How Your Body Tells You Your A1C is High

23 Aug 2025

How Your Body Tells You Your A1C is High Your body often sends signals that can alert you to potential health issues, including high blood sugar level...

How Your Body Tells You Your A1C is High

Your body often sends signals that can alert you to potential health issues, including high blood sugar levels. Understanding these signs can help you take proactive steps towards managing your condition. In this article, we'll explore 20 key indicators that your A1C might be high, ranging from common symptoms to less obvious factors.

1. Increased Thirst and Dry Mouth If you find yourself constantly feeling thirsty and your mouth is often dry, it could be a sign that your blood sugar levels are elevated. This is because your body is trying to compensate for the excess glucose in your bloodstream by producing more urine.

2. Frequent Urination Excessive urination is another common symptom of high blood sugar. When your body tries to flush out the excess glucose, it can lead to an increase in urine production, especially at night.

3. Fatigue and Weakness High blood sugar levels can cause fatigue and weakness, making everyday activities more challenging. This is because your body is using its energy stores to try and compensate for the high glucose levels.

4. Blurred Vision High blood sugar can cause the lens in your eye to swell, leading to blurred vision. This is a warning sign that your blood sugar levels are too high.

5. Slow Healing of Cuts and Wounds High blood sugar levels can impair the healing process of cuts and wounds, making them more susceptible to infection.

6. Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet Nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels can lead to tingling or numbness in your hands and feet.

7. Skin, Gum, and Foot Infections High blood sugar levels can increase your risk of infections, particularly skin, gum, and foot infections.

8. High Blood Pressure Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.

Related reading: Dangers Of Uncontrolled High Blood Sugar You Need To Know

9. Kidney Damage Prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage your kidneys, increasing your risk of kidney disease.

10. Nerve Damage (Neuropathy) High blood sugar levels can damage your nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in your hands and feet.

11. Vision Loss (Retinopathy) High blood sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to vision loss.

Related reading: The Ultimate Guide To Controlling Blood Sugar For Better Health

12. Heart Problems (Cardiovascular Disease) Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can increase your risk of heart problems, including heart attacks and strokes.

13. Poor Wound Closure High blood sugar levels can impair the wound healing process, leading to poor wound closure.

14. Increased Risk of Infections High blood sugar levels can increase your risk of infections, particularly skin, gum, and foot infections.

15. Increased Risk of Complications Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can lead to a range of complications, including nerve damage, kidney damage, and vision loss.

16. Increased Risk of Cognitive Decline High blood sugar levels have been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

17. Increased Risk of Osteoporosis Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can increase your risk of osteoporosis, particularly in women.

Related reading: Your Complete Guide To The Blood Sugar Levels Chart Mg Dl Amp Mmol L

18. Increased Risk of Skin Problems High blood sugar levels can increase your risk of skin problems, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

19. Increased Risk of Gum Disease High blood sugar levels can increase your risk of gum disease, including periodontitis.

20. Increased Risk of Foot Ulcers Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can increase your risk of foot ulcers, particularly in people with diabetes.

By recognizing these warning signs, you can take proactive steps to manage your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of complications. Consult with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan for managing your condition. Remember, early detection and treatment can make all the difference in maintaining your overall health and well-being.