High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is most often seen in people with poorly controlled diabetes. Symptoms of high blood sugar can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Mildly High Blood Sugar: If your blood sugar levels are consistently above your target range (generally 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) to 350 mg/dL in adults and 200 mg/dL to 240 mg/dL in children), you may experience mild symptoms of high blood sugar. You may urinate more than usual if you are drinking plenty of fluids. Some people with diabetes may not notice any symptoms when their blood sugar is at this level. The main symptoms of high blood sugar are:
Increased thirst.
Increased urination.
Weight loss.
Fatigue.
Increased appetite.
Young children are unable to recognize the symptoms of high blood sugar. Parents should test their child’s blood sugar at home whenever they suspect hyperglycemia.
If you don’t drink enough fluids to replace the fluids lost due to high blood sugar levels, you can become dehydrated. Young children can become dehydrated very quickly. Symptoms of dehydration include:
Dry mouth and increased thirst.
Warm, dry skin.
Moderately to severely high blood sugar.
If your blood sugar levels are consistently high (generally above 350 mg/dL in adults and above 240 mg/dL in children), you may have moderate to severe symptoms of high blood sugar. These symptoms include:
Blurred vision.
Extreme thirst.
Dizziness.
Red, hot, and dry skin.
Agitation, drowsiness, or difficulty waking up.
If your body produces little or no insulin (individuals with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes), you may also experience:
Rapid, deep breathing.
Rapid heart rate and weak pulse.
Strong, fruity-smelling breath.
Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
If your blood sugar levels continue to rise, you may become confused and lethargic. You could also lose consciousness if your blood sugar levels become too high.
