Which signs and symptoms accompany hyperglycemia?

• A. 3 P's, dehydration, dry & flushed skin, fruity breath
• B. Sweating and clammy skin
• C. Nausea, vomiting
• D. Headache, dizziness

Answer: (A)

Hyperglycemia triggers osmotic diuresis, so the body pumps out more urine to try to eliminate excess glucose. That leads to increased thirst (polydipsia) and fluid loss, which then causes dehydration. Dehydration shows up as dry, flushed skin. If insulin is deficient, the body also breaks down fat, producing ketones that can give a fruity breath. Put together, these signs—polyuria, polydipsia, dehydration with dry skin, and fruity breath—are classic indicators of high blood glucose with possible ketosis.

Sweating and clammy skin point more to low blood sugar, not high. Nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness can occur in various conditions and aren’t as specific to hyperglycemia, so they don’t fit the pattern as well as the signs above.