11 Symptoms Of High Blood Sugar That Is Really Worrying

 

 

Introduction

Are you suffering from high blood sugar? Do you know, how dangerous it is for you? What is a high blood sugar level? What are the symptoms of high blood sugar? How blood sugar affects our health?

High Blood Sugar Symptoms

It might sound like a strange question, but it is definitely something to consider.

In the human blood, a common sugar or carbohydrate is glucose. An elevated level of blood glucose than normal, known as high sugar.

High blood sugar to last for a long time indicates a chronic metabolic disease, called diabetes.

If diabetes is left untreated for a long time causes severe damages to our body.

According to the WHO, high blood glucose is responsible for 2.2 million deaths worldwide. Diabetes was the 7^th leading cause of death in 2016.

On the other hand, there was a 5% increase in premature death due to diabetes between 2000 and 2016.

The real threat though is when the sugar level does not go down, and serious health problems can occur.

Whether you are diabetic or not, high blood glucose is a major cause of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, etc.

It can also damage your nerves, visceral organs, and blood vessels.

So, the symptoms of high blood sugar are an alarm for your future health.

 

What Is High Blood Sugar Level?

 

High blood sugar or diabetes occurs when our body's pancreas does not produce enough amounts of insulin, or our body cannot utilize the produced insulin properly.

Uncontrolled blood glucose or hyperglycemia is a serious health issue. So, we need to pay attention to all the high blood sugar symptoms to control them.

Without diabetes, the normal blood sugar level of an individual is 80-120 mg/dl.

In the fasting blood sugar, any diabetic patient has higher than 130 mg/dl blood glucose, and in the postprandial state, it is higher than 180 mg/dl after 2 hours from the last meal.

The blood sugar becomes high in different diabetic conditions, such as type-II, and type-I diabetes, gestational diabetes, impaired glucose intolerance (IGT), etc.

Type-II diabetes is non-insulin-dependent (or adult-onset), occurs from the ineffective use of insulin by the body.

On the other hand, type-I diabetes is insulin-dependent (or juvenile-onset), occurs from deficiency of insulin production. It is an auto-immune condition.

During pregnancy, blood sugar elevates above normal levels, known as gestational diabetes.

 

The Signs Of High Blood Sugar

 

The most common reason why people suffer from high blood sugar is that they are not enough conscious of the seriousness of this adverse condition.

So, let’s explore all the symptoms that will make us aware, and help to prevent the severity of diabetes.

 

1. Bad Breath

Generally, our breath provides some signs as to the current state of our health. The most common symptom of high blood sugar is bad breath.

Glucose is the main energy source of the muscles and cells. When our body cannot produce insulin, muscles and other cells cannot receive the required amounts of glucose.

In this serious condition, our body will become desperate, and begin to burn fat.

This fat-burning phenomena create some organic compounds, like Ketones. These organic compounds will build up in our blood as well as urine.

Bad Breath & Diabetes

When ketones rise to an unsafe level, it brings us to further risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Along with high blood glucose, DKA produces bad breath.

On the other hand, diabetes damages blood vessels of the body as well as gums. The damaged gums become infected.

High glucose level promotes bacterial growth in the infected gums, which will lead to your breath stinks.

So, if you are noticing a strange odor in your breath, it can be a major symptom of high blood sugar, go to the doctor and ask about an examination of your blood sugar levels.

 

2. Increased Thirst

Among the various symptoms of high blood sugar, another important is increased thirst.

If your blood glucose level is high, you are going to feel thirsty frequently.

As we all know, glucose is a type of carb (or sugar), we get from foods. It liberates the energy that our body needs.

High Blood Sugar & Polydypsia

Excess glucose in the blood forces the kidneys to work overtime to filter all of it out. After a while, the kidneys will get tired.

As a result, any glucose that cannot be absorbed in the body will leave through our urine.

The urine with the excess sugar content will drag other fluids out from the body.

Eventually, we will become dehydrated and feel thirstier. Even if we drink water to slake our thirst, water again comes out through our urine.

So, when you have been noticing yourself getting progressively thirstier, even after drinking water, it is a symptom of high blood sugar, and make sure you get to a doctor.

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3. Frequent Urination

Frequent urination, which is directly linked to increased thirst, can be a high blood sugar symptom.

According to the study, with increased blood sugar, our kidneys are unable to keep up with the excess sugar, and the fluid balance becomes hampered.

In that condition, constant urination is an effective way to get rid of increased body fluid.

Frequent Urination of Diabetics

Keep an eye on your bathroom trips, if you find you are going frequently, it can be a sign of elevated blood sugar levels.

