Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Hyperglycemia refers to high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It occurs when there is insufficient insulin production or impaired insulin function, leading to an imbalance between glucose production and uptake.
A chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to either insufficient insulin production (Type 1) or impaired insulin function (Type 2).