What is hyperglycemia. How does it affect people with diabetes. What are the causes and symptoms of high blood sugar. How can hyperglycemia be treated and prevented. What are the risks of untreated hyperglycemia.

What is Hyperglycemia and How Does It Affect Diabetics

Hyperglycemia, the medical term for high blood glucose (sugar), is a common concern for individuals with diabetes. It occurs when the body has insufficient insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. This condition can lead to various complications if left untreated, making it crucial for diabetics to understand and manage their blood sugar levels effectively.

For those with Type 1 diabetes, hyperglycemia may result from inadequate insulin administration. In contrast, individuals with Type 2 diabetes might have enough insulin, but their bodies may not utilize it efficiently. Regardless of the diabetes type, maintaining proper blood glucose levels is essential for overall health and preventing long-term complications.

The Impact of Hyperglycemia on the Body

When blood sugar levels remain consistently high, it can have detrimental effects on various bodily systems. Some potential consequences include:

• Damage to blood vessels
• Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
• Kidney damage (nephropathy)
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Vision problems, including diabetic retinopathy
• Slow wound healing
• Increased susceptibility to infections

Understanding these potential risks underscores the importance of proper diabetes management and regular blood glucose monitoring.

Causes of Hyperglycemia: Unraveling the Triggers

Several factors can contribute to the development of hyperglycemia in individuals with diabetes. Identifying these triggers is crucial for effective management and prevention. Some common causes include:

1. Insufficient insulin administration (for Type 1 diabetics)
2. Insulin resistance (for Type 2 diabetics)
3. Overeating or consuming more carbohydrates than planned
4. Lack of physical activity or exercising less than usual
5. Stress from illness, such as a cold or flu
6. Emotional stress, including family conflicts or relationship issues
7. The dawn phenomenon (a natural surge in hormones that occurs early in the morning)

By recognizing these potential triggers, individuals with diabetes can take proactive steps to prevent or manage hyperglycemic episodes.

The Dawn Phenomenon: A Natural Challenge for Diabetics

The dawn phenomenon refers to the body’s natural release of hormones, typically occurring between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. These hormones, including cortisol and growth hormone, can cause blood glucose levels to rise, presenting a unique challenge for individuals with diabetes.

To address the dawn phenomenon, diabetics may need to adjust their insulin regimen or medication schedule in consultation with their healthcare provider. Strategies might include using an insulin pump with programmable basal rates or taking long-acting insulin before bedtime.

Recognizing the Symptoms of High Blood Sugar

Identifying the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia is crucial for timely intervention and management. Common indicators of high blood sugar include:

• Elevated blood glucose readings
• High levels of glucose in urine
• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Fatigue or weakness
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Dry mouth

It’s important to note that symptoms may vary from person to person, and some individuals might not experience noticeable symptoms until their blood sugar reaches very high levels. Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential for detecting hyperglycemia early and preventing complications.

The Importance of Regular Blood Glucose Testing

Consistent blood glucose monitoring is a cornerstone of effective diabetes management. By checking blood sugar levels regularly, individuals can:

• Detect hyperglycemia early
• Assess the effectiveness of their current treatment plan
• Make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and medication
• Prevent potential complications associated with prolonged high blood sugar

Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the optimal frequency of blood glucose testing and target ranges for your specific situation.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Hyperglycemia

When faced with high blood sugar, there are several strategies that individuals with diabetes can employ to bring their levels back into a healthy range. The most appropriate course of action may depend on the severity of the hyperglycemia and the underlying cause.

Exercise as a Natural Blood Sugar Regulator

Physical activity can often help lower blood glucose levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and promoting glucose uptake by muscles. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution when blood sugar is extremely high. If your blood glucose exceeds 240 mg/dL, it’s essential to check for ketones in your urine before engaging in physical activity.

Why is checking for ketones important? When ketones are present, exercising may actually cause blood glucose levels to rise further, potentially leading to a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. If ketones are detected, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider for guidance on safely lowering your blood sugar.

Dietary Adjustments and Meal Planning

Modifying your food intake can also help manage hyperglycemia. Consider the following strategies:

• Reduce portion sizes, especially for carbohydrate-rich foods
• Choose complex carbohydrates over simple sugars
• Increase fiber intake to slow glucose absorption
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water

Working with a registered dietitian can be invaluable in developing a personalized meal plan that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Medication and Insulin Adjustments

In some cases, changes to your medication regimen may be necessary to address persistent hyperglycemia. This might involve:

• Adjusting insulin doses or timing
• Modifying oral medication dosages
• Adding new medications to your treatment plan

Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen. They can help determine the most appropriate adjustments based on your individual needs and medical history.

