Hyperglycemia Symptoms: Understanding blood sugar levels is very important in diabetes management or its prevention. It is important to know what kind of problems can occur in the body if the sugar present in the blood circulation is high or low. However, it can be identified with the help of some common signs and symptoms. So in this article, we will learn about high blood sugar and 8 such symptoms related to it, which you must pay attention to. Let's know about them again.
What is high blood sugar?
High blood sugar, as the term suggests, is a condition where the amount of sugar in the bloodstream exceeds the normal limit, also known as hyperglycemia. If treated on time, this problem can be overcome.
Normally, the pancreas releases insulin into the blood cells. But in some cases, the body is unable to produce insulin (type 1 diabetes) or cannot use the insulin produced properly (type 2 diabetes). In such a situation, the cells do not get the required glucose and the same is present in the bloodstream, which increases the blood sugar level.
Check your blood sugar level like this
Blood sugar levels can be easily monitored with the help of a blood glucose monitor, also known as a glucometer. All you have to do is take a small drop of blood from the fingertip and put it on the test strip of the glucometer, after that you can know your current sugar reading in a few seconds.
Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
A person with high blood sugar level or hyperglycemia may have some or all of the following symptoms –
1. Blurred Vision
Prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, which can lead to blurred vision. However, for a short period, fluid moves in and out of the eye, causing the lens to swell. As the shape changes, vision becomes blurred. This problem can be solved when the blood sugar level falls.
2. Frequent urination
Also known as “polyuria”, frequent urination is one of the easiest signs to understand that something is wrong with your sugar levels. In this condition, the body passes more urine than normal or in abnormal amounts. Polyuria can also be understood in such a way that normally the amount of passing urine daily is only about 2 liters but in polyuria this quantity exceeds 3 liters in a day.
3. Increase in appetite
The medical term "polyphagia" is used to describe increased appetite during high blood sugar levels. In such a situation, due to not getting glucose according to the requirement of the muscles, the person starts feeling more hungry. This is another important sign of high sugar levels as it can lead to insulin resistance. If the body is unable to use the insulin produced to deliver glucose to the muscles, the tissues, and muscles trigger brain cells to eat.
4. Excessive thirst
If your thirst does not quench even after drinking a good amount of water or you feel thirsty all the time, then it is time to check your blood sugar level. This happens because the body feels dehydrated when there is too much glucose in the bloodstream.
5. Fatigue
Because your body's tissues and muscles are not getting energy in the form of glucose, fatigue can be a possible symptom of high blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance due to high blood sugar makes the body feel tired.
6. Dry mouth
This is medically known as “xerostomia”. A dry mouth is a condition when not enough saliva is produced in the mouth. Saliva is vital for controlling bacteria levels and washing away acid from around the teeth and gums.
7. Lack of concentration
Studies have shown that high blood sugar levels can cause difficulty in concentration. Although our brain is a perfectly tuned organ, it is also sensitive to the amount of sugar present in the bloodstream. As mentioned above, prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels can damage your cells. Because the brain needs the energy to function properly, insulin resistance can make it difficult for glucose to get to brain cells and the body can have problems concentrating.
8. Wounds take longer to heal than usual
In the event of a high blood sugar level, any wound in the body takes longer to heal because it becomes difficult for the body to reach the nutrients needed for healing due to damaged blood vessels. It also affects your ability to feel cuts/wounds on your skin, so there is a risk of skin infection if not treated on time.
Self-care for high blood sugar
• Check your sugar level from time to time. This can be easy if you have a handy glucometer.
• Don't skip your meals, especially breakfast.
• Avoid sugary foods and stay away from caffeinated drinks.
• Include any kind of exercise in your routine, this can reduce the sugar level. However, if your reading shows a level greater than 240 mg/dL,