Definition of High blood sugar

High blood sugar refers to an increased concentration of glucose in the bloodstream, commonly known as hyperglycemia. This condition is associated with various disorders, most prominently diabetes. When blood sugar levels are elevated, glucose may overflow into the urine, resulting in sweet-smelling urine, a characteristic that inspired the term "diabetes mellitus," meaning "sweet urine."Beyond diabetes, high blood sugar can be caused by consuming more sugar or food than usual, infections, other illnesses, injuries, or even post-surgical effects. Often, high blood sugar doesn't present noticeable symptoms, but when it does, they might include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nighttime urination, blurred vision, fatigue, drowsiness, weight loss, or increased hunger.Additionally, elevated blood sugar levels can serve as an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. Studies have shown that the likelihood of dying from heart disease increases with higher levels of blood glucose, irrespective of factors such as age, weight, blood pressure, and smoking habits.

Medical Definition & Meaning