat it right away. Watch for: Frequent urination Increased thirst Blurred vision Feeling weak or unusually tired. Later signs and symptoms If hyperglycemia isn't treated, it can cause toxic acids, called ketones, to build up in the blood and urine.

Symptoms include: Fruity-smelling breath Dry mouth Abdominal pain Nausea and vomiting Shortness of breath Confusion Loss of consciousness. Request an appointment. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.

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You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Many factors can contribute to hyperglycemia, including: Not using enough insulin or other diabetes medication Not injecting insulin properly or using expired insulin Not following your diabetes eating plan Being inactive Having an illness or infection Using certain medications, such as steroids or immunosuppressants Being injured or having surgery Experiencing emotional stress, such as family problems or workplace issues Illness or stress can trigger hyperglycemia.

Long-term complications Keeping blood sugar in a healthy range can help prevent many diabetes-related complications. Long-term complications of hyperglycemia that isn't treated include: Cardiovascular disease Nerve damage neuropathy Kidney damage diabetic nephropathy or kidney failure Damage to the blood vessels of the retina diabetic retinopathy that could lead to blindness Feet problems caused by damaged nerves or poor blood flow that can lead to serious skin infections, ulcerations and, in some severe cases, amputation Bone and joint problems Teeth and gum infections.

Emergency complications If blood sugar rises very high or if high blood sugar levels are not treated, it can lead to two serious conditions. To help keep your blood sugar within a healthy range: Follow your diabetes meal plan.

If you take insulin or oral diabetes medication, be consistent about the amount and timing of your meals and snacks. The food you eat must be in balance with the insulin working in your body. Monitor your blood sugar. Depending on your treatment plan, you may check and record your blood sugar level several times a week or several times a day.

Careful monitoring is the only way to make sure that your blood sugar level stays within your target range. Note when your glucose readings are above or below your target range.

Carefully follow your health care provider's directions for how to take your medication. Adjust your medication if you change your physical activity. The adjustment depends on blood sugar test results and on the type and length of the activity. If you have questions about this, talk to your health care provider.

By Mayo Clinic Staff. Aug 20, Show References. Hyperglycemia high blood glucose. American Diabetes Association. Accessed July 6, What is diabetes? They may be once a year or every 2 years, depending on your risk and previous test results. Find out more about why it's important to have these check-ups to avoid health problems.

Page last reviewed: 22 December Next review due: 22 December Home Health A to Z Type 2 diabetes Back to Type 2 diabetes. Going for regular check-ups - Type 2 diabetes Contents What is type 2 diabetes?

Symptoms Getting diagnosed Understanding medicine Food and keeping active Going for regular check-ups Health problems Finding help and support. Every 3 to 6 months Blood sugar checks HbA1C test Checks your average blood sugar levels and how close they are to normal. This can be done by your GP or diabetes nurse.

At least once a year Feet Checks if you've lost any feeling in your feet, and for ulcers and infections. This can be done by your GP, diabetes nurse or podiatrist.

Diabetes medicines Take the amount prescribed by your doctor, even when you feel good. Physical activity Get at least minutes a week of moderate activity, such as brisk walking or riding a bike.

Healthy eating Eat healthy foods that give you the nutrition you need and help your blood sugar stay in your target range. Your blood pressure and weight will be checked, and your self-care plan and medicines will be reviewed.

Dental exam Get your teeth and gums cleaned at least once a year more often if your doctor recommends , and let your dentist know that you have diabetes. Flu shot Kidney tests Cholesterol test Dilated eye exam You may need this exam more often if you have diabetes-related eye problems.

Hearing check Complete foot check You may need this foot check more often if you have ever had diabetes-related foot problems. New symptoms or health problems If you notice new health problems or if existing problems are getting worse, call your doctor immediately so you can be evaluated. Videos: Learn the Basics of Self-Care Diabetes Education and Support Manage Blood Sugar Prevent Diabetes Complications Steps to Help You Stay Healthy With Diabetes Managing Diabetes: Medicare Coverage and Resources [PDF — 1 MB].

Last Reviewed: April 19, Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. home Diabetes Home. To receive updates about diabetes topics, enter your email address: Email Address.

What's this. Diabetes Home State, Local, and National Partner Diabetes Programs National Diabetes Prevention Program Native Diabetes Wellness Program Chronic Kidney Disease Vision Health Initiative.

Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. A person with type 1 diabetes can't make insulin. Blood sugar levels can get higher than normal for different reasons.

But treatment for hyperglycemia is always the same: Follow the diet and exercise plan and give insulin or other medicines on schedule. In the short term, high blood sugars can turn into diabetic ketoacidosis DKA. This is an emergency condition that needs treatment right away. DKA can happen to kids with type 1 diabetes and, less often, kids with type 2 diabetes.

Kids with type 2 diabetes also can get another type of emergency called hyperosmotic hyperglycemic state HHS. Both conditions need treatment in the hospital and are very serious. Untreated hyperglycemia can lead to serious health problems later in life.

