5 Warning Signs You Might Have High Blood Sugar, According to Doctors
High blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia, can be tricky because you might not notice anything is wrong at first. But if your blood sugar levels stay high, it can cause serious health problems like nerve damage, kidney disease, or vision problems. Dr. Natalia Hapych, a family doctor, says it’s important to know the signs of high blood sugar. Here are five warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.
1. You Feel Thirsty All the Time
If you find yourself feeling thirsty all the time and drinking lots of water, it could be a sign that your blood sugar levels are high. When there is too much sugar in your blood, your kidneys have to work harder to get rid of it. This process takes a lot of water from your body, which makes you feel really thirsty.
Dr. Hapych explains that feeling very thirsty is one of the main signs of high blood sugar. Your body tries to get rid of the extra sugar by making you drink more water so it can flush it out. If you notice that you are always thirsty, no matter how much you drink, it’s time to talk to your doctor.
2. You Are Going to the Bathroom a Lot
If you are going to the bathroom more often than usual, this might be another sign that your blood sugar is too high. This happens because your kidneys are working hard to remove the extra sugar, and they do this by making you urinate more. You may find yourself needing to go to the bathroom a lot, especially during the night.
Dr. Hapych mentions that going to the bathroom too often can also lead to dehydration, which makes you even thirstier. This cycle can be really tiring and may be a warning sign that your blood sugar levels are too high.
3. You Feel Tired All the Time
Everyone feels tired sometimes, but if you feel tired all the time and it doesn’t get better even when you rest, it could mean your blood sugar is too high. When your blood sugar is high, your body has trouble using it properly for energy. This means your cells aren’t getting the energy they need, and that makes you feel very tired.
Dr. Hapych points out that tiredness from high blood sugar is often much worse than normal tiredness. You might feel very tired even after a good night’s sleep or find it hard to get through your day without needing extra breaks. If this sounds like you, talk to your doctor.
4. You Have Blurry Vision
If you suddenly have blurry vision, high blood sugar could be the reason. When there is too much sugar in your blood, it can make the lenses in your eyes swell up, which makes it harder to see clearly.
Dr. Hapych notes that many people ignore blurry vision, thinking it is just due to tiredness or eye strain. But if your vision suddenly gets blurry or if you have trouble focusing, you should get your blood sugar checked. High blood sugar for a long time can lead to serious eye problems, so it’s important to catch it early.
5. Cuts or Infections Are Taking a Long Time to Heal
If you notice that small cuts and scrapes are taking longer than a week or two to heal, it could be because your blood sugar levels are high. High blood sugar can affect your body’s ability to heal by slowing down blood flow and weakening your immune system.
High blood sugar can make you more prone to infections and can slow down wound healing, says Dr. Hapych. This is often most noticeable in your feet, where cuts might take weeks to heal. If your wounds are healing slower than usual, make an appointment with your doctor to see if high blood sugar could be the cause.
What You Should Do If You Notice These Signs
If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s really important to talk to your doctor. High blood sugar can cause long-term health problems, but the sooner you catch it, the better your chances of managing it well. Your doctor might recommend changes to your diet, more exercise, or medicines to help lower your blood sugar to a healthy level.
It’s also a good idea to keep track of your symptoms and write down anything unusual. This will help your doctor understand what’s happening and suggest the best treatment for you. Catching these signs early can help help manage your blood sugar and avoid problems.
References:
- https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/blood-and-lymph/hyperglycaemia-high-blood-sugar/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9815-hyperglycemia-high-blood-sugar
- https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=aa21178
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-sugar-hyperglycaemia/