High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is a condition that occurs when your blood glucose (sugar) levels are elevated beyond normal ranges. It’s most commonly associated with diabetes, but even those without the condition can experience blood sugar spikes from time to time. It’s essential to listen to your body, as high blood sugar can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Here are the signals your body may give you when blood sugar is too high:
1. Increased Thirst (Polydipsia)
When blood sugar levels are high, your kidneys work harder to filter and absorb the excess glucose. This can lead to dehydration, causing you to feel thirsty more often. If you’re drinking water but still feeling parched, this could be a warning sign that your blood sugar is elevated.
2. Frequent Urination (Polyuria)
High blood sugar forces your kidneys to work overtime to excrete the extra glucose in your urine. This increases the frequency and volume of urination. If you find yourself going to the bathroom more than usual, it might indicate that your body is trying to eliminate the excess sugar.
3. Fatigue and Weakness
When your blood sugar levels are high, your body’s cells can’t properly absorb glucose for energy, leaving you feeling tired and weak. Even if you’ve had plenty of sleep, you may feel drained and struggle to stay energized.
4. Blurred Vision
Elevated blood sugar levels can affect the fluid balance in your eyes, causing the lenses to swell. This results in blurry vision, which is often one of the earliest signs of hyperglycemia. If you notice changes in your vision, it’s important to have your blood sugar checked.
5. Headaches
High blood sugar can cause dehydration, and dehydration, in turn, can lead to headaches. Additionally, when glucose levels are too high, it can disrupt your body’s normal functioning, contributing to head pain.
6. Slow Healing of Cuts and Wounds
High blood sugar can impair your body’s ability to heal itself, leading to wounds that take longer to recover. Elevated glucose levels can affect the immune system, reducing your body’s ability to fight infections and heal tissues effectively.
7. Increased Hunger (Polyphagia)
You may experience an intense feeling of hunger when your blood sugar is high, even though your body has sufficient energy. This happens because, despite elevated glucose in the bloodstream, your cells are not getting the energy they need due to insulin resistance, prompting you to eat more.
8. Nausea and Vomiting
In extreme cases of hyperglycemia, when blood sugar rises to very high levels, nausea and vomiting can occur. The body may also release acids into the bloodstream, leading to a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is more common in type 1 diabetes.
9. Dry Mouth and Skin
Dehydration caused by high blood sugar can result in a dry mouth and skin. Your skin might also feel itchy or more prone to infections, and you may notice that your saliva is thick.
10. Unexplained Weight Loss
When blood sugar levels are high for extended periods, the body starts to break down muscle and fat for energy, leading to unintended weight loss. This happens because glucose isn’t effectively used by the cells, prompting the body to seek other energy sources.
What To Do When You Experience These Symptoms
If you’re experiencing one or more of these signs of high blood sugar, it’s important to check your blood sugar levels if you have a monitor available. If your levels are high, the next steps will depend on the underlying cause:
- For those with diabetes: Adjusting insulin or medication levels as prescribed by a healthcare provider may be necessary. It’s also important to follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding diet, exercise, and lifestyle.
- For those without diabetes: If you experience frequent or extreme symptoms of high blood sugar, consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause and to discuss preventive measures.
Prevention and Management
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the key to managing and preventing high blood sugar:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting sugary foods and refined carbohydrates.
- Exercise regularly to help your body use insulin more effectively.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly if you have diabetes or risk factors for developing diabetes.
- Stay hydrated and get enough rest to support your body’s natural processes.
High blood sugar is a serious condition that requires attention. Pay attention to your body’s signals, and seek professional medical advice if necessary to avoid long-term complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart issues.