The best option is to consult your physician because it can be a more serious health issue.

 

4. Chronic Fatigue

Another very common symptom of high blood sugar is chronic fatigue. If your blood glucose is going to the high, prepare to feel exhausted.

It is one of the more confusing symptoms, considering that fatigue is caused by countless other things.

An elevated glucose level in your blood will stop the body from properly using it to make energy. At the same time, dehydration also contributes to tiredness.

Chronic Fatigue & High Blood Sugar

On the other hand, in the absence or less activity of insulin, the body cells cannot absorb glucose.

If the glucose is not distributed to the cells properly, then the required energy for normal activities, cannot be liberated.  This is where chronic fatigue hits in.

So, when you are feeling exhausted, drinks some milliliters of water and getting some rest. If you do not get any relief, get your blood checked.

 

5. Shortness Of Breath

Among the various symptoms of high blood sugar, shortness of breath is one of them.

Generally, high blood glucose or diabetes for a long time damages the respiratory system and arises trouble breathing.

On the other hand, shortness of breath due to DKA is known as Kussmaul breathing. Full-blown diabetes only makes this worse.

diabetes & shortness of breath

It happens when your breath is either rapid or extremely heavy.

Studies suggest that people with both type-I and type-II diabetes are likely to have asthma and pulmonary fibrosis.

If you have high blood sugar and your breathing is not right, it is time to examine your lungs.

 

6.  Increased Hunger

If you find that your hunger is increasing day by day, it can be a cause of concern.

According to studies, high blood sugar levels can cause increased hunger because of reduced glucose absorption in the body.

Increased Hunger & Blood Sugar

The glucose is unable to enter the cells, because of a lack of insulin or probably insulin resistance. When this happens, the body is unable to convert food into energy.

So, the body feels a lack of energy. This condition triggers more food intake and tries to provide glucose as well as energy to the body.

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7.  Nausea & Vomiting

Other symptoms of high blood sugar are nausea and vomiting.

An extreme sense of nausea is quite common in increased blood sugar. You will even want to vomit.

During elevated blood glucose, our stomach just cannot handle it.

Nausea also promotes weakness as well as feelings of disorientation. This can lead to fainting.

Nausea for high blood sugar

Additionally, certain medications can promote nausea for those suffering from diabetes. Especially it happens when you are taking the medicines on an empty stomach.

If you have increased glucose levels, and you are taking some medicines, then take it in a proper way.

 

8. Blurred Vision

Along with nausea, another symptom of high blood sugar is blurred vision.

When the blood glucose level is increased, our eyesight may be blurred, and we may not be able to see properly.

In the case of diabetic patients, blurred vision can get really bad.

Blurred Vision & Diabetes

Due to high blood sugar, the blood vessels present in the retina will damage, and causes the eye lens to swell up. It is known as diabetic retinopathy.

All these making it difficult to see objects in front of our eyes.

You may also see blind spots. So, eye examinations are crucial for those who suffer from diabetes.

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9. Stomach Pain

Have you been feeling unbearable abdominal pains? There may be other reasons behind this.

But high blood sugar can cause pains in the stomach, or abdomen.

Excess blood glucose will affect the gastrointestinal tract which is responsible for the digestion of food as well as getting rid of waste.

In this condition, along with heartburn, and trouble swallowing, you may feel extreme discomfort in the abdomen.

stomach pain for high blood sugar

Eventually, this pain converts into bloating, constipation, as well as diarrhea.

Although stomach pain is a confusing sign, it can arise from several digestive issues, heart attacks, etc.

However, it may be a sign that your blood glucose levels are a little too high.

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10. Dry Mouth & Skin

Another specific symptom of high blood sugar is dry mouth and skin.

A dry mouth happens when a lack of saliva is present (sometimes no saliva) in your mouth.

Saliva is essential for a healthy buccal cavity, which controls bacteria level, mouth hygiene, as well as cleanse away the acid.

However, other signs are pretty straightforward, but there is actually no clear evidence for what exactly makes your mouth dry.

According to the experts, if your blood sugar has seen an increase, your mouth will probably feel like a desert due to dehydration and lack of fluids.

On the other hand, quite high blood sugar makes your skin feel dry.

As we know, increased blood glucose damages nerves and causes the body to lose fluid rapidly.

The continuation of this damaging process for years leads to the nerves present on the skin becomes damaged, and the skin becomes dry.

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11. Rapid Heartbeat

A rapid heartbeat is one of the crucial symptoms of high blood sugar.

Naturally, if there is too much sugar in the blood circulation, it is quite obvious the heart will be affected.

