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?
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 7th 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.
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.
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.
know more topis: Health Benefits of Alkaline Water
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.
know more topic: Weight Loss Diet Chart
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.
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.
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.
know more topic: Top 8 Health Benefits of Antioxidants
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.
know more topic: Importance of Probiotics
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.
know more topic: Banana Face Mask For Beautiful Skin
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.
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.
know more topic: How To Prevent a Heart Attack
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.
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.
Thank
You.
Stay
Connected to Healthcopia.
Stay
Healthy, Be Wealthy.