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The Effect of High Glucose in Blood Cells

High blood sugar---or glucose (over 160 mg/dL) indicates hyperglycemia. This complication of diabetes results from either not being able to produce insulin---the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar or not being able to use it efficiently. The Mayo Clinic and Dr. Steven Edelman of the University of California offer the following information regarding the impact of high blood sugar.

  1. Short-Term Impact

    • In the short-term, excess glucose will not cause organ damage. It will however, cause fatigue and weakness, excessive urination (this is how the body tries to remove excess blood sugar) and thirst, blurry vision and vulnerability to infection.

    Blood Vessel Damage

    • Too much glucose damages your blood vessels, which are responsible for delivering blood, oxygen and nutrients all over your body. Damaged blood vessels can lead to neuropathy (nerve pain in the feet and legs), eye damage that can cause blindness, reduced kidney function and foot damage that can lead to amputation.

    Heart Health

    • High glucose levels double your risk for heart attack and stroke compared to those with healthy blood sugar levels. This is due to its tendency to raise blood pressure, narrow the arteries and interfere with cholesterol control.

    The Elderly

    • In addition to the above complications, high blood sugar can also cause problems specific to the elderly. These include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and an increased risk of falls---leading to serious fractures.

    Other Complications

    • High blood sugar increases your risk for osteoporosis, joint problems like arthritis, skin infections and gum infections.

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