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What Are the Signs & Symptoms of High Blood Sugar in Diabetes?

Long-term periods of untreated high blood sugar can increase the risk of serious medical conditions that affect the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. High blood sugar, also referred to as hyperglycemia, is caused by the buildup of glucose in the blood. Glucose is a sugar needed by the cells for energy. The body produces insulin, which transports glucose into the cells. When a person has diabetes, the body either doesn't produce insulin or isn't able to respond to the insulin like it should. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of a high blood sugar are present when your blood sugar level is above 200 mg/dL.

  1. Increased Urination and Thirst

    • According to the Nemours Foundation, the body attempts to flush the excess glucose out of the body in your urine so you will feel the need to frequently urinate large amounts. The body draws fluid from the tissues to help dilute the blood. When fluid is drawn from the eyes, you can experience blurred vision. The thirst center in the brain is activated as the body attempts to dilute the blood with extra fluid and to replace fluid lost by the tissues. You will experience an excessive thirst and may have a dry mouth.

    Weight Loss and Fatigue

    • Since the body can't use the glucose in the blood for energy, the body will use muscle and fat tissue as an alternate energy source. According to the Nemours Foundation, the body breaks down these tissues to provide fuel to the energy-starved cells, which will cause you to lose weight even though you are eating the same amount of food. You can feel unusually tired since the cells aren't able to use the glucose for energy.

    Abnormal Blood Sugar Level

    • This condition can develop slowly over days to weeks, so carefully monitoring your blood sugar levels at regular intervals can ensure your levels are within your target range. According to the Mayo Clinic, make an appointment with your physician if you have taken your diabetes medication and your blood sugar is greater than 240 mg/dL or if you have trouble keeping your blood sugar within your target range.

    Diabetic Ketoacidosis

    • Diabetic ketoacidosis is a significantly high blood sugar that, according to the National Institutes of Health, is usually higher than 300 mg/dL. Signs and symptoms of this condition include shortness of breath, a fruity-smelling odor to the breath, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, confusion, flushed face, abdominal pain, rapid or deep breathing and unconsciousness.

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