What Are the Symptoms of High Blood Sugar? 7 Signs You Shouldn't Ignore High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, occurs when your body doesn't h...

What Are the Symptoms of High Blood Sugar? 7 Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, occurs when your body doesn't have enough insulin or when your body can't use insulin properly to regulate blood glucose levels. Left untreated, chronically high blood sugar can lead to serious health complications. Therefore, recognizing the early symptoms of high blood sugar is crucial for managing your health effectively. Let's explore seven key signs you shouldn't ignore.

Understanding Blood Sugar Levels

Before diving into the symptoms, it's important to understand what constitutes high blood sugar. Blood sugar levels are typically measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Here's a general guideline:

Normal fasting blood sugar: Less than 100 mg/dL
Prediabetes fasting blood sugar: 100 to 125 mg/dL
Diabetes fasting blood sugar: 126 mg/dL or higher

Postprandial (after-meal) blood sugar levels also vary, but consistently high readings above these benchmarks warrant attention.

7 Symptoms of High Blood Sugar You Should Watch Out For

Here are seven common signs that your blood sugar might be elevated:

Increased Thirst (Polydipsia): One of the earliest and most noticeable symptoms is excessive thirst. When your blood sugar is high, your kidneys work overtime to filter out the excess glucose. This process requires water, leading to dehydration and intense thirst. You might find yourself constantly reaching for fluids.
Frequent Urination (Polyuria): Closely related to increased thirst is frequent urination. As your kidneys try to get rid of excess glucose, more fluid is drawn into the urine, causing you to urinate more often, especially at night (nocturia). This can disrupt sleep and contribute to dehydration.
Unexplained Fatigue: High blood sugar can interfere with your body's ability to use glucose for energy. Even if you are eating regularly, your cells may not be receiving the fuel they need, leading to feelings of constant tiredness and fatigue. This fatigue can impact your daily activities and overall quality of life.
Blurred Vision: Elevated blood sugar levels can affect the lens of your eye, causing it to swell. This swelling can temporarily blur your vision. While blurred vision can have various causes, persistent blurry vision, especially in conjunction with other symptoms on this list, can indicate high blood sugar.
Related reading: Control Your Blood Sugar The Best And Worst Foods For Diabetics
Slow-Healing Cuts and Sores: High blood sugar can impair blood flow and nerve function, which are both critical for wound healing. If you notice that cuts, scrapes, or sores are taking much longer than usual to heal, it could be a sign that your blood sugar is elevated. This delayed healing increases the risk of infection.
Numbness or Tingling in Hands and Feet (Neuropathy): Chronically high blood sugar can damage nerves over time, leading to a condition called diabetic neuropathy. This can manifest as numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in the hands, feet, and legs. While neuropathy usually develops over time, its onset can sometimes be rapid if blood sugar levels are severely elevated.
Related reading: The Hidden Dangers Of Uncontrolled Hyperglycemia
Dry, Itchy Skin: High blood sugar can draw moisture away from the skin, leading to dryness and itching. Poor circulation, often associated with diabetes, can also contribute to skin problems. Scratching itchy skin can lead to further irritation and increase the risk of infection.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially in combination, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment of high blood sugar can help prevent serious complications, such as:

Heart disease
Kidney disease
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Vision loss (retinopathy)
Increased risk of infections

A doctor can perform blood tests, such as a fasting plasma glucose test or an A1C test, to accurately measure your blood sugar levels and determine if you have prediabetes or diabetes.

Factors That Can Contribute to High Blood Sugar

Several factors can contribute to high blood sugar, including:

Diet: Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates can spike blood sugar levels.
Lack of Physical Activity: Exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively and lowers blood sugar.
Stress: Stress hormones can increase blood sugar.
Illness: Infections and other illnesses can temporarily raise blood sugar levels.
Certain Medications: Some medications, such as steroids, can affect blood sugar.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and Cushing's syndrome can lead to high blood sugar.

Tips for Managing Blood Sugar

If you've been diagnosed with high blood sugar or are at risk, here are some strategies for managing your levels:

Follow a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit sugary drinks, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates.
Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar: If you have diabetes, regularly monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor.
Manage Stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
Take Medications as Prescribed: If you have diabetes, take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Blood Sugar Levels Chart

Here's a summary of blood sugar levels based on standard testing guidelines.

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

Important Note: These values are general guidelines, and individual targets may vary depending on factors such as age, overall health, and specific medical conditions. Always consult with your doctor to determine the best blood sugar targets for you.

Conclusion

Recognizing the symptoms of high blood sugar and taking proactive steps to manage your levels is crucial for maintaining your health and preventing long-term complications. If you experience any of the signs discussed in this article, seek medical attention promptly. By understanding your risk factors and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, you can effectively manage your blood sugar and live a healthier life.