The symptoms of hyperglycaemia are the same as those of untreated diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic (long-term) condition that is caused by having too much glucose (sugar) in the blood.
If you have untreated diabetes, the symptoms will develop very gradually, usually over a period of weeks or months. However, if you have hyperglycaemia, the symptoms will be more severe and come on very suddenly.
The symptoms of hyperglycaemia include:
- being thirsty
- having a dry mouth
- needing to urinate frequently
- tiredness
- recurrent infections, such as thrush (a yeast infection)
If the symptoms of hyperglycaemia are prolonged, they may cause:
- weight loss – as your body removes excess glucose through your urine, causing you to lose calories
- blurred vision – caused by the lens of your eye becoming very dry
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a complication that can occur if hyperglycaemia is left untreated. The symptoms include:
- nausea or vomiting (feeling or being sick)
- stomach pain
- a fruity smell on your breath, which may smell like pear drops or nail varnish
- drowsiness or confusion
- hyperventilation (rapid breathing)
- dehydration (when the normal water content of your body is reduced, which can cause a headache, dry skin and a weak, rapid heartbeat)
- unconsciousness
You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as they will need to be treated in hospital.
Read more information about the complications of hyperglycaemia.
