High Blood Sugar Symptoms You Can't Afford to Ignore (And What to Do) High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is a common condition, especially among indi...

High Blood Sugar Symptoms You Can't Afford to Ignore (And What to Do)

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is a common condition, especially among individuals with diabetes. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to serious health complications. This article will walk you through the key signs of high blood sugar, explain why it's important to address them promptly, and provide actionable steps you can take to manage the condition. Early detection and proper management are crucial for preventing long-term damage.

What is High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)?

Before diving into the symptoms, let's define what high blood sugar actually is. Hyperglycemia occurs when there's too much glucose in your blood. Glucose is your body's primary source of energy, and it comes from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose enter your cells for energy. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn't produce enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or can't effectively use the insulin it produces (Type 2 diabetes). This leads to a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream, resulting in hyperglycemia. Even those without diagnosed diabetes can experience periods of high blood sugar due to illness, stress, or certain medications.

Key Symptoms of High Blood Sugar to Watch Out For

Recognizing the symptoms of high blood sugar is the first step towards managing it effectively. These symptoms can vary from person to person and may develop gradually over time. Here are some of the most common signs:

Frequent Urination: When your blood sugar is high, your kidneys try to flush out the excess glucose through urine. This leads to more frequent trips to the bathroom, especially at night (nocturia).
Increased Thirst: Frequent urination can lead to dehydration, which in turn causes intense thirst. You might find yourself constantly reaching for water or other beverages.
Unexplained Weight Loss: In some cases, high blood sugar can lead to unintended weight loss. This occurs because your body is unable to use glucose for energy and starts breaking down muscle and fat instead.
Blurry Vision: High blood sugar can affect the lens of your eye, causing temporary blurry vision.
Fatigue: High blood sugar can leave you feeling tired and sluggish, even after getting adequate rest. This is because your cells aren't getting the energy they need from glucose.
Slow-Healing Sores or Cuts: High blood sugar can impair your body's ability to heal, making cuts and sores take longer to heal.
Dry, Itchy Skin: High blood sugar can lead to dry and itchy skin.
Increased Hunger: Despite eating, you might still feel hungry because your cells aren't getting enough glucose.
Recurring Infections: High blood sugar can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections, such as yeast infections and skin infections.

If you experience several of these symptoms, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to get your blood sugar levels checked.

Related reading: What Does High A1C Blood Sugar Feel Like

Why Ignoring High Blood Sugar is Risky

Ignoring the symptoms of high blood sugar can have severe consequences. Over time, chronic hyperglycemia can damage various organs and tissues in your body, leading to serious complications. Here are some of the potential risks:

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when your body doesn't have enough insulin to use glucose for energy. Instead, it starts breaking down fat, producing ketones, which can build up to dangerous levels in your blood.
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS): This is another serious complication of high blood sugar, characterized by extremely high blood sugar levels and severe dehydration. It is most common in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular Disease: High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): Chronic hyperglycemia can damage nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain, especially in your hands and feet.
Kidney Damage (Nephropathy): High blood sugar can damage the kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure.
Eye Damage (Retinopathy): High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to blindness.
Foot Problems: High blood sugar can impair blood flow to the feet and damage nerves, increasing your risk of foot ulcers and infections.

The longer high blood sugar goes unmanaged, the greater the risk of these complications. Therefore, it's crucial to take proactive steps to control your blood sugar levels.

What to Do When You Suspect High Blood Sugar

If you suspect you have high blood sugar, here are the steps you should take:

Check Your Blood Sugar: If you have a glucose meter, check your blood sugar levels immediately. Keep a record of your readings to share with your doctor.
Contact Your Doctor: Schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms and blood sugar readings. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.
Follow Your Doctor's Recommendations: If you've already been diagnosed with diabetes, follow your doctor's instructions for managing your blood sugar. This may involve taking medication, adjusting your diet, and increasing physical activity.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your kidneys flush out excess glucose.
Adjust Your Diet: Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks, and focus on eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can help lower your blood sugar levels and improve your insulin sensitivity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms and blood sugar levels, and report any changes to your doctor.

Strategies for Preventing High Blood Sugar

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some strategies you can implement to prevent high blood sugar:

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce your risk.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Focus on eating a balanced diet that's low in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats.
Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar: If you have risk factors for diabetes, such as a family history of the disease, get your blood sugar checked regularly.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can raise your blood sugar levels. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
Get Enough Sleep: Lack of sleep can affect your insulin sensitivity and increase your risk of high blood sugar. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels: Tools and Techniques

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is a cornerstone of managing and preventing hyperglycemia. Here's an overview of available tools and techniques:

Glucose Meters: These portable devices allow you to check your blood sugar at home. You prick your finger with a lancet, place a drop of blood on a test strip, and insert the strip into the meter to get a reading.
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): These devices continuously track your blood sugar levels throughout the day and night. A small sensor is inserted under your skin, and it transmits data wirelessly to a receiver or smartphone. CGMs can provide valuable insights into how your blood sugar responds to food, exercise, and other factors.
A1C Test: This blood test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It's used to diagnose diabetes and monitor blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

The following table lists common blood sugar levels and what they indicate, to ensure understanding:

Category	Fasting Blood Sugar (mg/dL)	A1C (%)
Normal	Less than 100	Less than 5.7
Prediabetes	100 to 125	5.7 to 6.4
Diabetes	126 or higher	6.5 or higher

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention

While most cases of high blood sugar can be managed at home, certain situations require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if you experience any of the following:

Difficulty Breathing
Confusion or Disorientation
Severe Abdominal Pain
Persistent Vomiting
Loss of Consciousness

These symptoms could indicate a life-threatening complication of high blood sugar, such as DKA or HHS.

Conclusion

High blood sugar is a serious condition that can have significant consequences if left untreated. By recognizing the symptoms early, taking proactive steps to manage your blood sugar, and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can reduce your risk of complications and improve your overall health. Don't ignore the warning signs – take control of your blood sugar today.