Symptoms of High Blood Sugar You Should Never Ignore (Hyperglycemia) High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is a condition in which the body h...
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar You Should Never Ignore (Hyperglycemia)
High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is a condition in which the body has too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. It's often associated with diabetes but can also occur in people without a diagnosed condition. Recognizing the symptoms of hyperglycemia is crucial for preventing serious health complications. This article will explore the key symptoms you should never ignore and provide insights into what to do if you experience them.
What is Hyperglycemia? A Quick Overview
Before diving into the symptoms, it's important to understand what causes high blood sugar. In individuals with diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces (type 2 diabetes). Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy. When insulin is deficient or ineffective, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia. Other factors that can cause temporary spikes in blood sugar include stress, illness, and certain medications.
Related reading: Normal Blood Sugar Levels After Eating Your Guide To Post Meal Spikes
Key Symptoms of High Blood Sugar to Watch Out For
Related reading: Hyperglycemia Vs Hypoglycemia Understanding The Dangers Of Both Extremes
Recognizing the signs of hyperglycemia can help you take action to manage your blood sugar levels and avoid potentially dangerous consequences. Here are some common symptoms you should never ignore:
- Frequent Urination (Polyuria): When your blood sugar is high, your kidneys work overtime to filter out the excess glucose, leading to increased urine production. You may find yourself needing to urinate much more often than usual, especially at night.
- Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia): Because frequent urination leads to dehydration, you may experience intense thirst. Your body is trying to replenish the fluids lost through urination.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: High blood sugar can prevent your body from using glucose for energy, causing it to break down fat and muscle for fuel instead. This can result in unintentional weight loss, even if you're eating normally.
- Increased Hunger (Polyphagia): Even though your blood sugar is high, your cells may not be getting the energy they need. This can lead to persistent hunger, even after eating.
- Blurred Vision: High blood sugar can cause fluid to be drawn from the lenses of your eyes, affecting your ability to focus. This can lead to blurred vision, which may fluctuate depending on your blood sugar levels.
- Fatigue: When your cells aren't getting enough glucose, you may feel tired, weak, and sluggish. Fatigue is a common symptom of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), so it's important to check your blood sugar levels to determine the cause.
- Slow-Healing Cuts and Sores: High blood sugar can impair the body's ability to heal itself, leading to cuts and sores that take longer to heal or are prone to infection.
- Dry, Itchy Skin: Dehydration from frequent urination can contribute to dry, itchy skin. High blood sugar can also damage nerves, which can further exacerbate skin problems.
- Frequent Infections: Hyperglycemia can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections, such as yeast infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and skin infections.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it's important to check your blood sugar levels if you have a glucometer. If your blood sugar is consistently high (usually above 200 mg/dL) or if you experience severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, or confusion, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a serious complication of hyperglycemia, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), which require prompt treatment.
Managing High Blood Sugar: Steps You Can Take
If you're diagnosed with diabetes, managing your blood sugar levels is an ongoing process that involves:
- Following your doctor's recommendations: This includes taking prescribed medications, such as insulin or oral diabetes medications, as directed.
- Monitoring your blood sugar regularly: Checking your blood sugar levels helps you understand how your body responds to food, exercise, and medication.
- Eating a healthy diet: Focus on consuming a balanced diet that is low in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. Work with a registered dietitian to develop a meal plan that meets your individual needs.
- Exercising regularly: Physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively and lowers blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Managing stress: Stress can raise blood sugar levels. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Staying hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your kidneys flush out excess glucose.
Risk Factors for Developing Hyperglycemia
Several factors can increase your risk of developing hyperglycemia. These include:
- Family history of diabetes: Having a close relative with diabetes increases your risk of developing the condition.
- Obesity or being overweight: Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, can make your body resistant to insulin.
- Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to insulin resistance and weight gain.
- Unhealthy diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats can increase your risk of developing diabetes.
- Certain medical conditions: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes, and certain medications can increase your risk of developing hyperglycemia.
- Age: The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age.
Preventing Hyperglycemia: Lifestyle Changes That Can Make a Difference
While some risk factors for hyperglycemia, such as family history, are beyond your control, you can take steps to reduce your risk through lifestyle changes:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can improve your insulin sensitivity and lower your risk of developing diabetes.
- Eat a balanced diet: Focus on consuming whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit your intake of sugary drinks, processed foods, and unhealthy fats.
- Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Manage stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Get regular checkups: See your doctor for regular checkups and screenings for diabetes, especially if you have risk factors for the condition.
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels
It's crucial to understand what constitutes normal and high blood sugar levels. This table will provide a reference point:
Related reading: Hyperglycemia Vs Hypoglycemia Understanding The Telltale Signs
| Blood Sugar Level | Normal Range (for people without diabetes) | Target Range (for people with diabetes) |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting Blood Sugar (mg/dL) | 70-99 | 80-130 |
| 2 hours after meal (mg/dL) | Less than 140 | Less than 180 |
Note: These ranges are general guidelines and may vary depending on individual factors. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized blood sugar targets.
Long-Term Complications of Uncontrolled Hyperglycemia
Ignoring the symptoms of high blood sugar and failing to manage it properly can lead to serious long-term complications, including:
- Cardiovascular disease: High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
- Nerve damage (neuropathy): High blood sugar can damage nerves throughout the body, leading to numbness, tingling, pain, and loss of sensation in the hands and feet.
- Kidney damage (nephropathy): High blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
- Eye damage (retinopathy): High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision loss and blindness.
- Foot problems: Nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet can increase the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and amputations.
- Skin conditions: High blood sugar can make you more susceptible to skin infections, dry skin, and itching.
- Cognitive impairment: Some studies suggest that long-term uncontrolled hyperglycemia may increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Blood Sugar
Recognizing the symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is the first step in preventing serious health complications. By paying attention to your body, monitoring your blood sugar levels, and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can effectively manage your blood sugar and reduce your risk of developing diabetes or its related complications. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options.