If it happens a lot, it can harm blood vessels, the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. To prevent hyperglycemia, check blood sugars often and follow the care plan to keep them in the healthy range.

Teach your child to do this, so they can take on this responsibility as they grow. Even when you follow the care plan and check blood sugars carefully, your child can still have a high level from time to time.

But if you find that your child has high blood sugar levels often, talk to your diabetes health care team. They may suggest changes to the care plan to help bring sugar levels back into a healthy range.

KidsHealth Parents Hyperglycemia and Diabetes.

It is a direct measurement of your risk of long-term diabetes-related health problems. Both HbA1c and blood glucose monitoring are important ways to assess your diabetes management.

However, recommended ranges can vary depending on the person, for example, with children, frail elderly people, pregnant women, or the type of diabetes and its management.

Have a cholesterol and triglyceride test at least once a year. Aim for total cholesterol less than 4. There are a number of causes of high cholesterol, including your family history and your diet.

Too much saturated fat in your diet can increase the LDL bad cholesterol in your blood and result in the build-up of plaque in your blood vessels. Foods high in saturated fats include full-fat dairy products, fatty meats, pastries, biscuits, cakes, coconut cream or coconut milk, palm oil and fatty take-away foods.

Other parts of the body can also be affected by diabetes, including the digestive system, the skin, sexual organs, teeth and gums, and the immune system.

Cardiovascular disease includes blood vessel disease, heart attack and stroke. It's the leading cause of death in Australia. The risk of cardiovascular disease is greater for people with diabetes, who often have increased cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Smoking, having a family history of cardiovascular disease and being inactive also increase your risk. To reduce your risk and pick up any problems early:. While most people who have damage to the eyes have no symptoms in the earlier stages, there are certain symptoms that may occur and these need urgent review.

If you have flashes of light, floaters, blots and dots or part of your vision missing, see your doctor immediately. Everyone with diabetes should have a professional eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist when they are first diagnosed, and then at least every two years after that children usually start this screening five years after diagnosis or at puberty.

It is important that you inform the person checking your eyes that you have diabetes. If retinopathy or another abnormality is found, eye tests will be required every year, or more frequently if advised by your ophthalmologist.

People with diabetes are at risk of kidney disease nephropathy due to changes in the small blood vessels of the kidneys. Kidney disease is painless and does not cause symptoms until it is advanced. Screening is very important.

Kidney damage can be diagnosed early by checking for microalbumin very small amounts of protein in the urine at least once a year. Your doctor will also check your kidney function, including estimated glomerular filtration rate e-GFR , with a blood test.

If problems are picked up early, nephropathy can be slowed or prevented with the right treatment. Medicine called ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists help to protect the kidneys from further damage. These tablets can also be used to treat high blood pressure.

Nerve damage neuropathy is usually caused by high blood glucose levels, although similar nerve damage can also result from:. Damage can occur to the sensory feeling and motor movement nerves of the legs and feet, arms, hands, chest and stomach, and to the nerves that control the actions of body organs.

To help prevent nerve damage:. The feet of someone with diabetes are at risk of damage when the blood supply in both large and small blood vessels is reduced. Nerve damage peripheral neuropathy often results and problems to the structure of the foot can also occur — for example, clawed toes.

Reduced blood supply and nerve function can delay healing, increase the risk of infection, reduce feeling in the feet, and lead to ulcers and structural foot problems. Look after your feet by:.

People with diabetes may experience very dry skin due to damage to the small blood vessels and nerves. A common problem for people with diabetes is very dry skin on the feet. There are also other skin conditions related to diabetes.

High blood glucose levels over time can affect the health of the skin. The skin acts as a barrier to protect our bodies from infection so it is important to keep the skin as healthy as possible. If the skin becomes dry, it can lead to cracks and possibly infections.

To reduce the risk of skin problems:. People with poorly managed diabetes are at increased risk of tooth decay and gum infections. This is because the small blood vessels that help nourish your teeth and gums can become damaged. Dental and gum infections can also lead to high blood glucose levels.

Poor oral care can cause the gums to become inflamed and loosen around your teeth. It's also strongly linked with an increased risk of heart disease.

To reduce your risk of teeth and gum problems:. Living with and managing either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can lead to stress, anxiety and depression. This can affect your blood glucose levels and how you manage your diabetes in general.

Over time, this can affect your health. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are going through times of stress, depression or anxiety. Your doctor can refer you to a counsellor or psychologist by providing a diabetes mental health plan. This is Medicare rebated. Other help is available, including:.

Your immune system helps to prevent and fight infection. High blood glucose levels slow down the white blood cells, which help fight infection. This makes it more difficult for the immune system to do its job.

Support your immune system and reduce your risk of infection by:. People with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of thyroid disease.

This includes both overactive and underactive thyroid. Thyroid disorders can affect general health and may affect blood glucose levels. Thyroid function is assessed by a blood test. Talk to your doctor to see if you have had your thyroid function checked. Reduced blood supply and nerve damage can affect sexual function.

