Monitoring blood sugar isn’t just for people diagnosed with diabetes—it’s essential for everyone.

Understanding Blood Sugar
Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is a primary source of fuel for your cells, essential for daily functioning. Your pancreas produces insulin to regulate glucose, helping it enter your cells. However, when insulin resistance occurs or your pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, it results in high blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia.

High Blood Sugar Symptoms
Constant Thirst One of the first signs of high blood sugar is persistent thirst. When blood sugar is high, the kidneys work overtime to filter and absorb excess glucose, leading to dehydration. This results in an insatiable thirst that isn’t easily quenched.

Frequent Urination High blood sugar can lead to frequent urination as excess glucose is excreted through the urine. This condition, known as polyuria, can cause significant dehydration, which further contributes to the cycle of thirst and urination.
Extreme Hunger When glucose can’t enter your cells, your body interprets this as a signal to eat more. This is why high blood sugar can trigger extreme hunger, even after eating. Your body is trying to get energy from food because it can’t properly access the glucose already in your bloodstream.
Fatigue and Weakness High blood sugar forces your kidneys to work harder, leading to fatigue and weakness. Additionally, when glucose is not utilized by your cells, your body lacks the energy needed to function properly, leaving you feeling drained and exhausted.
Blurred Vision High glucose levels can cause your eye lenses to swell, leading to blurred vision. This symptom often resolves when blood sugar is controlled, but ongoing issues could be a sign of prolonged hyperglycemia or diabetic retinopathy, a serious eye condition.
Slow Healing Wounds Excess blood sugar can impair your immune system, making it harder for your body to heal wounds and fight off infections. You may notice that cuts or bruises take longer to heal than usual.
Frequent Infections High blood sugar weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. Common infections associated with high blood sugar include urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin infections, and gum disease.
Numbness and Tingling Prolonged high blood sugar can damage nerves, leading to neuropathy. Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet is one of the early warning signs of nerve damage caused by hyperglycemia, which may progress to diabetic neuropathy.
Irritability and Mood Swings Blood sugar fluctuations can impact your mood. High glucose levels may lead to irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. These mood swings are often linked to hormonal changes, as insulin imbalances can affect neurotransmitter function in the brain.
Dry Mouth and Skin As your body becomes dehydrated from high blood sugar, your mouth and skin may become dry. This dryness can make your mouth feel parched, and your skin may become flaky or cracked, especially in areas like your elbows or knees.
Bad Breath High blood sugar can cause a buildup of ketones, which can produce a distinctive odor that smells like acetone (nail polish remover). This happens because when the body doesn’t have enough insulin, it starts to break down fat for energy, leading to ketone production. Bad breath combined with other symptoms may be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Legs are Swollen Swollen feet and legs can be a sign of poor circulation, which can result from prolonged high blood sugar. The excess sugar in your blood draws water into the cells, causing them to swell. People with diabetes are particularly prone to peripheral edema, which can lead to infections and circulatory problems if not managed.

Risks of Untreated High Blood Sugar

Ignoring high blood sugar can lead to severe complications. Chronic hyperglycemia can damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs, increasing the risk of developing:

Type 2 diabetes: Persistent high blood sugar can lead to full-blown diabetes.
Kidney damage: Hyperglycemia is a leading cause of kidney disease.
Cardiovascular disease: High blood sugar can cause damage to blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Vision problems: Prolonged high blood sugar can lead to diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and even blindness.

Tips for Managing and Lowering Blood Sugar

Healthy Eating A balanced diet is key. Focus on whole foods like lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables, while avoiding sugary snacks and drinks. Opt for complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, which provide sustained energy without spiking blood sugar levels.
Regular Exercise Exercise increases insulin sensitivity, allowing your body to use glucose more efficiently. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Activities like walking, cycling, and swimming can be great ways to stay active and lower blood sugar levels.
Stay Hydrated Drinking plenty of water helps flush out excess glucose through your kidneys and prevents dehydration. Staying hydrated can help maintain balanced blood sugar levels and promote overall health.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels can help you understand how different foods, activities, and stress levels affect your blood sugar. A glucometer allows you to track your blood sugar levels and make adjustments as needed.
Manage Stress Stress can lead to higher blood sugar levels due to the release of stress hormones like cortisol. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help keep your blood sugar stable.