Sugar in the blood it can be something we think of in the abstract sense, like a set of numbers determined from an annual physical. But the amount of sugar in our blood is vital to how the body uses energy, along with other crucial functions, and if its levels are low, subtle but serious symptoms can develop. These are some of the physical signs that your blood sugar level is too high. If you feel any of them regularly, it’s a good idea to call your doctor. Read on to learn more, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss out on these Sure signs you’ve already had COVID.
One of the most common signs of high blood sugar is urinating more than usual. That happens because when sugar builds up in the bloodstream, the body tries to get rid of it through urine. That process can have various other physical effects. Read on to find out what they are.
Increased urination can cause dehydration in two ways: urinating more frequently deprives the body of fluids, and as blood sugar leaves the body, it actually filters fluid from other tissues. That can result in increased thirst. If you feel the need to drink more water than usual but find that your thirst is not being quenched, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor.
People with high blood sugar levels may feel hungry more often. This is because high blood sugar actually prevents your body from using sugar (glucose) for fuel, so your body demands more food to compensate. Even if you eat more, you may still lose weight because high blood sugar can cause your body to start burning fat stores for energy.
Blood sugar is often chronically elevated because the body has become resistant to insulin, the hormone that helps cells use sugar for energy. Lacking that source of energy, someone with high blood sugar levels may feel fatigued frequently.
Chronically high blood sugar can damage nerves throughout the body, a condition called diabetic neuropathy. The most common form is peripheral neuropathy, which affects the feet, legs, hands, and arms. You may feel tingling, burning, numbness, decreased sensitivity to pain or temperature, or sharp pains or cramps in the affected areas.
High blood sugar can cause the lenses of the eye to swell and become distorted, leading to blurred or double vision. Diabetes can cause blood vessels in the retina to leak or new abnormal blood vessels to grow, leading to vision problems and a condition called diabetic retinopathy. It is the leading cause of blindness in American adults.
Miguel Martin
Michael Martin is a writer and editor based in New York City whose health and lifestyle content has also been published on Beachbody and Openfit. A contributing writer for Eat This, Not That!, he has also been published in New York, Architectural Digest, Interview and many others. Read more about Michael
