Etymed
hyperglycemia
Definition
A medical condition characterized by abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood
Clinical context
A 45-year-old male presents to the emergency department with polyuria, polydipsia, and weakness lasting 2 weeks. His blood glucose is 450 mg/dL with positive urine ketones. He admits to not taking his metformin regularly. Physical examination reveals dry mucous membranes and increased heart rate. His condition is diagnosed as hyperglycemia with features consistent with diabetic ketoacidosis. Laboratory studies confirm significantly elevated blood glucose levels.
Mnemonic
HYPERglycemia = High Yummy Glucose in Pounds (Hypertonic) - Remember 'H' for high glucose, 'Y' for yellow (jaundice in severe cases), 'G' for glucose, 'P' for polyuria, and 'B' for blood glucose >200 mg/dL