What will high blood sugar do to you?

High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, can cause a range of symptoms and complications, including:

1. Increased thirst:

- When your blood sugar level rises, your body tries to dilute the sugar in your blood by pulling water from your tissues. As a result, you may feel very thirsty and drink a lot of fluids.

2. Frequent urination:

- High blood sugar levels can also cause frequent urination, as your kidneys work to remove excess sugar from your blood.

3. Increased hunger:

- High blood sugar can lead to increased hunger because your body can't use glucose for energy effectively. This can cause you to eat more than usual, which can further increase your blood sugar levels.

4. Fatigue:

- High blood sugar levels can also cause fatigue and a general feeling of weakness, as your body can't produce energy efficiently when your blood sugar is high.

5. Blurred vision:

- High blood sugar can cause the lenses in your eyes to swell and change shape, leading to blurred vision. This is a serious complication that can indicate damage to the tiny blood vessels in your eyes and should be addressed immediately.

6. Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet:

- High blood sugar can also cause nerve damage, leading to tingling or numbness in your hands or feet. This is another serious complication that can indicate damage to the peripheral nerves and should be addressed immediately.

7. Slow-healing sores or cuts:

- High blood sugar can also impair wound healing, making sores and cuts take longer to heal. This is due to decreased blood flow and nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels.

8. Increased risk of infections:

- High blood sugar can also increase your risk of infections, as it can weaken your immune system.

9. Long-term complications:

- In the long term, uncontrolled high blood sugar can lead to serious complications affecting multiple organs and tissues, including:

- Cardiovascular disease

- Stroke

- Kidney disease

- Eye damage (retinopathy)

- Nerve damage (neuropathy)

- foot problems (diabetic foot ulcers)

- Erectile dysfunction

- Hearing loss

- Skin conditions

- Cognitive impairment and dementia

10. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS):

- In severe cases of uncontrolled high blood sugar DKA or HHS can occur. These are medical emergencies that require immediate treatment. DKA occurs when your body breaks down fat and muscle for energy, leading to a buildup of acids called ketones in your blood. HHS occurs when your blood sugar level is extremely high, causing extreme dehydration and altered mental status. Both conditions can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

It is important to manage blood sugar levels within the recommended range to prevent or delay these complications. If you have diabetes, working closely with your healthcare team and following a prescribed treatment plan can help keep your blood sugar levels under control.