The body uses glucose as a source of energy for several of its functions. When the body functions normally, it breaks down glucose instead of allowing it to accumulate in the blood. Some conditions make it difficult for the body to carry glucose into the cells, which results in elevated blood glucose levels. MedlinePlus website defines an elevated glucose level as a reading over 100 mg/dL.
Diabetes
High blood glucose levels sometimes indicate the presence of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease, renders the body unable to produce the insulin needed to carry glucose into the cells. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not react properly to the presence of insulin. Both types of diabetes result in high levels of glucose in the blood.
Pancreatic Disorders
The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone needed to regulate the amount of glucose entering the cells. A specific type of cell, known as an islet cell, provides the site of insulin production. After a meal, the insulin bonds to insulin receptors in the body. EndocrineWeb explains that these bonds activate receptors designed to help the cells absorb glucose, which reduces the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. Pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis and other disorders that damage the islet cells reduce the production of insulin and cause high levels of glucose in the blood.
Glucagonoma
Glucagonoma refers to a rare type of tumor that affects the islet cells in the pancreas. This type of tumor stimulates the production of too much glucagon, a hormone that increases blood glucose levels. As glucagon production increases, blood sugar levels also increase.
Acromegaly
Acromegaly occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone over a long period of time. Growth hormone secretion prompts the liver to produce a hormone known as insulin-like growth factor, or IGF-I. In someone with acromegaly, the continued overproduction of growth hormone results in increased levels of IGF-1. This results in elevated blood glucose levels and changes in the way the body metabolizes fat, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. Acromegaly results in coarse skin, enlarged facial features, excessive sweating, fatigue, impaired vision, weakness, headaches and hormonal abnormalities.
Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. This hormone helps the body regulate fluid levels, participates in the response to inflammation and helps nutrients get to the cells that need them. Cortisol also stimulates the liver to increase the amount of glucose in the blood. Too much cortisol results in the release of too much glucose in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.
