Physical stressors like surgery, severe burns, or head injuries cause transient hyperglycemia through cortisol and epinephrine release.

Trauma triggers the same hormonal surge as infection. The body releases cortisol and adrenaline, which stimulate gluconeogenesis and inhibit insulin action, raising blood glucose. Sources list head injuries, severe burns, and surgery as factors that can spike glucose even when no diabetes is present. This response is meant to provide immediate energy for healing but can leave glucose elevated until stress subsides.