The Dangers of Untreated Hyperglycemia: Understanding Ketoacidosis

Failing to address hyperglycemia promptly can lead to a severe and potentially life-threatening condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This complication primarily affects individuals with Type 1 diabetes but can also occur in some cases of Type 2 diabetes.

What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Ketoacidosis develops when the body lacks sufficient insulin to use glucose for energy. As a result, it begins breaking down fats for fuel, producing waste products called ketones. While the body attempts to eliminate these ketones through urine, it cannot always keep up with their production, leading to a buildup in the bloodstream.

The accumulation of ketones in the blood can cause the blood to become acidic, disrupting the body’s delicate pH balance and potentially leading to organ failure if left untreated.

Recognizing the Signs of Ketoacidosis

Early detection of ketoacidosis is crucial for preventing serious complications. Key symptoms to watch for include:

• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• Breath that smells fruity or sweet
• Nausea and vomiting
• Extreme dry mouth and thirst
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness or fatigue

If you experience these symptoms, especially in conjunction with high blood sugar levels, seek immediate medical attention. Ketoacidosis requires prompt treatment in a hospital setting to restore proper fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and insulin function.

Preventing Hyperglycemia: Proactive Diabetes Management

The key to avoiding hyperglycemia lies in consistent and effective diabetes management. By implementing a comprehensive approach to your health, you can minimize the risk of high blood sugar episodes and their associated complications.

Developing a Personalized Diabetes Management Plan

Work closely with your healthcare team to create a tailored diabetes management plan that addresses your specific needs and lifestyle. This plan should include:

• A balanced meal plan focusing on portion control and nutrient-dense foods
• Regular physical activity tailored to your fitness level and preferences
• Consistent blood glucose monitoring schedule
• Proper medication or insulin administration
• Stress management techniques
• Regular medical check-ups and screenings

By adhering to your personalized plan and making adjustments as needed, you can significantly improve your blood sugar control and overall health.

The Role of Education in Diabetes Management

Continuous learning about diabetes and its management is crucial for long-term success. Consider the following educational opportunities:

• Attend diabetes education classes or workshops
• Join support groups or online communities for individuals with diabetes
• Stay informed about the latest research and treatment options
• Participate in programs like the American Diabetes Association’s “Living With Type 2 Diabetes” for newly diagnosed individuals

By staying informed and engaged in your diabetes management, you can make more informed decisions and better navigate the challenges of living with this chronic condition.

The Importance of Medical IDs for Diabetics

For individuals with diabetes, especially those who use insulin, wearing a medical ID can be a crucial safety measure. These identification items, typically worn as bracelets or necklaces, provide essential health information in case of emergencies when the wearer may be unable to communicate.

What Information Should a Medical ID Include

A comprehensive medical ID for a person with diabetes should contain the following information:

• The individual’s name
• The fact that they have diabetes
• Whether they use insulin
• Any allergies they may have
• Emergency contact information

Some modern medical IDs even incorporate USB drives that can store a person’s complete medical record, providing emergency responders with detailed health information if needed.

The Role of Medical IDs in Emergency Situations

In the event of a severe hypoglycemic episode, car accident, or other emergency where the individual cannot speak for themselves, a medical ID can provide critical information to first responders. Emergency medical personnel are trained to look for these identifiers when caring for unresponsive patients.

By wearing a medical ID, individuals with diabetes can ensure that they receive appropriate care even in situations where they cannot advocate for themselves. This simple precaution can potentially save lives and prevent complications arising from misdiagnosis or improper treatment in emergency situations.

In conclusion, understanding hyperglycemia and its management is crucial for individuals living with diabetes. By recognizing the causes, symptoms, and potential complications of high blood sugar, diabetics can take proactive steps to maintain their health and prevent serious issues. Regular monitoring, adherence to a personalized management plan, and ongoing education are key components of successful diabetes care. With the right approach and support, individuals with diabetes can lead healthy, fulfilling lives while effectively managing their blood glucose levels.

