When a person has a high level of blood glucose (hyperglycemia), it is most commonly associated with diabetes. Hyperglycemia occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin (as in type 1 diabetes) or cannot use insulin effectively (insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes)

. High blood glucose can trigger or be a sign of several diseases or complications:

• Diabetes Mellitus : The primary disease linked to high blood glucose. Type 1 diabetes involves insufficient insulin production, while type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance or inadequate insulin use

• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) : A life-threatening complication mostly affecting people with type 1 diabetes or those with undiagnosed type 1 diabetes. It occurs when the body breaks down fat for energy due to lack of insulin, producing acidic ketones that can lead to diabetic coma

• Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS) : A severe condition usually in type 2 diabetes where blood glucose levels rise extremely high (over 600 mg/dL) without ketoacidosis, causing dehydration, coma, and potentially death if untreated

• Long-term complications of chronic hyperglycemia include:
  • Nerve damage (neuropathy)
  • Eye damage (diabetic retinopathy)
  • Kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy)
  • Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke)
  • Foot problems due to poor blood flow and nerve damage, possibly leading to infections or amputation
  • Skin and dental infections
  • Bone and joint problems

Other conditions that can cause or worsen hyperglycemia include certain endocrine disorders (like Cushing’s syndrome, acromegaly), medications (corticosteroids, beta-blockers), pregnancy, stress, and pancreatic diseases

. In summary, high blood glucose primarily signals diabetes and can trigger serious acute emergencies like diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, as well as long-term damage to multiple organs if left untreated