So, diabetics are much more vulnerable to heart diseases than healthy people.

In the case of high glucose levels, the heart will be lost its proper rhythm, which can lead to arrhythmia.

high blood sugar & arrhythmia

When we feel our heart beating abnormally for a long time, it can be terrifying. It feels like a hammer is present inside our chest, and hitting constantly.

Research shows that around 65% of people with diabetes will suffer from either a heart attack or stroke.

If you feel any abnormality in your heart, get a doctor to check it out as soon as possible.

 

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Causes Of High Blood Sugar

 

People with a family history of diabetes are more vulnerable to high blood sugar.

Yes, genetic factors can trigger diabetes. However, it is mostly a lifestyle disease.

People who have a diet that consists of highly processed foods, having a lot of calories, easily increase blood glucose!

Refined sugars, fizzy drinks, fast foods are truly harmful to diabetic patients as well as healthy individuals.

causes of high blood sugar

On the other hand, try to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking cigarette.

Sometimes mental stress can cause a spike in your blood sugar level.

Diseases, like type-I, II diabetes, insulin resistance, cystic fibrosis directly linked to high blood sugar.

During pregnancy, blood sugar is seen to rise occasionally and may arise gestational diabetic complications.

 

 

Now, The Conclusion

 

These are the most common symptoms of high blood sugar that you need to be aware of.

As we know, an increased blood glucose level, as well as diabetes, is a critical metabolic issue.

If diabetes left untreated for a long time can cause serious health issues, including various organ damage, even death.

Diabetes can cause retina and kidney damage, renal failure, heart attack, stroke, liver damage, etc.

High blood sugar triggers hunger, and food intake, which can lead to weight gain or obesity.

This metabolic disease damages blood vessels and reduces proper blood flow. So, it can lead to erectile dysfunction and impotence in men.

Do you think, how to prevent high blood sugar! Here are some solutions.

Regular checking of blood glucose is very important for diabetic patients as well as those who want to prevent it.

Always consume fruits, and veggies, fiber-rich foods, antioxidants, healthy fat-containing stuff through your daily diet.

Minimize your mental stress as possible, try to be happy and live a stress-free life.

Always keep in mind the symptoms of high blood sugar, but do not try to self-diagnose yourself.

Consult a doctor first, they will give you advice, treatment options, medications, and follow them.

 

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These 12 Symptoms of Heart Attack You Need to Know

Introduction

 

Do you know the symptoms of a heart attack? How serious it is? Have you been taking care of your heart?

12 Heart Attack Symptoms

In the USA, heart problems are the most common cause of death. One person in every four Americans die from heart-related diseases each year, and the total number of deaths is 6.5 lakhs per year.

In the context of heart attack, more than 8 lakhs Americans have a heart attack every year, which means every 40 seconds someone has a heart attack.

The cardiovascular system is crucial to overall health. The main job of our heart is pumping oxygenated blood through the body.

The entire cardiovascular system delivers oxygen, nutrients, hormones to the other organs, and also maintains a fluid balance as well as body temperature.

Damage to this system can lead to many severe health issues, such as chronic vascular diseases, heart failure, hypertension, myocarditis, diabetes, even death.       

That is why we need to be aware of our heart, and cardiac problems.

So, today we will discuss all the signs of heart attack, potential causes, and more.

 

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Causes of Heart Attack

 

According to the medical terminology, a heart attack also known as Myocardial infarction (MI), and can be fatal.

This heart disease increases drastically day by day throughout the world.

According to the CDC, the main cause of heart attack is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is the blockage or narrowing of arteries present in the heart, which stops blood flow to the heart muscle.

In normal conditions, oxygenated blood nourishes heart muscles.

The lack of oxygenated blood supply to the heart muscle due to a blockage in a nearby artery arises a heart attack.

During a heart attack, the blood supply is cut off, the muscle gets to die due to lack of oxygen, and this adverse condition, the heart attack symptoms can be noticed.

Severe spasm, sudden contraction is less common cause after CAD.

 

 

The Common Symptoms of Heart Attack

 

The signs of a heart attack may vary. All the symptoms and severity are not the same for everyone who suffers from a heart attack.

Some people have severe pain, others have mild, even some people have no pain. Sometimes it strikes suddenly.

But the maximum number of people have warning symptoms in advance, an hour ago, or a day, or weeks.

So, it is very important to recognize the warning signs as soon as possible to get emergency healthcare services.

However, the sign and severity may vary, but in most cases, some of the symptoms remain similar.

All the heart attack symptoms are discussed below.

