high sugar treatment options overview

Overview

High blood sugar (also called hyperglycemia) means there is too much glucose, a type of sugar, in your blood. This happens when your body does not make enough insulin, cannot use insulin well, or both. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar get into your cells for energy.

Yes. High blood sugar is a common issue for the more than 500 million people worldwide who live with diabetes, and it can also occur temporarily in people without diabetes.

It mainly affects people with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy). It can also affect anyone during a severe illness, major injury, or extreme stress.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling very thirsty more often than usual
• Urinating more frequently, especially at night
• Feeling very tired or weak
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth or dry skin
• Headaches

Symptoms in children

• The same common symptoms, but children may also wet the bed when they were previously dry
• Losing weight without trying
• Being irritable or less active than normal
• Having stomach pain or feeling sick

Symptoms in older adults

• Feeling confused or forgetful
• Feeling dizzy when standing up
• Becoming dehydrated quickly
• Having urinary tract infections or skin infections that heal slowly
• Feeling unusually weak or having trouble walking

Causes

Main causes

• Type 1 diabetes: the body's immune system attacks the cells that make insulin, so the body cannot make enough.
• Type 2 diabetes: the body does not use insulin well (called insulin resistance) and eventually may not make enough.
• Gestational diabetes: hormones during pregnancy make the body less responsive to insulin.
• Medical conditions or medications, such as certain steroids, can raise blood sugar.
• Stress or illness causing the release of hormones that raise blood sugar.

Risk factors

• Being overweight or having obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• A family history of diabetes
• Being over 45 years old
• High blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels
• Having had gestational diabetes

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have newly developed symptoms of high blood sugar, such as extreme thirst and frequent urination that does not go away.
• If your blood sugar levels are persistently higher than your target range despite following your care plan.
• If you have an illness that makes you unable to eat or drink for more than a few hours and your blood sugar is rising.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Everyone with diabetes should see their care team at least every 3 to 6 months for check-ups.
• If you are at risk for diabetes, ask your doctor for a blood test during your regular physical exam.
• If you are pregnant and have risk factors, ask about screening for gestational diabetes.

Diagnosis

Doctors use a blood test to measure your blood sugar level. In some cases, they may also check your long-term blood sugar control using a test called HbA1c.

Tests that may be done

• Fasting blood glucose test: your blood sugar is measured after you have not eaten for at least 8 hours.
• HbA1c test: shows your average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months.
• Oral glucose tolerance test: you drink a sugary drink, and your blood sugar is checked before and after to see how your body handles the sugar.
• Random blood glucose test: your blood sugar is measured at any time, regardless of when you last ate.

What to expect at your appointment

A simple blood draw is all it takes. Your doctor or nurse will tell you the results and explain what they mean. If your levels are high, they may repeat the test or make a treatment plan with you.

Treatment

Treatment for high blood sugar focuses on keeping your blood sugar levels in a healthy range to prevent symptoms and long-term damage. Your care plan may include regular blood sugar checks, healthy meals, physical activity, and prescribed medicines if needed. It is important to follow your plan every day, even when you feel fine.

Self-care at home

• Check your blood sugar levels as often as your doctor recommends.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, and limit sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates.
• Be physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days (ask your doctor what is safe for you).
• Take any prescribed medicines exactly as your doctor tells you.
• Stay hydrated with water and avoid sugary drinks.
• Keep a written log of your blood sugar readings and symptoms.

Medical treatments

Medical treatments for high blood sugar include a range of oral medicines that help your body produce more insulin, use insulin better, or reduce sugar production in the liver. For some people, injectable treatments such as insulin or other non-insulin injections are needed. Your doctor will choose the approach that fits your type of diabetes and your personal health needs. Treatment plans are regularly reviewed and adjusted based on your blood sugar readings.

Living with this condition

Living with high blood sugar means paying attention to your body and your daily habits. Many people learn to manage it successfully with routine support. Regularly check your blood sugar, take your medicines as prescribed, and keep your healthcare appointments.

Lifestyle tips

• Set realistic health goals, like taking a 10-minute walk after meals.
• Plan meals ahead to avoid skipping meals or choosing sugary snacks.
• Get enough sleep, aiming for 7 to 9 hours a night.
• Manage stress with deep breathing, meditation, or talking to a friend.
• Wear comfortable shoes and check your feet daily for cuts or sores.

Diet and exercise

Eat meals at regular times and include fiber like vegetables and whole grains in each meal. Choose water or unsweetened drinks instead of soda or juice. Combine aerobic exercise (like walking, swimming, or cycling) with simple strength exercises (like chair squats or light weights) on most days, as your health allows.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with a chronic condition can feel overwhelming or stressful. It is normal to feel worried or frustrated sometimes. Talk to your healthcare team about any emotional challenges — they can connect you with mental health support or diabetes counselling.

Prevention

Type 2 diabetes and the high blood sugar that comes with it can often be prevented or delayed with healthy eating, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, but careful management can prevent high blood sugar episodes from becoming serious.

Screening programmes

If you are 45 years or older, or have risk factors such as being overweight, having high blood pressure, or having a family history of diabetes, ask your doctor about a blood sugar screening test.

Complications

If left untreated

• Heart attacks and strokes
• Kidney damage that can lead to kidney failure
• Nerve damage, causing pain, tingling, or loss of feeling in the hands and feet
• Vision problems, including blindness
• Slow-healing wounds and a higher risk of infections, especially in the feet
• Serious emergency conditions, such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state

Long-term outlook

The outlook for people with high blood sugar is very good when it is managed well. With consistent care, many people avoid serious complications and continue to enjoy active, full lives. Your healthcare team is there to help you every step of the way.

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