Key Features of Stress Hyperglycaemia

Triggers:

1. Surgery
2. Infections
3. Trauma
4. Significant stress

Mechanism:

Increased cortisol levels leading to elevated blood glucose

Resolution:

Typically resolves within a few days as the stressor is managed

Diagnosis and Follow-Up:

Initial Steps:
i. Measure Fasting Blood Glucose: To determine baseline glucose levels after the acute stress has subsided.
Further Testing if Needed:
ii. HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin): Helps differentiate between chronic hyperglycaemia (indicative of diabetes) and acute stress hyperglycaemia.

Management:

Stress Hyperglycaemia:

. Monitor blood glucose levels
. Address and manage the underlying cause (e.g., infection, surgical recovery)
. No specific treatment needed as it usually resolves on its own

Possible Diabetes:

. If fasting blood glucose and/or HbA1c are elevated, initiate diabetes management protocols
. Lifestyle modifications, oral hypoglycaemic agents, or insulin therapy as needed