Hyperglycemia is an abnormal rise in blood sugar levels. Most often linked to diabetes, it can also occur in cases of infectious or hepatic diseases or inflammatory syndromes. 

Definition

Blood sugar is the amount of sugar (glucose) present in the blood.

Hyperglycemia is characterized by blood glucose greater than 6,1 mmol / l or 1,10 g / l), measured on an empty stomach. This hyperglycemia can be transient or chronic. 

When the fasting blood sugar is greater than 7 mmol / l (1,26 g / l), the diagnosis of diabetes is made. 

Causes

The most common cause of chronic hyperglycemia is diabetes. Hyperglycemia can also occur in infectious or hepatic diseases or inflammatory syndromes. Hyperglycemia is common in the acute phase of serious illnesses. It is then a reaction to stress (hormonal and metabolic abnormalities). 

Medicines can also induce transient hyperglycaemia, even diabetes: corticosteroids, certain treatments for the nervous system (especially so-called atypical neuroleptics), anti-virals, certain anti-cancer drugs, diuretic drugs, hormonal contraceptives, etc.

Diagnostic

The diagnosis of hyperglycemia is made by measuring fasting blood sugar (blood test). 

The people concerned

The frequency of fasting hyperglycemia increases steadily with age (1,5% in 18-29 year olds, 5,2% in 30-54 year olds and 9,5% in 55-74 year olds) and is approximately twice as high in men than in women (7,9% versus 3,4%).

Risk factors  

The risk factors for hyperglycemia due to type 1 diabetes are a genetic predisposition, for type 2 diabetes, a genetic predisposition associated with overweight / obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure….

When mild, hyperglycemia usually does not cause symptoms. 

Beyond a certain threshold, hyperglycemia can be signaled by various signs: 

• Thirst, dry mouth 
• Frequent urge to urinate 
• Fatigue, drowsiness 
• Headaches 
• Blurred vision 

These signs can be accompanied by cramps, abdominal pain and nausea. 

Weight loss 

Chronic hyperglycemia causes significant weight loss while the sufferer does not have loss of appetite.

Symptoms of untreated chronic hyperglycemia 

Untreated diabetes can lead to: nephropathy (damage to the kidneys) leading to kidney failure, retinopathy (damage to the retina) leading to blindness, neuropathy (damage to the nerves), damage to the arteries. 

Treatment for hyperglycemia depends on the cause. 

The treatment of hyperglycemia consists of an adapted diet, the practice of regular physical exercise and monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors. 

When there is diabetes, treatment is based on hygienic diet, taking hypoglycemic drugs and injecting insulin (type 1 diabetes, and in some cases type 2 diabetes). 

When hyperglycemia is linked to taking a drug, stopping it or reducing the dose most often makes the hyperglycemia disappear. 

Hyperglycemia screening, essential for people at risk 

As early hyperglycemia usually does not give any symptoms, it is essential to do regular blood sugar checks. Blood sugar control is recommended from the age of 45 for people with risk factors (family history of diabetes, BMI over 25, etc.). 

The prevention of hyperglycemia linked to type 2 diabetes involves regular physical activity, the fight against overweight, and a balanced diet. This is all the more important if you have a family history of type 2 diabetes.