When blood sugar is very high, especially above 250 mg/dL, your body starts to give warning signs. Dr Amit Saraf, director of internal medicine at Jupiter Hospital, Thane, said high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, often develops gradually and can be missed if you’re not aware of the warning signs.
These symptoms may come on gradually and are often ignored at first, seconded Dr Rajiv Kovil, head of diabetology, Zandra Healthcare, and co-founder of Rang De Neela Initiative.
Some common signs include:
Frequent urination – When sugar levels are high, your kidneys work overtime to remove the excess glucose, leading to more trips to the bathroom. “One of the most common signs is feeling very thirsty. No matter how much water you drink, the dryness continues. This is often followed by frequent urination, especially waking up at night to pee,” said Dr Kovil.
Excessive thirst – Losing more fluid through urination can leave you feeling unusually thirsty, even after drinking water.
Increased hunger – Despite eating enough, your body may not be able to properly use glucose for energy, making you feel hungry again quickly, said Dr Saraf.
Fatigue — When glucose isn’t effectively entering your cells, your body lacks energy, leaving you constantly tired.
Blurred vision – High sugar levels can cause fluid shifts in the eyes, temporarily affecting one’s ability to see clearly. “Some may experience blurred vision, dry mouth, or headaches,” said Dr Kovil.
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Persistently high sugar can damage nerves (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Slow-healing wounds – Elevated glucose can impair circulation and immune function, slowing the body’s healing response. “You might also notice slow healing of wounds or frequent infections, like urinary tract or skin infections,” said Dr Kovil.
Unexplained weight loss – If your body can’t use sugar properly, it breaks down muscle and fat for energy. “Some may also feel nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, especially if blood sugar is dangerously high (above 300 mg/dL),” said Dr Kovil.
Recurrent infections – High sugar levels weaken the immune system and create an environment where bacteria and fungi thrive.
Tingling or numbness in hands/feet – Persistently high sugar can damage nerves, especially in the extremities (diabetic neuropathy), said Dr Saraf.
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Irritability or mood swings – Fluctuating sugar levels can impact brain chemistry, causing changes in mood and behaviour, said Dr Saraf.
Experts urge getting a blood sugar test and consulting a physician for timely diagnosis and management if you’re experiencing multiple symptoms.
Dr Kovil cautioned that if these symptoms appear, especially in someone known to have diabetes, it’s important to check blood sugar immediately and seek medical help. “Ignoring high sugar levels can lead to serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a medical emergency,” said Dr Kovil.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
