Why Blood Sugar Levels Can Temporarily Rise During Infections

Acute infections trigger physiological stress responses that release hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and glucagon, which stimulate the liver to raise blood glucose levels.

This condition, known as stress hyperglycaemia, can temporarily elevate blood sugar in individuals without diabetes by reducing insulin sensitivity in body tissues.

Medical experts note that isolated high readings during an illness do not confirm diabetes, recommending follow-up fasting glucose and HbA1c tests after recovery.