High blood sugar, signs, symptoms, and more
High blood sugar is a problem that plagues many, and many have this problem without even knowing about it. The medical term used for high blood glucose (sugar) is hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia happens when the body has too little, or not enough insulin or is not able to use the insulin properly. However, many people do not realize it as they do not know what symptoms and sign to look out for. Technically, if the blood sugar level is higher than 200 mg/dL then it may indicate hyperglycemia.
So, first we should look at some of the causes of high blood sugar:
- Eating more food than you should
- Uncontrolled diabetes (or diabetes you are unaware of, and thus doing nothing about)
- Taking less of the oral agent or insulin than required
- Emotional stress, these can be of any kind
- Certain medications can cause high blood sugar
- Physical stress (cold, flu or infection) can cause high blood sugar
- Surgery can often contribute to high blood sugar levels
- Injury can contribute to high blood sugar
|
|
What are the symptoms and signs associated with high blood sugar?
High blood sugar has only a few or no symptoms at all. So, paying attention to your body is important. However, the common symptoms are:
- Frequency in urination
- Thirst
- Dry mouth
- Urination at night
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Loss of weight
- Increase in appetite
- Slow healing of wounds
- Blurriness in vision
- Dry and itchy skin
There are times when the blood sugar levels become very high or has been high for a long time, in such cases, there are a few additional symptoms, they are:
- Rapid loss in weight
- Unconsciousness
- Increased confusion or drowsiness
- Breathing difficulty
- Dizziness when you stand up
- Coma
So if you find that you have these symptoms, then what should you do?
Well, first see a doctor, you will want to explain your symptoms to them. They will likely run some tests to see if you have diabetes, or some other problem. However, in the meantime, if you experience any of these symptoms and signs, first check you blood sugar. If the result comes out normal, then use a home testing kit to check for ketones and glucose. If the urine test comes out positive, your body may have begun making the changes that can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. If you discover this, it is time to talk to your doctor again and make sure that you get in more quickly, so they can help lower your blood sugar safely.
There are some things you can for yourself to help control your blood sugar.
First, eat less and avoid sugary beverages. If this is hard for you, then take some time to set up a meal plan you can stick to.
Take any of your medicines as directed by the physician, no deviation. If things do not improve, you can consult your physician he/she may adjust the timing or dosage of your medication.
Exercise.
So why do you need to control blood sugar?
Some of the problems that occur with high blood sugar that goes uncontrolled include:
Eye trouble: Small blood vessels that are located in your eyes can become damaged because of diabetes.
Kidney problems: Kidney problems also occur as a result of diabetes.
Diabetes or high blood sugars that affect the kidneys create problems that include:
- An accumulation of waste products in your blood
- Kidney failure
- Expulsion of protein and amino acids
- Waste products are retained in the body instead of being transported out by urinating
- Leg or foot amputation
