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Category: Diabetes Education
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) tips to help you stay ahead of symptoms
Dawn didn’t know anything was wrong until her FreeStyle Libre 2 system alarm* went off in the middle of the night. Her glucose was climbing.
“I went some unknown amount of time with elevated glucose and had no idea1,” she said. She feels grateful for the alerts*. “It’s like being shaken awake by someone who loves you.”
Hyperglycemia (or high blood sugar) can be confusing, especially when you’re not sure what’s causing it2. Sometimes, you might miss hyperglycemia signs and symptoms altogether3.
The emotional burden is real—people living with diabetes experience distress about hyperglycemia about half the time4. You deserve a hyperglycemia care plan that works for you.
With the FreeStyle Libre systems, you’ll know when glucose is too low, too high, or right where it should be, so you can make more confident choices†5. In fact, in people with elevated HbA1c at baseline, introduction of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) usually resulted in significant and sometimes substantive reductions in HbA1c6.
Read on to learn about hyperglycemia:
- Causes
- Symptoms
- Prevention tips
What is hyperglycemia and what causes it?
Hyperglycemia happens when you have too much glucose in your bloodstream. When your body has too little insulin or can’t use it properly, this glucose can’t enter your cells for energy7,8.
If you’re living with diabetes, the systems that normally help move glucose out of your blood and into your cells might not be working as efficiently8.
An HbA1c test measures your average glucose levels over the past 2–3 months. The higher your levels, the higher your risk of developing complications9.
Hyperglycemia doesn’t typically cause symptoms until glucose levels rise above about 180–200 mg/dL (10–11.1 mmol/L)3. In many cases, people don’t experience symptoms until their levels are around 250 mg/dL7.
What causes high glucose levels? Common triggers include7:
- Eating more carbohydrates than your body can process at the moment
- Changes in your physical activity like moving around less than usual
- Stress or illness
- Missed medication or medication not suited to your needs
- Dehydration10
- Dawn phenomenon, a common surge in glucose in early morning hours
How to recognize hyperglycemia signs and symptoms
Your body has ways of letting you know when glucose is running high. Some common early symptoms to look out for include7:
- Headaches
- Frequent urination (peeing)
- Feeling excessively thirsty or hungry
- Blurred vision
You might start to feel symptoms at a different glucose level than someone else7. Following your healthcare provider’s advice for regular glucose monitoring can help you catch rising glucose sooner11.
What happens if you don’t treat hyperglycemia?
Long-term symptoms of hyperglycemia include7:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Infections (e.g., skin or vaginal yeast infections)
- Cuts and sores that take longer to heal
- Feeling very tired
High glucose levels can lead to a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)12. This is a medical emergency where your body starts breaking down fat for fuel, instead of glucose, which creates an acid called ketones12. Left untreated, this can lead to serious complications, including coma12.
Libre systems automatically calculate the percentage of time you spend in, above, and below your target glucose range, helping you understand your hyperglycemia patterns over time13.
Care plan and practical tips to avoid hyperglycemia
Diabetes management can be stressful4. Start with a small but powerful step—understanding how factors like food, movement, hydration, and stress can cause your glucose levels to change14.
CGMs are great companions for tracking glucose.
CGMs such as the Libre systems let you easily see patterns in your readings to learn how food, activity, and insulin impact your glucose‡15. App readings, graphs, and trend arrows make it easier to make more informed choices†5, while optional, escalating alarms* let you know the minute glucose is too high.
Make friends with balanced eating.
As you build your plate, be sure to pair carbs with protein, fat, or fiber. This can help keep your glucose from rising too quickly16.
Move in ways that feel good.
Physical activity helps your body use glucose more efficiently17. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, which could look like 30 minutes a day, five days a week18.
Check your glucose before and after exercising, as activity can sometimes cause it to drop17.
Keep a water bottle handy.
Water plays a big role in keeping your body balanced19. It helps flush out extra glucose and supports overall well-being20.
Try to sip water throughout the day, and if you want to mix it up, infuse it with slices of cucumber or sugar-free flavorings19.
Make space for calm.