Hyperglycemia (High Blood Glucose) | ADA

Blood Glucose Testing and Management

Hyperglycemia is the technical term for high blood glucose (blood sugar). High blood glucose happens when the body has too little insulin or when the body can’t use insulin properly.

What causes hyperglycemia?

A number of things can cause hyperglycemia:

• If you have type 1, you may not have given yourself enough insulin.
• If you have type 2, your body may have enough insulin, but it is not as effective as it should be.
• You ate more than planned or exercised less than planned.
• You have stress from an illness, such as a cold or flu.
• You have other stress, such as family conflicts or school or dating problems.
• You may have experienced the dawn phenomenon (a surge of hormones that the body produces daily around 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.).

What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia?

The signs and symptoms include the following:

• High blood glucose
• High levels of glucose in the urine
• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst

Part of managing your diabetes is checking your blood glucose often. Ask your doctor how often you should check and what your glucose sugar levels should be. Checking your blood and then treating high blood glucose early will help you avoid problems associated with hyperglycemia.

How do I treat hyperglycemia?

You can often lower your blood glucose level by exercising. However, if your blood glucose is above 240 mg/dl, check your urine for ketones. If you have ketones, do not exercise.

Exercising when ketones are present may make your blood glucose level go even higher. You’ll need to work with your doctor to find the safest way for you to lower your blood glucose level.

Cutting down on the amount of food you eat might also help. Work with your dietitian to make changes in your meal plan. If exercise and changes in your diet don’t work, your doctor may change the amount of your medication or insulin or possibly the timing of when you take it.

What if it goes untreated?

Hyperglycemia can be a serious problem if you don’t treat it, so it’s important to treat as soon as you detect it. If you fail to treat hyperglycemia, a condition called ketoacidosis (diabetic coma) could occur. Ketoacidosis develops when your body doesn’t have enough insulin. Without insulin, your body can’t use glucose for fuel, so your body breaks down fats to use for energy.

When your body breaks down fats, waste products called ketones are produced. Your body cannot tolerate large amounts of ketones and will try to get rid of them through the urine. Unfortunately, the body cannot release all the ketones and they build up in your blood, which can lead to ketoacidosis.

Ketoacidosis is life-threatening and needs immediate treatment. Symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Breath that smells fruity
• Nausea and vomiting
• Very dry mouth

Talk to your doctor about how to handle this condition.

Medical IDs

Many people with diabetes, particularly those who use insulin, should have a medical ID with them at all times.

In the event of a severe hypoglycemic episode, a car accident, or other emergency, the medical ID can provide critical information about the person’s health status, such as the fact that they have diabetes, whether or not they use insulin, whether they have any allergies, etc. Emergency medical personnel are trained to look for a medical ID when they are caring for someone who can’t speak for themselves.

Medical IDs are usually worn as a bracelet or a necklace. Traditional IDs are etched with basic, key health information about the person, and some IDs now include compact USB drives that can carry a person’s full medical record for use in an emergency.

How can I prevent hyperglycemia?

Your best bet is to practice good diabetes management and learn to detect hyperglycemia so you can treat it early—before it gets worse.

If you’re new to type 2 diabetes, join our free Living With Type 2 Diabetes program to get help and support during your first year.

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What is blood glucose?

Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is the main sugar found in your blood. It is your body’s primary source of energy. It comes from the food you eat. Your body breaks down most of that food into glucose and releases it into your bloodstream. When your blood glucose goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into your cells to be used for energy.

For people with diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin, can’t use it as well as it should, or both. Too much glucose stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells.

What is hyperglycemia?

Hyperglycemia means high blood glucose. It most often affects people who have diabetes. When you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it the right way. Too much glucose stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells.

What causes hyperglycemia?

A key part of managing diabetes is controlling your blood glucose levels. To do this, you need to follow a diabetes meal plan and get regular physical activity. You might also need to take diabetes medicines. You have to balance all of these to keep your blood glucose at the right levels. But if you eat too much food or the wrong foods, don’t take your medicines correctly, or don’t get physical activity, you can get hyperglycemia. It can also happen if you are stressed or sick.

Less commonly, people who don’t have diabetes can also get hyperglycemia. It can be caused by conditions that can affect insulin or glucose levels in your blood. They include problems with your pancreas or adrenal glands, certain medicines, and severe illnesses.

What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia?