Erectile dysfunction impotence in men is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. This is a common problem for men of all ages and is more common in men with diabetes.

Erectile dysfunction is not a disease, but a symptom of some other problem — physical, psychological or a mixture of both.

Most cases of erectile dysfunction are physical, such as nerve or blood vessel damage. In women, sexual dysfunction is also reported, although there is a lack of research in this area.

It is difficult to know whether this is directly related to hormonal changes such as menopause, or to diabetes. It is important to seek help from your doctor, diabetes educator or organisations such as Healthy Male — Andrology Australia External Link. There are health professionals available to help you.

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Diabetes - long-term effects. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. About diabetes — long-term effects Reducing the long-term effects of diabetes Diabetes and healthy eating Alcohol intake and diabetes Diabetes and healthy weight Regular diabetes screening checks Long-term effects of diabetes Diabetes and cardiovascular disease Eyes and diabetes Kidneys and diabetes Nerves and diabetes Feet and diabetes Skin and diabetes Oral health and diabetes Mental health and diabetes Diabetes and infections Thyroid and diabetes Sexual function and diabetes Where to get help.

About diabetes — long-term effects Diabetes is a condition in which there is too much glucose a type of sugar in the blood. Reducing the long-term effects of diabetes The good news is that you can reduce the risk of the long-term effects of diabetes by keeping blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels within recommended range.

Regular check-ups and screening are important to pick up any problems early. Alcohol intake and diabetes Limit alcohol intake. Diabetes and healthy weight If you are overweight, even losing a small amount of weight, especially around the abdomen, helps to lower your blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels.

Diabetes and exercise Be as active as possible. Smoking and diabetes Smoking is the greatest single lifestyle risk factor for developing diabetes complications. Regular diabetes screening checks You can help pick up problems early by having regular checks of your: blood pressure blood glucose levels including HbA1c cholesterol and triglycerides kidney function eyes feet teeth and gums.

Blood pressure checks Have your blood pressure checked every time you visit your doctor or at least twice a year. Blood glucose checks Keeping your blood glucose levels within the recommended range can help reduce your risk of long-term diabetes-related health problems. Cholesterol and triglyceride tests Have a cholesterol and triglyceride test at least once a year.

Long-term effects of diabetes The most common long-term diabetes-related health problems are: damage to the large blood vessels of the heart, brain and legs macrovascular complications damage to the small blood vessels, causing problems in the eyes, kidneys, feet and nerves microvascular complications.

Electrolytes are minerals in your blood that are necessary for your tissues to work properly. A lack of insulin can lower the level of electrolytes in your blood. You'll receive electrolytes through your veins to help keep your heart, muscles and nerve cells working the way they should.

Insulin therapy. Insulin reverses the processes that cause ketones to build up in your blood. Along with fluids and electrolytes, you'll receive insulin therapy — usually through a vein. Request an appointment. What you can do Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions.

If your health care provider is going to test your blood sugar, you may need to stop eating or drinking anything but water for up to eight hours before your appointment. When you're making an appointment, ask if there are any restrictions on eating or drinking.

Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes. Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements you take. Create a record of metered glucose values. Give your health care provider a written or printed record of your blood glucose values, times and medication.

Using the record, your health care provider can recognize trends and offer advice on how to prevent hyperglycemia or adjust your medication to treat hyperglycemia. Write down questions to ask your health care provider. If you need more information about your diabetes management, be sure to ask.

Check if you need prescription refills. Your health care provider can renew your prescriptions while you're at the appointment. For hyperglycemia, questions you may want to ask include: How often do I need to monitor my blood sugar? What is my target range? How do diet and exercise affect my blood sugar?

When do I test for ketones? How can I prevent high blood sugar? Do I need to worry about low blood sugar? What are the symptoms I need to watch for?

Will I need follow-up care? Sick-day planning Illness or infections can cause your blood sugar to rise, so it's important to plan for these situations.

Questions to ask include: How often should I monitor my blood sugar when I'm sick? Does my insulin injection or oral diabetes pill dose change when I'm sick? When should I test for ketones? What if I can't eat or drink? When should I seek medical help? By Mayo Clinic Staff. Aug 20, Show References.

Hyperglycemia high blood glucose. American Diabetes Association. Accessed July 6, What is diabetes? National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Wexler DJ. Management of persistent hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hirsch IB, et al.

Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state in adults: Clinical features, evaluation, and diagnosis. Managing diabetes. Inzucchi SE, et al. Glycemic control and vascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Comprehensive medical evaluation and assessment of comorbidities: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Diabetes Care. The big picture: Checking your blood glucose.

Castro MR expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 7, Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state in adults: Treatment. Take care of your diabetes during sick days and special times. Accessed July 7, Classification and diagnosis of diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Retinopathy, neuropathy, and foot care: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Glycemic targets: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Associated Procedures.

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