Life can get stressful, and stress can affect your glucose, too21. Find ways to reduce stress when you can, like yoga or meditation22.
Learn your unique patterns.
Everyone’s body is different. With tools like the Libre systems, you can track your patterns over time and learn how your body responds to different foods, activities, and moments§ in your day13.
Feel confident in how you lower your glucose levels, one step at a time.
Remember that small, consistent actions can make the biggest difference for hyperglycemia.
Whether it’s staying on top of your medication7, making balanced food choices23, staying active17, or managing stress21, small steps can help prevent glucose spikes and support your overall well-being.
With the Libre systems, you’re not just tracking numbers—you’re building confidence and turning daily care into long-term progress.
Choose the #1 prescribed CGM in the US||—FreeStyle Libre systems.
Learn more about Libre systems today.
CGM = continuous glucose monitor(ing)
More articles you may enjoy
How to get more from your glucose numbers
See how daily choices affect your glucose and how Libre systems show your unique patterns.
How movement can help manage diabetes stress
Discover the benefits of adding a few more minutes of movement.
Ketones and DKA: symptoms, causes, and risks
What ketones mean for diabetes—and how diabetic ketoacidosis can become serious.
Try Libre Assist¶—a new feature only in the Libre app#.
Make in-the-moment food choices.
The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor, along with Libre Assist¶, can help you predict the impact of food on your glucose**.
Predict.
Libre Assist¶ predicts how your food can impact glucose**.
Know.
Get personalized food suggestions†† to help lower glucose impact.
Want to try Libre systems and see how it works for yourself?
Request a free♢ sensor now.
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The FreeStyle Libre 3 system includes the Libre 3 Plus sensor, Libre 3 sensor, Libre 3 app, Libre app, and the Libre 3 reader.
The FreeStyle Libre 2 system includes the Libre 2 Plus sensor, Libre 2 sensor, Libre app, and the Libre 2 reader.
FreeStyle Libre 3 system is cleared to be used by children 4 years and older with Libre 3 sensor and 2 years and older with Libre 3 Plus sensor.
FreeStyle Libre 2 system is cleared to be used by children 4 years and older with Libre 2 sensor and 2 years and older with Libre 2 Plus sensor.
Medicare and other payor criteria may apply.
The views expressed should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary.
* Alarm notifications will only be received when alarms settings are enabled and turned on and sensor is within 20 feet (FreeStyle Libre 2) or 33 feet (FreeStyle Libre 3) unobstructed of the reading device.
† Study was performed with the outside US version of the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system. Data is applicable to FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3 systems, as feature sets are similar as FreeStyle Libre 14 day system, excluding alarms.
‡ Study was performed with the US version of the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system. Data is applicable to FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3 systems, as feature sets are similar as FreeStyle Libre 14 day system, excluding alarms.
§ 60-minute warm-up required when starting the sensor.
|| Based on retail and durable medical equipment sales data for patient’s last-filled prescription, by manufacturer.
¶ Libre Assist is a feature within Libre app that uses generative artificial intelligence to provide information on how foods could impact your glucose levels. Generative artificial intelligence may not always be accurate, and it should not be used to make treatment decisions.
# The FreeStyle Libre systems apps are only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the Support section of our website for more information about device compatibility before using the apps. Use of the FreeStyle Libre systems apps may require registration with LibreView.
** Predicted glucose impact is based on user-provided food data and may differ from actual impact, which depends on sensor readings and factors like activity, stress, medication, and alcohol. For personalized advice, consult your healthcare provider.
†† Personalized food suggestions are based on food preference information inputted by the user.
♢ Eligible patients will receive one (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor for users with a compatible mobile phone operating system at $0 copay. The expiration date of the voucher is 60 days from the issue date. This program is available for patients with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes. Patients ages 18 and older are eligible to sign up and receive an offer for the (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor. Patients ages 2–17 are eligible to receive an offer for the (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor through their parent or guardian. This offer is void where prohibited by law. Abbott may modify or rescind this offer at any time without notice. The discounts are not available to beneficiaries of Kaiser Permanente, Medicaid, TRICARE, Veteran Affairs or other state healthcare programs, residents of Massachusetts, or US territories (other than Puerto Rico). The free (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is provided as a sample and is limited to one sample per eligible person per product identification number. The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor cannot be re-sold, traded nor submitted to any third-party payer for reimbursement and is not provided as any inducement for future purchases. The free sample card is not health insurance.
