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Warning Signs of High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is a condition that usually occurs in a person living with diabetes or a person who is at risk of developing diabetes. It is characterized by an elevated level of glucose (or sugar) in the blood, either after a meal or in periods where no food has been consumed. Treating high blood sugar is important to a person's health, which makes it important to understand its warning signs.

  1. Vision Problems

    • Many people who are suffering from high blood sugar may begin to experience changes in eyesight. This is usually seen as a blurred sense of vision due to a swelling in the lens of the eye from the blood sugar's effect on the capillaries.

    Increased Urination

    • Because the kidneys are reacting to the increased amount of glucose in the blood, many people who suffer from high blood sugar see an increase in their urine production. The body is simply trying rid itself of the excess glucose through a person's urine, hence the elevation.

    Increased Thirst

    • Going hand-in-hand with an increase in urination, someone suffering from high blood sugar will most likely undergo a change in thirst, which stands to reason. When the body is depleted of hydration, it will tell you by simply making you thirsty.

    Fatigue

    • Given that the body is having trouble essentially changing glucose into energy (which is the reason you're experiencing an elevation in blood sugar), you will begin to feel a sense of fatigue. This can run from mild to severe, and will usually be accompanied by other warning signs.

    Weight Loss

    • Much like how thirst and urination go hand-in-hand, an unexplained weight loss typically accompanies fatigue, and it is usually due, for the most part, to the same reason--the body isn't getting the fuel it needs from glucose. This will result in it seeking fuel where it knows it can get it, from your fat and muscles.

    Lack of Focus

    • High blood sugar also affects the way in which you concentrate, resulting in a lack or difficulty in focus or concentration.

    Digestive Issues

    • If this elevated blood sugar is left too long, a person may begin to experience some digestive issues, manifesting as either diarrhea or constipation.

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