Understanding High Blood Sugar: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

High Blood Sugar

 

High blood sugar means having too much sugar (also called glucose) in the blood. This is also known as hyperglycemia. The body’s cells need blood sugar, but it should stay within a normal range of 70 to 100. A blood sugar level above 140 is very high. You may not feel any signs of high blood sugar, but it can still be causing damage to your body. Over time, high blood sugar can harm your eyes, kidneys, blood vessels, heart, nerves, and feet.

 

Causes of High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can happen with diabetes. When you have diabetes, your body either does not make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin properly. The right amount of insulin is needed to help sugar move from your blood into your cells. Without insulin, blood sugar rises, causing high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). High blood sugar can also get worse due to:

• Stress
• Infection or illness
• Certain medicines, such as steroids
• Pregnancy

 

The most common reasons for high blood sugar in people with diabetes are

 • Not taking enough insulin or diabetes pills

• Missed, skipped or late diabetes medicine

 • Eating too much food

 • Eating foods high in carbohydrates or sugar

 

Signs of High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can affect people in different ways, and some may not feel any warning signs. High blood sugar often develops slowly over time. You might have one or more signs, and family members may notice these signs before you do:

•         Frequent urination

•         Weight loss or gain

•         Slow healing of wounds

•         Increased hunger

•         Blurred vision

•         Feeling tired or sleepy

•         Weight loss or gain

•         Numbness in feet or hands

•         Skin infections, such as boils

•         Moodiness or irritability

  

Your Care

See your doctor if you have notice of high blood sugar. Discuss the cause of your high blood sugar with them. You may need medicine to manage your blood sugar or might need to adjust your diet and exercise.

 

If you have diabetes, control high blood sugar(hyperglycemia) by following your diabetes treatment plan:

• Take your insulin and pills as directed.

• Follow your meal plan.

• Test your blood sugar often and keep a record of your results.

• Contact your doctor if you see signs of high blood sugar.

• Follow your activity or exercise routine.

• Follow up your sick day plan if you are ill.

 

Conclusion of High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar, if not managed, can lead to serious complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and other organs. Early detection and proactive management through regular monitoring, a healthy diet, exercise, and medication are essential for controlling blood sugar levels. For people with diabetes, following a comprehensive treatment plan and staying alert to symptoms of high blood sugar can help prevent long-term health risks. Always consult your healthcare provider for tailored advice to manage and prevent high blood sugar effectively.

If not treated, high blood sugar(hyperglycemia) could lead to coma or even death.