References: 1. Abbott FreeStyle Libre. User Generated Content. 2. Mouri, Michelle and Madhu Badireddy. "Hyperglycemia." StatPearls Publishing. Accessed May 20, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430900/. 3. Mayo Clinic. “Hyperglycemia in Diabetes.” Accessed May 20, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373631. 4. Ehrmann, Dominic, et al. “Time with Diabetes Distress and Glycemia-Specific Distress: New Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for the Psychosocial Burden of Diabetes Using Ecological Momentary Assessment in an Observational Study.” Diabetes Care 45, no. 7 (July 7, 2022): 1522–1531. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc21-2339. 5. Fokkert, Marion, et al. “Improved Well-Being and Decreased Disease Burden After 1-Year Use of Flash Glucose Monitoring (FLARE-NL4).” BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care 7, no. 1 (2019): e000809. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-000809. 6. Rodbard, David. “Continuous Glucose Monitoring: A Review of Recent Studies Demonstrating Improved Glycemic Outcomes.” Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics 19, no. suppl. 3 (June 2017): S25–S37. https://doi.org/10.1089/dia.2017.0035. 7. Cleveland Clinic. “Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar).” Accessed May 20, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9815-hyperglycemia-high-blood-sugar/. 8. American Diabetes Association. “Hyperglycemia (High Blood Glucose).” Accessed May 20, 2026. https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-care/hyperglycemia. 9. American Diabetes Association. “Understanding A1C: What Is the A1C Test?” Accessed May 20, 2026. https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/a1c. 10. American Diabetes Association. “Sports Drinks Impact on Glucose (Blood Sugar).” Accessed May 20, 2026. https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/fitness/sports-drinks-impact-on-glucose-blood-sugar. 11. Cleveland Clinic. “Blood Sugar Monitoring.” Accessed May 20, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17956-blood-sugar-monitoring. 12. American Diabetes Association. “Diabetes & DKA (Ketoacidosis).” Accessed May 20, 2026. https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/complications/ketoacidosis-dka/dka-ketoacidosis-ketones. 13. FreeStyle Libre 3 and FreeStyle Libre 2 User’s Manuals. 14. Mayo Clinic. “Diabetes Management: How Lifestyle, Daily Routine Affect Blood Sugar.” Accessed May 20, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963. 15. Unger, Jeff, Pamela Kushner, and John E. Anderson. “Practical Guidance for Using the FreeStyle Libre Flash Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Primary Care.” Postgraduate Medicine 132, no. 4 (2020): 305–313. https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2020.1744393. 16. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Diabetes Meal Planning.” Accessed May 20, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/healthy-eating/diabetes-meal-planning.html. 17. American Diabetes Association. “Blood Glucose and Exercise.” Accessed May 20, 2026. https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/fitness/blood-glucose-and-exercise. 18. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Adult Activity: An Overview.” Accessed May 20, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/adults.html. 19. American Diabetes Association. “Why You Should Drink More Water.” Accessed May 20, 2026. https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/eating-healthy/why-drink-more-water. 20. Diabetes.co.uk. “Water and Diabetes.” Accessed May 20, 2026. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/water-and-diabetes.html. 21. Vedantam, Deepanjali, et al. “Stress-Induced Hyperglycemia: Consequences and Management.” Cureus 14, no. 7 (2022): e26714. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.26714. 22. American Diabetes Association. “How Yoga Can Help You Reach Your Blood Glucose Goals.” Accessed May 20, 2026. https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/fitness/yoga-blood-glucose-goals. 23. Cornell Health. “Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose) Nutrition Recommendations.” Accessed May 20, 2026. https://health.cornell.edu/sites/health/files/docs/External Weblinks/Hypoglycemia-Nutrition-Recommendations-with-Meal Plan.pdf.
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