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Why does septic shock cause hyperglycemia?

Author

Sarah Cherry

Published Feb 10, 2026

Why does septic shock cause hyperglycemia?

Currently, it is well-known that in severe sepsis and septic shock patients, hyperglycemia develops due to a combination of several factors: 1) Insulin clearance is increased leading to a reduction in insulin-mediated glucose uptake; 2) Stress induced elevation in plasma levels of counter-regulatory hormones, such as …

Why does glucose increase in sepsis?

In conditions like sepsis, shock or ischemia there is hypo-perfusion and reduced blood flow, therefore glucose must overcome interstitial space to reach its target, i.e., an under-perfused cell.

Why is hyperglycemia associated with infection?

Hyperglycemia may predispose to infection by increasing the glucose concentration of lung secretions and directly stimulating bacterial growth. Normal glucose concentrations in lung secretions are approximately 12.5 times lower than plasma concentrations.

Does shock cause hyperglycemia?

In 1878, Claude Bernard described hyperglycemia during hemorrhagic shock [1]; and it is now well known that acute illness or injury may result in hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, collectively termed stress hyperglycemia.

Does sepsis cause hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia?

Sepsis is clearly associated with disturbances in glucose regulation, and the occurrence of hypoglycemia (both spontaneous and treatment-related) and hyperglycemia increase along the continuum from sepsis through severe sepsis to septic shock.

What kind of infection can cause hyperglycemia?

People with high blood sugar from diabetes can be more severely affected by common infections, such as influenza and pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. This is why immunizations for influenza (the flu) and pneumococcal disease are recommended for people who have diabetes.

What infection causes hypoglycemia?

Infection-associated hypoglycemia in children is well known in malaria,2, 3, 4 and reported rarely in shigellosis,5, 6 acute fulminant hepatitis,22 pancreatitis/gastroenteritis due to rotavirus,23 and Reye’s syndrome.

How does sepsis cause hypocalcemia?

Hypocalcemia during sepsis occurred in previously normocalcemic patients and was multifactorial in origin, resulting from acquired parathyroid gland insufficiency, renal 1 alpha-hydroxylase insufficiency, vitamin D deficiency, and acquired calcitriol resistance.

Does hyperglycemia cause ketoacidosis?

If hyperglycemia goes untreated, it can cause toxic acids (ketones) to build up in your blood and urine (ketoacidosis).

Can a UTI cause hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia with concurrent UTI is commonly observed in females (male:female=0.44), while patients with concurrent pneumonia have longer hospital stays than non-infected patients (21.7 vs.

What is the most common cause of hypocalcemia?

Hypoalbuminemia. Hypoalbuminemia is the most common cause of hypocalcemia. Causes include cirrhosis, nephrosis, malnutrition, burns, chronic illness, and sepsis.