 

1. Chest Pain or Discomfort

Discomfort in the chest or intense chest pain is one of the most common signs of a heart attack.

The insufficient blood supply and the absence of oxygen in the heart muscle during a heart attack leads to intense chest pain or discomfort in the chest.

Intense Chest Pain

Generally, pain is more common on the left side, but sometimes the feeling of pain in the entire chest.

Chest pain due to the blockage is also known as angina. In many cases, this pain tends to shift from the chest to the left arm, or the stomach.

However, chest pain can have other causes instead of myocardial infarction, such as pericarditis, cardiomyopathy, pneumonia, bronchospasm, heartburn, etc.

Whatever the reasons, if you feel any type of pain in your chest, then it is time to be aware, and consult your physician.

 

2. Pain in the Left Arm

Another common symptom of heart attack is numbness or intense pain in the left arm.

There are several things that cause numbness in the arm, but when it comes to heart patients, and on the left side, it can be much more serious.

Left Arm & Shoulder Pain During Heart Attack

When the blood vessels, which are responsible for the blood circulation in the heart, and surrounding parts of the body, getting blocked by plaque, results in poor circulation. It arises the pain.

In some cases, the numbness may be absent and can feel an awful pain in the left side.

If anyone feels intense pressure on the chest followed by sudden pain in the arm, as well as shoulder, chances are that a heart attack is either coming or happening.

In that situation, do not waste your time and try to access medical support as soon as possible.

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3. Shortness of Breath

Among various symptoms of heart attack, another common sign is shortness of breath.

This adverse condition is closely related to chest pain.

shortness of breath

If you are normally asthma-free, however, you feel suffocated or difficulty to breath, it is a key warning that a myocardial infarction is coming.

When our heart does not pump the proper amount of blood to the entire body, the pressure of blood drop dramatically, we are not getting enough oxygen.

It is a hypoxemic condition, and the lungs work extra hard to get proper airflow. The hypoxic condition also generates nausea.

 

4. Lightheadedness

Another sign of heart attack is lightheadedness. If you feel chest discomfort, pain in the left arm with a woozy feeling in your head, there is a maximum chance of having a heart attack.

It is happening because your heart is not functioning properly, and the amount of blood pumping is decreased.

Lightheadedness During Heart Attack

The lack of proper blood flow in the body results in your brain not receiving the amount of blood that it needs.

This condition arises the feeling of dizziness. In that case, sit there, and try to seek medical support.

 

5. Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is very common in heart attacks.

It is very common in women, but men can also experience it.

Chronic Fatigue & Heart Attack

A heart attack causes exhaustion or chronic fatigue due to generate extra stress in the body when it is suffering from oxygen deficiency.

Yes, when the blockage making the heart pump harder, generates fatigue, eventually leads to an attack.

However, fatigue is a sign of many different health issues.

But when it follows the above symptoms of heart attack, it is the crucial time to get proper medical services.

 

6. Intense Sweating

When the sweating is accompanied by intense chest and left arm pain, dizziness and nausea, then it is a cause for concern.

Because intense sweating with other mentioned adverse health conditions is a clear sign of a heart attack.

During or just a little before a heart attack, our body working extra hard to blood plumping, which promotes sweating.

Night sweats are also quite common symptoms of a heart attack in women.

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7. Irregular Heartbeat

Irregular heartbeat linked to a heart attack. It is known as arrhythmia.

If you ever feel like your heart has skipped a beat with severe to mild chest pain, your body telling you that the organ is not in good shape.

arrhythmia

Generally, when your heart is not getting enough blood can cause it to beat irregularly, and leads to heart palpitations.

Heart palpitations are a sign of coronary artery disease, further to a heart attack.

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8. Severe Cough

A cough can be a sign of numerous other health problems.

But, when it comes to a heart patient, it is really worrying.

Severe cough with white or pink mucus could mean that their heart is failing.

severe cough & heart attack

People with a sensitive heart, if pitting themselves through stressful activity, they will cough.

Because the heart is facing trouble with forcing the blood to leak back into the lungs.

If anyone experiences heart issues on the regular, and their cough is not going away, it can be a clear symptom of a heart attack.

 

9. Stomach Pains

Among various signs of heart attack, stomach pains are one of them. 

Yes, there are countless reasons why a person could be experiencing stomach pains.

Normally, indigestion can be a cause of stomach pain. But severe stomach pain for heart patients may be a warning that a heart attack is coming.

As we learned coronary artery blockage blocks the blood flow to your heart, results in heart attack, and pain starts around the chest.