The symptoms of hyperglycemia include:

• Feeling thirsty
• Feeling tired or weak
• Headaches
• Urinating (peeing) often
• Blurred vision

If you are diabetic and you often have high blood glucose levels or the symptoms of hyperglycemia, talk with your health care team. You may need a change in your diabetes meal plan, physical activity plan, or diabetes medicines.

If you don’t have diabetes and you are having these symptoms, see your provider to find out the cause and how to treat it.

What other problems can hyperglycemia cause?

If hyperglycemia is not treated, it can cause other problems. In people with diabetes, long-term hyperglycemia can lead to serious health problems (diabetes complications).

If your blood glucose levels get very high, you can develop diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA). It happens when your body doesn’t have enough insulin to allow blood glucose into your cells for use as energy. Instead, your liver breaks down fat for fuel. This process produces acids called ketones. When too many ketones are produced too fast, they can build up to dangerous levels in your body. This can be life-threatening.

The symptoms of DKA may include:

• Trouble breathing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain in your abdomen (belly)
• Confusion
• Feeling very tired or sleepy

If you have an an at-home test for ketones, check your ketone level every 4 to 6 hours when your blood glucose is very high or when you are having these symptoms. If the test shows that your ketones are moderate or high, or if you don’t have a ketones test, contact your health care provider right away or get emergency medical help.

How is hyperglycemia diagnosed?

If you have diabetes, you’ll most likely need to check your blood glucose every day and make sure that it’s not too high. You can do this with a blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system.

There are also blood tests that providers can use to check if your blood glucose is too high.

What are the treatments for hyperglycemia?

If you have diabetes and often have high blood glucose, your health care team may make changes to your diabetes meal plan, physical activity plan, and/or diabetes medicines.

If you have severe hyperglycemia and are having symptoms of DKA, you will need treatment at the hospital. The treatment often includes I.V. (intravenous) fluids and insulin.

Can hyperglycemia be prevented?

If you have diabetes, managing your diabetes can help prevent hyperglycemia. To manage your diabetes, it’s important to:

• Follow your diabetes meal plan
• Get regular physical activity
• If you need diabetes medicines, take them correctly
• Regularly check your blood glucose level
• Get regular checkups with your health care team

• Hyperglycemia (High Blood Glucose)

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High blood sugar | Risk factors for the development of chronic non-communicable diseases | Population

Population > Risk factors for the development of chronic non-communicable diseases > Elevated blood sugar

Elevated blood sugar

High glucose (hyperglycemia) is a risk factor for developing diabetes!

Target levels of glucose for a healthy person: 3. 3 – 5.5 mmol / l (capillary blood), 4.0 – 6.1 mmol / l (venous plasma).

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to absolute or relative insulin deficiency, with varying degrees of development of peripheral insulin resistance. In type 1 diabetes, absolute insulin deficiency develops , the body does not produce its own hormone insulin and it becomes necessary to inject it. At
, in type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin is produced, but the sensitivity of the body’s peripheral tissues to its action, the so-called insulin resistance, decreases.

The urgency of the problem of diabetes mellitus is determined by the rapid increase in the incidence of diabetes, mainly due to type 2 diabetes, persistent high mortality and early disability of patients.

Over the past 10 years, the number of patients with diabetes in the world has more than doubled! According to the forecasts of the International Diabetes Federation, by 2035, 592 million people (every 10th inhabitant of the earth) will suffer from diabetes!

A significant increase in the prevalence of the disease is also observed in Russia. According to the federal diabetes registry in the Russian Federation, by the end of 2016, 4.35 million people (3% of the population) were registered with dispensaries, of which: 92% (4 million) have type 2 diabetes, 6% (255,000) have type 1 diabetes, and 2% (75,000) have other types of diabetes. But the true number of patients is 2-3 times higher than the registered one (about 10 million people, up to 7% of the Russian population), while every second patient is not aware of the presence of this disease. Elevated glucose levels are not always felt by a person, the only way to find out is to donate blood for sugar! You can find out the level of glucose by passing a comprehensive examination at Health centers in Kirov and the region , as well as in a medical organization at the place of attachment, along with other activities included in the scope of medical examination (for more details, see section Why should I undergo medical examination ?.

More than 45 thousand patients with diabetes mellitus are registered in the Kirov region, 95% of them are patients with type 2 diabetes (more than 43. 5 thousand).

