Last Modified: 1:41pm 19/03/2021

Causes of Hyperglycaemia

Pause and find a cause, ensure good hydration, address constipation’

Reduced physical activity

Acute Catabolic state

New diagnosis of diabetes.
Diabetes Emergency State: Diabetic KetoAcidosis (DKA) or Hyperglycaemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS: Old name HONK).
Stress of intercurrent illness e.g. Sepsis, Post-Operative case with associated increased stress hormones causing transient increased insulin resistance.
Post pancreatic surgery.
Alternative pancreatic disease (e.g. pancreatitis).
Trauma & Burns.

Drug/Infusion related

Glucose lowering medication omitted, delayed or dose suboptimal (e.g. after IV insulin infusion discontinued).
Incorrect insulin given (e.g long acting insulin given with meals).
Steroid based treatment.
Antipsychotic medication.
Vasopressor agent use.
Retroviral treatments.
Thiazide diuretics.

Mechanical cause

Insulin device failure (e.g. damaged insulin pen, faulty personal insulin pump (e.g; blocked cannula) or IV infusion pump).
Insulin expired or stored in warm environment.
Inappropriately low insulin infusion rate on IV infusion, blocked cannula etc).
Incorrect insulin injection technique or site (e.g. insulin injected into oedematous or lumpy site, mixed insulin not agitated properly).

Gastrointestinal related cause

Recent treatment or rebound high glucose from hypoglycaemia.
Increased eating after a period of reduced intake.
Indiscretions between meals (e.g. high glucose content snacks, Supplements).
Mismatch between meals and medications.
Use of high sugar containing dietary supplements.
NBM or vomiting.
Enteral/parenteral feeding.
Wrong food choices.
Inconsistent intake.
Constipation.

Endocrine cause