Monitoring blood sugar isn’t just for people diagnosed with diabetes—it’s essential for everyone.
Imbalanced blood sugar can cause a range of health issues, some of which you might already be experiencing without even realizing it. In this article, we will uncover 12 signs that indicate high blood sugar, discuss the potential risks, and provide practical tips on managing your levels effectively.
Understanding Blood Sugar
Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is crucial for your body’s functioning. It is the main fuel for your cells, providing the energy you need to perform daily activities. Your body regulates blood glucose levels through insulin, a hormone which is produced by the pancreas. Simply put, your pancreas releases insulin and ensures there is enough insulin to transport glucose into your cells.
Yet, as this process is disrupted (such as when your cells have insulin resistance and can’t uptake insulin properly), it can result in high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia.
High Blood Sugar Symptoms
1. Constant Thirst
When your blood sugar levels are high, your kidneys work overtime in order to filter and absorb the excess sugar. This can cause dehydration, making you feel constantly thirsty.
2. Frequent Urination
This is another indication of high blood sugar. This might not seem like a big deal at first, but it could be one of the more dangerous signs that your blood glucose level is too high. When glucose remains in the system for a longer time, it can draw water from just about every organ within your body, causing it to shrink slightly.
A loss of water will result in dryness throughout the entire system, including the bladder, which means you’ll have to go more frequently than usual. You might have to urinate up to 20 times in a single day even when your body doesn’t need the water, especially concerning those whose kidneys are already affected by diabetes.
Staying hydrated is an important part of maintaining healthy blood sugar levels throughout the system, so ensure you’re drinking enough fluids every day.
3. Extreme Hunger
While you might think that increased hunger is a sign of low blood sugar, it can also indicate high levels and complications with moving that glucose into your cells to be used. When your body can’t effectively use the glucose in your blood, it signals your brain that you need more food, causing you to feel hungrier than usual.
4. Fatigue and Weakness
Your kidneys work harder when there is excess glucose present in your body which lead to fatigue and exhaustion. It can also lead to drowsiness and sleepiness.
In addition, you might feel tired due to the changes in hormone levels that come with high blood sugar levels. The adrenaline your body produces when it needs energy is often absent because of the excess glucose levels, which will contribute to feelings of lethargy or exhaustion.
5. Blurred Vision
High blood sugar can lead to the lenses in your eyes to swell, leading to blurred vision. If you notice changes in your eyesight, it might be time to check your blood sugar levels.
6. Slow Healing Wounds
If you notice that wounds and bruises take a long time to heal, it could be an imbalance in your blood sugar level. High levels will cause the body’s immune system to become weakened, which means it won’t be able to fight off infections properly or recover from injuries as quickly.
7. Frequent Infections
High blood sugar can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections such as gum, skin infections or urinary tract. If you notice that you are getting infections more often than usual, it could be a sign of high blood sugar levels.
8. Numbness and Tingling
Experiencing numbness or tingling in your feet or hands can be a sign of nerve damage caused by high blood sugar. This condition, known as diabetic neuropathy, is more common in people with prolonged high glucose levels.
9. Irritability and Mood Swings
This typically shows up as a result of changes in hormone levels within your body, which can be caused by extra glucose in your body.
Low serotonin levels are often responsible for feelings like this, so if you notice yourself becoming more emotional than usual, it could also mean something is wrong with your insulin balance, even though it’s not always easy to tell what these changes will lead to at first because they happen gradually over time.
Those who have diabetes tend to experience mood disorders such as depression and anxiety much more frequently than those who do not, and other mental health issues, including memory loss and further cognitive declines.
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10. Dry Mouth and Skin
As mentioned earlier, when blood sugar rises, it can cause the body to lose water and become dehydrated. This dehydration often leads to dry skin and a lack of moisture in your mouth, making you feel thirsty all the time.
It’s crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout your day to help balance out these symptoms. Plus, using moisturizing lotions or lip balms can also help alleviate any dryness on the skin.
11. Bad Breath
An unusual smell when you breathe in through your mouth might show that something is wrong with the way glucose moves throughout your system. This can result in a buildup in ketone levels within your blood, giving off an unpleasant odor, much like nail polish remover or acetone.
While sometimes people mistake this for regular bad breath, if it happens frequently and seems to have no other cause, it could be a sign that your insulin balance is out of whack. So make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice this happening.
Gum disease is also a frequent problem for those with diabetes, so if you notice that your gums are inflamed or swollen, it might be a sign that your blood sugar is starting to rise.
12. Legs are Swollen
As there’s too much sugar in the system, it can pull water into cells, which will swell up over time if you don’t get these fluids moving through your body regularly.
The American Diabetes Association claims that people who have diabetes tend to have legs and feet larger than they should be, which can lead to complications within the circulatory system, including infections and reduced blood flow.
If you notice your feet and ankles begin to swell, keep them elevated when possible. It’s important to treat swelling as soon as possible by elevating your legs higher.
Risks of Untreated High Blood Sugar
Ignoring high blood sugar levels can lead to severe complications. Chronic hyperglycemia can damage your blood vessels, nerves, and organs. It increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, kidney damage, cardiovascular diseases, and vision problems. Early detection and management are crucial in preventing these serious health issues.
Tips for Managing and Lowering Blood Sugar
Healthy Eating
Incorporate a balanced diet high in lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables. Avoid sugary snacks and beverages, and choose complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy.
Regular Exercise
Physical activity helps your body to use insulin more efficiently. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, whether it’s cycling, walking, or swimming.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys to flush out excess sugar. Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar
Regularly checking your blood sugar levels can help you to understand how different foods and activities affect your glucose. Use a glucometer to monitor your levels and keep track of any changes.