The clinical manifestations of these types of diabetes are different. If type 1 diabetes mellitus has a more acute onset of the disease and a vivid clinical picture, then type 2 diabetes mellitus is more often detected by chance: during clinical examination, medical examination, having a few, less pronounced manifestations.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

age 45 and older (risk increases with age),

the presence of a family history of diabetes in parents, relatives: the presence of type 2 diabetes in one of the parents increases the likelihood of inheriting the disease in a child up to 40%,

overweight and obesity (BMI over 25 kg/m2): the risk of developing diabetes in obese 1 st. 2 times higher, and with obesity 3 tbsp. the risk of developing diabetes increases 10 times!

hypodynamia (habitually low physical activity),

history of carbohydrate metabolism disorders (prediabetes: impaired glucose tolerance, fasting hyperglycemia),

cardiovascular diseases.

With type 1 diabetes, the development of the disease depends on 50% of the genetic component, on heredity. A predisposition to the disease is inherited, which can be triggered by viral infections, toxic substances, nutritional factors in a child.

Diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, the presence of which increases the risk of developing a heart attack by 2.4 times. The debut of diabetes mellitus at a younger age is associated with a higher risk of developing complications of the disease. When diabetic patients with coronary heart disease have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular events and a shorter life expectancy.

Diabetes is one of the main causes of heart attacks, strokes, amputations of the lower extremities, loss of vision, development of chronic renal failure.

Correction of lifestyle and behavioral risk factors is the basis for the prevention and management of diabetes mellitus, reducing the vascular risks of patients. Most patients with type 2 diabetes are overweight, the control of which is an essential component of the treatment of these patients! Caloric restriction and regular physical activity as much as possible provide positive effects on glycemic control, lipid profile and blood pressure, especially in the early period of the disease. You should also limit your alcohol intake and stop smoking.

Diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus and other glycemic disorders

	Fasting	2 hours after OGTT (glucose tolerance test )
Impaired fasting glycemia (prediabetes)	Capillary blood ≥ 5 .6 – < 6.1 Venous plasma ≥ 6.1 – < 7.0	< 7.8 (normal)
Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes)	Capillary blood < 6.1 Venous plasma < 7.0	≥ 7.8 and <11.1
Diabetes	Double: 9001 3 Capillary blood ≥ 6. 1 Venous plasma ≥ 7 ,0	11.1 and above
	1x at any time of the day 11.1 and above

Prediabetes 9 0008 refers to a condition characterized by impaired carbohydrate tolerance, fasting hyperglycemia, when the amount blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but there are not yet blood sugar levels necessary to establish a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented in people with prediabetes by making dietary changes and increasing physical activity. Daily 30 min. exercise and a 10% weight loss can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 58%.

What can I do to reduce my chances of developing type 2 diabetes?
Maintain weight, avoid obesity, be physically active – at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity physical activity daily; adhere to the principles of a healthy diet, stop using tobacco, try not to drink alcohol!

Using National recommendations Cardiovascular prevention 2017, M. , 2017.

Regional Dermatovenerological Dispensary, Lipetsk

Any person can suffer to varying degrees from the consequences that excessive consumption of sweets causes, and not even notice what harm it causes to his organs, nervous and cardiovascular systems. That’s why we decided to share why cutting out sugar is so important and to help you recognize the warning signs of hyperglycemia before serious complications arise, so that you can take appropriate action in time.

What does high blood sugar mean

The clinical condition associated with an increase in blood sugar, or rather glucose, is called hyperglycemia and accompanies diabetes mellitus. This happens when the body can no longer maintain the proper level of glucose in the blood due to insufficient production of insulin or its complete cessation – then glucose does not enter the cells, but accumulates in the blood.

At the same time, not all symptoms of hyperglycemia manifest themselves with a minimal excess of blood sugar: sometimes this condition is hidden and can only manifest itself when it is very high, when it will be too late to take some measures. In addition, sensitivity to the effects of increased glucose varies from person to person, and some may feel the symptoms of hyperglycemia much faster and more strongly than others.

Hyperglycemia may be acute or chronic. Acute hyperglycemia does not last long, and is often the result of eating a high-carbohydrate meal, missing a dose of medication, stress, or illness. Chronic hyperglycemia, on the other hand, develops when elevated blood glucose levels persist for a long time. It is often the result of undiagnosed diabetes, or a failure to treat diabetes.

