What it is
Very high blood sugar can lead to serious emergencies such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state.
Checking blood sugar, following a sick day plan, drinking water and adjusting medicine with your care team help bring levels down.
Common signs
- Feeling very thirsty
- Peeing a lot
- Tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Losing weight
- Repeated infections such as thrush
How it is usually diagnosed
- Finger-prick or continuous glucose readings
- HbA1c blood test
- Ketone tests
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Blood sugar logs or CGM reports
- HbA1c results over time
- A sick day plan
- Diabetes clinic letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- What should I do when my sugar is high?
- When should I check for ketones?
- Does my treatment need changing?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- High blood sugar with vomiting, tummy pain, fast breathing, fruity-smelling breath, confusion or high ketones: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.