Monitoring blood sugar isn’t just for people diagnosed with diabetes—it’s essential for everyone.
Imbalanced blood sugar can cause a range of health issues, some of which you might already be experiencing without even realizing it. In this article, we will uncover 12 signs that indicate high blood sugar, discuss the potential risks, and provide practical tips on managing your levels effectively.
Understanding Blood Sugar
Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is crucial for your body’s functioning. It is the main fuel for your cells, providing the energy you need to perform daily activities. Your body regulates blood glucose levels through insulin, a hormone which is produced by the pancreas. Simply put, your pancreas releases insulin and ensures there is enough insulin to transport glucose into your cells.
Yet, as this process is disrupted (such as when your cells have insulin resistance and can’t uptake insulin properly), it can result in high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia.
High Blood Sugar Symptoms
1. Constant Thirst
When your blood sugar levels are high, your kidneys work overtime in order to filter and absorb the excess sugar. This can cause dehydration, making you feel constantly thirsty.
2. Frequent Urination
This is another indication of high blood sugar. This might not seem like a big deal at first, but it could be one of the more dangerous signs that your blood glucose level is too high. When glucose remains in the system for a longer time, it can draw water from just about every organ within your body, causing it to shrink slightly.
A loss of water will result in dryness throughout the entire system, including the bladder, which means you’ll have to go more frequently than usual. You might have to urinate up to 20 times in a single day even when your body doesn’t need the water, especially concerning those whose kidneys are already affected by diabetes.
Staying hydrated is an important part of maintaining healthy blood sugar levels throughout the system, so ensure you’re drinking enough fluids every day.
3. Extreme Hunger
