Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Which is NOT a common symptom of hyperglycemia?

1. Increased thirst

2. Weight gain

3. Frequent urination

4. Blurred vision

The correct answer is: Weight gain

Weight gain is not a common symptom of hyperglycemia. In fact, hyperglycemia typically refers to elevated blood sugar levels, which can lead to symptoms associated with insufficient insulin or ineffective glucose utilization. The body's inability to use glucose effectively often results in increased thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision. Increased thirst occurs because high glucose levels lead to excess sugar being excreted in the urine, which pulls water from the body and causes dehydration. Frequent urination is a direct consequence of this process, as the kidneys work to eliminate the excess sugar, requiring more water to be expelled. Blurred vision can occur due to fluctuations in blood sugar levels that affect the lens of the eye, altering its shape and focusing ability. In contrast, weight gain generally is not a symptom of hyperglycemia and may actually be associated with chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance leads to increased fat storage rather than weight gain occurring as a direct result of hyperglycemic episodes.