What is the difference between high blood sugar and diabetes?

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and diabetes are related but not the same thing.

High blood sugar is a condition in which the glucose levels in the blood are higher than normal. This can happen for many reasons, including:

- Eating a meal high in carbohydrates

- Not getting enough exercise

- Stress

- Certain medications

High blood sugar is not always a sign of diabetes, but it can be.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the body's ability to produce or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose get from the blood into the cells. Without insulin, the blood sugar levels can become too high.

There are two main types of diabetes:

- Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body's immune system attacking and destroying the cells that make insulin. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.

- Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body becoming resistant to insulin. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in adults, and it is the most common type of diabetes.

The symptoms of high blood sugar and diabetes can be similar, but there are some key differences.

Symptoms of high blood sugar

- Increased thirst

- Frequent urination

- Increased hunger

- Blurred vision

- Fatigue

- Headaches

- Mood changes

Symptoms of diabetes

- Increased thirst

- Frequent urination

- Increased hunger

- Blurred vision

- Fatigue

- Weight loss

- Slow-healing sores

- Frequent infections

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor to get a diagnosis.