Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia
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Summary
- Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia is a condition where blood sugar levels.
- It’s not considered type 2 diabetes, but left untreated it can progress to that.
- Treatment involves lifestyle changes and medications like metformin.
Here’s what's included in the price:
Consultation
Answer a few questions about your health so we can get to know you better.
Free 24h delivery
Your treatment delivered in secure packaging, the very next day.
Aftercare
We’ll check in with you regularly to see how your treatment is going.
Non-Diabetic Hyperglycaemia
What is non-diabetic hyperglycaemia?
Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia is a condition that causes high blood sugar levels but without any of the other main symptoms or criteria that might lead to a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Hyperglycaemia occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood and this can happen when your body isn’t producing enough insulin.
Who gets non-diabetic hyperglycaemia?
There are certain groups of people who may be more at risk of getting non-diabetic hyperglycaemia. These include:
- People aged 40 and over
- Men
- People with Black or South Asian heritage
- Patients who have a high BMI
- People with a family history of diabetes
- People with high blood pressure
- People who have had a heart attack
- People who have had a stroke
How common is non-diabetic hyperglycaemia?
Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia can be a relatively common condition depending on your age, any other health concerns you have and the health of other close relatives (for instance if a close blood relative such as your mother or father has had a diagnosis of diabetes).
In the UK, it’s estimated to affect about 5 million people but globally there are as many as 352 million people that have non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, which is estimated to be at a prevalence of 7.9% of the world population.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on February 15, 2023. Next review due on February 15, 2025.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Non-Diabetic Hyperglycaemia
What causes non-diabetic hyperglycaemia?
Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia can occur due to genetics, but lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can also play a part in it too. A combination of all of these things can lead to a rise in blood glucose levels over time. This can cause a disruption in the body’s ability to make insulin.
Insulin is what you need to control your blood sugar and keep it steady. Once your body isn’t able to effectively make it, your pancreas (the organ that produces insulin) gets tired which can ramp up your blood sugar levels even more, eventually causing type 2 diabetes.
What are the symptoms of non-diabetic hyperglycaemia?
The symptoms of non-diabetic hyperglycaemia develop over a period of time, but sometimes they can appear very quickly. In some people, there may be no symptoms at all until their blood sugar level becomes very high. The signs to look out for include:
- Feeling very thirsty and having a dry mouth.
- Feeling the urge to pee frequently.
- Increase in tiredness and fatigue.
- Blurred/blurry vision.
- Weight loss without trying (you’re not on a diet or actively reducing your calorie intake)
- Regular infections such as thrush or UTIs.
- Pain and discomfort in the tummy.
- Feeling nauseous and/or being sick.
- Fruity smelling breath.
If you think you have more than one or two of these symptoms then it’s probably best to have a catch up with your doctor to get checked over and rule out any other potential health problems.
Can non-diabetic hyperglycaemia lead to other problems?
If the condition isn’t brought under control quickly enough then it can develop into type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can require more management and lead to other long term health problems, putting you at a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on February 15, 2023. Next review due on February 15, 2025.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Non-Diabetic Hyperglycaemia
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on February 15, 2023. Next review due on February 15, 2025.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on February 15, 2023. Next review due on February 15, 2025.
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Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia: Here's what we've got.
Glucophage SR
Metformin MRLike Glucophage, but it lasts longer. Once a day, easy to take tablets.
- Starting from £30.95
Sukkarto SR
MetforminEasy to take slow release tablets for hyperglycaemia, to help prevent diabetes.
- Starting from £35.95
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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