Signs of high glucose levels

In order to see a doctor in time, we advise you to check whether you are experiencing the following symptoms of hyperglycemia. And if they are not, we advise you to continue to think about your diet and understand: giving up sugar is not a fashionable trend in recent years, but an important step towards maintaining your health.

Excessive urination

Going to the toilet frequently with little need – these may be symptoms of high glucose. This condition is called polyuria and means increased urination – that is, here you should pay attention not to the fact of frequent urination, but also to an increase in the volume of urine released during this. This happens when the body tries to equalize the concentration of glucose in the blood with its concentration in the cells by diluting the blood with intracellular fluid, and this leads to kidney dysfunction and subsequent osmotic diuresis – the release of large amounts of urine and an increased urge to urinate.

Excessive thirst

The next symptom of hyperglycemia is constant thirst. In other words, the result of polyuria is polydipsia – an attempt by the body to replenish the amount of fluid, which leads to an increased desire to drink more. But people tend not to understand this relationship and believe that this increased urination is caused by excessive thirst, and not vice versa, and try to drink less, thinking that this will reduce trips to the toilet. Of course, this is not worth doing, because the main task is to give up sugar, that is, sweet drinks, but not from any liquid.

Constant hunger

Excessive hunger isn’t really caused by high sugar levels, but by low insulin levels. If it becomes insufficient to move glucose molecules from the bloodstream to the cells, where they are used as fuel for cellular processes, then a number of hormones begin to transmit hunger signals to the hypothalamus of the brain. That is, the body in any case does not receive proper energy and asks for food again and again.

Weight loss

Suffering from hyperglycemia, a person may not understand why he needs to give up sugar if he is already losing weight. Indeed, this is what happens: the body switches to burning fat to support metabolism at the cellular level, plus increased urination and fluid loss leads to a decrease in body weight. Plus, with elevated sugar levels in the urine, there are a huge amount of calories that you literally lose when you go to the toilet – this is how the body tries to get rid of excess glucose. Therefore, your inexplicable weight loss is not a miracle, but sad symptoms of hyperglycemia.

Infectious diseases

Giving up sugar is also important because when it is overabundant in your body, a favorable environment is created for the reproduction and development of various pathogens, which increases your susceptibility to infectious diseases, and especially those associated with the genitourinary system. In addition, increased sugar slows down blood circulation, which in turn reduces the ability of white blood cells to quickly and in sufficient numbers get to where they are needed to fight infections.

Slow healing of wounds

Other symptoms of hyperglycemia that you may notice in yourself are the slow healing of various wounds and cuts. Especially in people with high sugar, purulent wounds do not heal well. Due to dehydration, the skin does not have time to fully recover, dries up and cracks, which leads to re-infection and suppuration, and in addition to this, blood circulation in such patients is disturbed, in particular in the legs, and skin cells receive less nutrients.

Impaired vision

The notorious dehydration of the body as a result of frequent and copious urination is also the cause of visual impairment, its blurriness. The fact is that, as we have already said, the body, trying to dilute the blood with a high concentration of sugar, draws out fluid – this process occurs throughout the body, even in eye cells, which leads to the development of dry eye syndrome and a deterioration in the ability to correctly focus on objects .

Headaches and impaired concentration

These symptoms are observed in acute hyperglycemia. They are connected with the fact that the brain does not receive the fuel necessary for its full-fledged work – glucose, which it absorbs in the amount of 25% of its total amount entering our body. The lack of glucose affects thinking, the ability to reason, remember information, stay focused on certain tasks, and also leads to headaches.

Constant fatigue

When your blood glucose is too high, your body no longer uses the way it should, and your cells don’t get the fuel they need. As a result, we have the result – a decrease in physical energy at the cellular level. If you also sleep poorly due to frequent urination during the night, then in the morning you will feel even more tired and even exhausted. However, people make the mistake of trying to gain energy by eating high-carbohydrate snacks, which increase blood sugar and only worsen the problem.

Chronic constipation or chronic diarrhea

If you have frequent constipation or diarrhea, these can also be symptoms of hyperglycemia that accompanies diabetes, since glucose levels affect the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. When this influence falls on the large intestine, constipation often occurs, on the small intestine – diarrhea, and it often occurs at night. It just needs a rejection of sugar, strict control of carbohydrates and supervision by a doctor.

Excessive irritability

There are other symptoms of hyperglycemia that can easily be confused with something else – in particular, excessive irritability and mood swings.