What term describes abnormally high blood sugar?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Glycosuria

Answer: (A)

Abnormally high blood sugar is called hyperglycemia, which means the glucose level in the bloodstream is higher than normal. This happens when insulin isn’t enough or can’t work properly, so glucose stays in the blood rather than moving into cells for energy. In the EMS setting, hyperglycemia can signal diabetes or a stress response from illness or dehydration and may require careful monitoring and supportive care. The other terms describe different conditions: hypoglycemia is low blood sugar, which can cause shakiness, sweating, and confusion; hyperkalemia is high potassium, affecting the heart and muscles; glycosuria is glucose in the urine, which happens when blood glucose is high enough that the kidneys spill glucose into the urine, but it is a sign of elevated blood sugar rather than the term for it.