Early Signs You Have High Blood Sugar
High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is a condition in which the body has too much sugar in the bloodstream. Symptoms can include frequent urination, thirst, headaches, fatigue, and blurred vision. High blood sugar can be caused by a variety of factors, such as overeating or undereating, diabetes, certain medications, stress, and alcohol consumption. Long-term high blood sugar can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the early warning indications that your blood sugar is out of control.
Early Signs You Have High Blood Sugar
1. Unusual thirst, especially if accompanied by frequent urination
Do you have to urinate more often than usual, especially at night? These might be signs that your blood sugar levels are too high. If your body has too much glucose in the bloodstream, it will try to get rid of it through increased urination. You may find yourself feeling incredibly thirsty as well, as your body is trying to compensate for the lost fluids.
2. Blurred vision
High blood sugar can cause fluid to build up in the lenses of your eyes, resulting in blurry vision or difficulty focusing.
3. Fatigue and weakness
Lack of energy and unusual tiredness are common symptoms of high blood sugar levels. You may find that you’re having trouble concentrating or that you’re feeling drowsy and weak.
4. Frequent headaches
High blood sugar can cause headaches due to increased fluid loss and dehydration.
5. Extreme hunger, even after eating a meal
When your blood sugar is high, your body isn’t able to process glucose properly. This can leave you feeling ravenous, even if you’ve just eaten.
6. Numbness or tingling in extremities
High glucose levels can cause nerve damage, resulting in numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or other extremities.
7. Slow-healing sores or cuts
High blood sugar can slow down the body’s natural healing process and make it difficult for cuts or wounds to heal properly. This happens because excess glucose in the bloodstream restricts the amount of oxygen and nutrients that can reach the affected area.
8. Recurrent infections
Because high blood sugar can weaken the immune system, people with hyperglycemia may experience frequent or recurring infections, such as yeast infections and urinary tract infections.
9. Unintentional weight loss
If you find yourself losing weight without trying, it could be a sign that your body is not processing glucose properly, and as a result, it’s using up your fat stores for energy. Although unintentional weight loss can also be a sign of other health conditions, it’s important to visit your healthcare provider if you notice this symptom.
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. A simple blood test is all it takes to determine if you have high blood sugar levels, and treatment options are available for those who do. Don’t wait until it’s too late; the sooner you address a potential high blood sugar problem, the better!
Learn How to Lower Blood Sugar.
Article Sources
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-sugar-hyperglycaemia/
- Hyperglycemia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments & Prevention – Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9815-hyperglycemia-high-blood-sugar
