10 FAQs About Hyperglycemia

6. What Causes Hyperglycemia?

When you digest food, your body breaks down carbohydrates into sugar molecules including glucose, a main source of energy for the body. Although glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream after eating, it can't enter the cells without insulin. Therefore, the pancreas releases insulin as the levels of glucose rise in your blood. As the insulin secretion unlocks the cells, the glucose enters and fuels your body. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to lower the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. For people with type 2 diabetes, they have a resistance to the effects of insulin. In turn, the body builds up glucose in the blood, and it can reach high levels if not treated.