hyperglycaemia An abnormally high concentration of glucose in the blood, most commonly due to diabetes mellitus, when the normal regulatory action of insulin is missing — either because it is not being adequately secreted from the pancreas, or because its function — of promoting removal of glucose from the blood into body tissues for utilization or storage — is compromised. When blood glucose concentration is normal, the kidneys retain it all, but in hyperglycaemia the glucose ‘overflows’ into the urine.

Stuart Judge

hyperglycaemia High blood sugar; elevated plasma concentration of glucose concentration, caused by a failure of the normal hormonal mechanisms of blood glucose control. See also diabetes; glucose tolerance.

hyperglycaemia Excessive amounts of glucose in the bloodstream, which occurs in diabetes mellitus due to underproduction of insulin. Compare hypoglycaemia.

hyperglycaemia Condition in which blood-sugar level is abnormally high. It can occur in a number of diseases, most notably diabetes. See also hypoglycaemia

hyperglycaemia (hy-per-gly-see-miă) n. an excess of glucose in the bloodstream. It may occur in a variety of diseases, most notably in diabetes mellitus.