Symptoms of High Blood Sugar You Should Never Ignore High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is a condition where there's an excessive amount o...

Symptoms of High Blood Sugar You Should Never Ignore

High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is a condition where there's an excessive amount of glucose in the bloodstream. This can occur in people with diabetes, but it can also affect those without a diagnosed condition. Recognizing the symptoms of high blood sugar is crucial for prompt management and preventing serious complications. This article delves into the various symptoms you should never ignore, offering a comprehensive guide to understanding and addressing this important health issue.

What is High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)?

Hyperglycemia happens when your body either doesn't produce enough insulin (in the case of type 1 diabetes) or can't effectively use the insulin it produces (in the case of type 2 diabetes). Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose from the food you eat enter your cells for energy. When insulin is deficient or ineffective, glucose builds up in the blood. This can happen due to various factors including diet, stress, illness, or inadequate medication. Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to significant long-term health problems, making timely recognition and management vital.

Common Symptoms of High Blood Sugar

Several symptoms can indicate high blood sugar levels. It's essential to recognize these signs, particularly if you're at risk for or have been diagnosed with diabetes.

• Increased Thirst (Polydipsia): Elevated blood sugar draws fluid from your tissues, leading to dehydration and, consequently, intense thirst. This is often one of the first noticeable symptoms.

• Frequent Urination (Polyuria): To flush out the excess glucose, the kidneys work overtime, resulting in increased urination. This is especially noticeable at night.

• Blurred Vision: High blood sugar can affect the lenses in your eyes, causing temporary blurring of vision. Prolonged periods of hyperglycemia can lead to more severe eye problems.

• Fatigue: When glucose can't enter your cells for energy, you might experience unexplained and persistent fatigue, even after adequate rest.

• Related reading: A1C Vs Fasting Glucose Which Blood Sugar Test Is More Important For Your Health

  Headaches: Elevated blood sugar levels can cause headaches, which may be mild or severe, depending on the level of hyperglycemia.

Lesser-Known Symptoms and Signs

While the above are the most common symptoms, other less obvious signs may indicate high blood sugar. These might not always be directly attributed to hyperglycemia but can serve as additional warning signs.

• Slow-Healing Cuts and Sores: High blood sugar impairs the body's ability to heal, making cuts, sores, and infections take longer to resolve.

  

• Dry, Itchy Skin: Dehydration from hyperglycemia can lead to dry and itchy skin. The itching can sometimes be intense and difficult to relieve.

• Numbness or Tingling in Hands and Feet (Neuropathy): Prolonged exposure to high blood sugar can damage nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or pain in the extremities. This is a sign of diabetic neuropathy, a serious complication.

• Recurring Infections: Hyperglycemia weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections, particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections.

• Weight Loss: In some cases, especially with type 1 diabetes, the body might start breaking down muscle for energy due to the lack of insulin, leading to unexplained weight loss.

Dangerous Levels and When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Knowing when to seek immediate medical help is crucial. High blood sugar can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Here are some indicators that warrant immediate medical attention:

• 

  Very High Blood Sugar Levels: If blood glucose levels are consistently above 300 mg/dL, seek medical attention.

• Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): This life-threatening condition can develop if high blood sugar is left untreated, particularly in people with type 1 diabetes. Symptoms include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fruity-smelling breath
  • Rapid, deep breathing
  • Confusion or loss of consciousness

• Symptoms of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS): More common in type 2 diabetes, HHS is another serious complication characterized by extremely high blood sugar levels and severe dehydration. Symptoms include:

  • Extreme thirst
  • Dry mouth
  • Weakness
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Coma

Factors That Contribute to High Blood Sugar

Understanding the factors that can contribute to high blood sugar is crucial for prevention and management.

• Diet: Consuming a diet high in carbohydrates and sugars can lead to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.

• Lack of Physical Activity: Regular physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels. A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of hyperglycemia.

• Stress: Stress hormones can raise blood sugar levels. Managing stress through relaxation techniques can help maintain healthy blood sugar.

• Illness: When you're sick, your body produces hormones to fight the illness, which can also raise blood sugar levels.

  Related reading: What Is An Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Ogtt A Step By Step Guide

• Medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and some diuretics, can increase blood sugar levels.

• Missed or Incorrect Doses of Diabetes Medication: Failing to take prescribed medications or taking them incorrectly can lead to poor blood sugar control.

  

Preventing and Managing High Blood Sugar

Effective management of high blood sugar involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and, in some cases, medication.

• Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates.

• Related reading: Why Your Blood Sugar Is High In The Morning And How To Fix It

  Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. This helps improve insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels.

• Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly: If you have diabetes, regular blood sugar monitoring is essential. Keep a log of your readings and discuss them with your healthcare provider.

• Medication Management: Take your diabetes medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out excess glucose and prevent dehydration.

• Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to help lower stress hormones and stabilize blood sugar levels.

Diagnostic Tests for High Blood Sugar

If you suspect you have high blood sugar, your doctor can perform several tests to confirm the diagnosis.

• Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: This test measures your blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. A reading of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate occasions indicates diabetes.

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): This test measures your blood sugar levels two hours after drinking a sugary liquid. A reading of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.

• A1C Test: This test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. An A1C of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.

• Random Plasma Glucose (RPG) Test: This test measures your blood sugar levels at any time of day. A reading of 200 mg/dL or higher, along with symptoms of hyperglycemia, indicates diabetes.

Long-Term Complications of Untreated High Blood Sugar

If high blood sugar is left unmanaged, it can lead to several serious long-term complications:

The Importance of Regular Check-Ups

Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential for monitoring your blood sugar levels and detecting any potential problems early. If you're at risk for diabetes, consider getting screened regularly.

Conclusion

Recognizing the symptoms of high blood sugar and understanding the importance of management and prevention is critical for maintaining your overall health. If you experience any of the symptoms discussed in this article, consult with your healthcare provider to get the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. By being proactive and taking care of your health, you can prevent or delay the onset of serious complications associated with uncontrolled hyperglycemia.