Sometimes this pain can be felt in other parts of the body, such as the stomach. This stomach pain may come with nausea, sickness, eventually, vomiting occurs.

heart attack & stomach pains

Have you ever experienced a symptom associated with the mentioned condition? You need to talk to a cardio specialist.

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10. Jaw and Leg Pain

Yes, some unusual heart attack symptoms are an annoying pain in the jaw, and leg cramp.

Due to jaw pain, some people experience a random toothache, and cannot realize that the entire jaw area suffering. As well as, they don’t know about having heart issues.

The cause of jaw pain during a heart attack again associated with the pressure creation on the chest. Because pumping blood becomes harder for the heart.

On the other hand, a blocked peripheral artery produces intense leg pain, known as peripheral artery disease (PAD).

PAD is another circulatory problem with reduced blood flow to the limbs, due to damaged arteries.

It needs to take care of immediately. Otherwise, it can increase your risk of heart attack as well as strokes.

So, keep in mind these symptoms of a heart attack, and it is more reason to consult with a physician.

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11. Swollen Ankles

It is closely related to jaw pain. Because intense leg pain correlated with swelling.

The swelling of any body part is annoying. But it is worrying when linked to the ankles. Additionally, walking with swollen ankles will also be painful.

Same as leg pain, this heart attack symptom occurs due to lack of blood flow, clogged arteries cannot pump enough into your limbs.

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12. Snoring

Yes, it is the most unusual sign of a heart attack.

Undoubtedly, snoring is annoying for those who have to listen to it. But it is alarming for a heart patient.

It is one of the fewer known symptoms of a coming heart attack.

When the proper breathing stops during sleep, it produces loud snoring.

It is closely related to putting extra pressure on the heart, which hinders proper breathing.

If you are snoring, and experiencing other heart attack symptoms, then it is time to consult with a doctor.

 

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The Risk Factors of Heart Attack

 

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), there are some risk factors that may increase heart attack risk. These factors are:

i) Old age.

ii) High blood pressure.

iii) High cholesterol levels.

risk factors of heart attack

iv) Other health issues, such as diabetes, inflammation, obesity, etc.

v) Family history of heart attack and genetic factors.

vi) A diet full of processed foods, refined sugar, unhealthy fat, etc.

vii) Smoking, and alcohol abuse.

viii) High-stress level, and sedentary life.

The combination of these factors can increase the heart attack risk.

On the other hand, people who suffer from high blood pressure, and have a family history of heart diseases is more vulnerable to a heart attack.

  

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Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest

 

Heart attack and cardiac arrest are not synonyms. Due to CAD, when blood flow to the heart is blocked, and heart muscle gets damaged, it is known as a heart attack.

Whereas malfunctioning, and suddenly the heartbeat stops, is known as cardiac arrest. It happens without any warnings.

When the heart muscle does not receive oxygenated blood, it triggers a heart attack.

On the other hand, electrical malfunction in the heart generates arrhythmias, which trigger sudden cardiac arrest.

heart attack vs cardiac arrest

The common symptoms of a heart attack, we already learned. Due to cardiac arrest, the patient loses consciousness, has no pulse, no breathing, and death occurs within minutes.

These two abnormal heart diseases are linked. Heart attack promotes the chance of sudden cardiac arrest.

The risk of having a cardiac arrest is greatly increased after a heart attack.

 

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Now, The Conclusion

 

All the symptoms of a heart attack need to be monitored because they can be life-threatening, and needs emergency healthcare service.

The most important, and key symptoms are pain or tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, intense pain in the left arm, and shoulder.

According to the AHA, there are steps that can be followed to prevent a heart attack, like taking a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, avoid alcohol, unhealthy fatty foods, managing obesity, diabetes, etc.

Preventive healthcare is more important than treatment. Try to consume antioxidant-rich foods, fiber-rich foods, lemon water, etc.

Routine health check-up, diagnosis is also important to prevent a heart attack as well as other health problems.

Some people may experience mild to severe complications after a heart attack, such as depression, arrhythmia, angina, edema, heart failure, myocardial rupture, etc.

Regular monitoring and routine treatment reduce the complications.

Seeking emergency healthcare as soon as heart attack symptoms appear is very important.

Many medical approaches are present to treat heart attack, but the most common of they are medications, percutaneous coronary invention, coronary artery bypass grafting, etc.

But all these approaches should be taken under the supervision of a healthcare specialist.

Depending on the severity, age, and other health conditions of the patient, recovery from a heart attack can take time.

Although, many people live long and healthy after recovering from a heart attack. But a healthy lifestyle and some restrictions need to adopt.

 

Thank You.

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