What does high blood sugar look like?

The human body naturally has sugar, or glucose, in its blood. The right amount of blood sugar gives energy to cells and organs. Too high blood sugar levels are called hyperglycemia.

The liver and muscles produce some blood sugar, but most of it comes from carbohydrate food and drinks.

The body needs insulin to keep blood sugar levels within normal limits. Insulin is a hormone that causes cells in the body to absorb and store glucose.

If there is a lack of insulin or if insulin does not work properly, blood sugar will form in the body. High blood sugar levels can cause health problems.

What does hyperglycemia feel, why does it occur, and how do I know if my blood glucose is too high? Read on to find out more.

Symptoms

Blood sugar is a fuel for organs and functions of the body.

However, high blood sugar levels do not lead to an energy boost.

In fact, it is often the opposite because the body cells cannot use blood sugar to produce energy.

How does that feel

If a person has high blood sugar, it can be...

Have headaches and other unpleasant feelings

Hard to concentrate

Thirst

Drowsy

Blurred vision

Feel like your mouth is dry.

Gas

Have found that the wounds heal long.

High blood glucose and low insulin levels can lead to higher ketone levels and possibly diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication requiring urgent medical attention.

If this happens, the affected person may have complications:

Shortness of breath

Fruity taste

Rapid heartbeat

Confusion and disorientation

Vomit

Dehydration

Coma

In addition, human blood sugar levels can be above 250 ml/dL.

People may have high blood sugar levels in the morning, especially if they have diabetes. Click here to learn more about this.

Blood glucose and ketone test kits can be bought online and used at home.

However, anyone who thinks they have diabetes should first see a doctor.

How does high blood glucose levels affect the body

High blood glucose levels can lead to a number of other symptoms and complications. These are just some of them.

Urination and thirst: High blood glucose levels go into the kidneys and urine. It attracts more water, causing frequent urination. It can also increase thirst, even though enough fluid has been drunk.

Weight Loss: High blood sugar can lead to sudden or unexplained weight loss. This is because the cells in the body do not get the glucose they need, so the body burns muscles and fat to produce energy instead.

Numbness and tingling: High blood sugar levels can also cause numbness, burning or tingling in the hands, legs and feet. This is due to diabetic neuropathy, a complication of diabetes that often occurs after years of high blood sugar levels.

Long-term complications

Over time, high blood sugar levels lead to damage to organs and systems of the body. Damage to blood vessels can lead, among other things, to complications:

Heart attack or stroke

Eye damage and vision loss

Renal disease or failure

Problems with nerves in the skin, especially on the legs, which lead to wounds, infections and healing problems.

Different types of diabetes can lead to high blood sugar levels.

In type 1 diabetes mellitus, the immune system attacks the pancreas cells that produce insulin. As a result, there is a lack of insulin in the body and blood sugar levels rise.

People with type 1 diabetes mellitus must take insulin through a needle, pen or insulin pump to keep blood glucose levels within the target range.

According to the American Diabetes Association, only 5 percent of Type 1 diabetics have insulin.

In type 2 diabetes mellitus, the body produces insulin but cannot use it properly. The pancreas tries to produce more insulin, but often cannot produce enough to keep blood glucose constant. This is called insulin resistance.

People with type 2 diabetes mellitus may need to take insulin, take pills, and change their diet or exercise in order to keep their blood glucose levels under control.

Gestational diabetes may develop with insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. This should be monitored during pregnancy, as it can lead to complications for the mother and child. 

Gestational diabetes usually disappears after childbirth.

Cystic fibrosis: There may be a connection between diabetes and cystic fibrosis.

Drugs: People taking beta-blockers and some steroids may also have high blood sugar levels.

Risk factors for high blood sugar levels

Doctors don't know exactly what causes diabetes. However, some factors may increase the risk.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus

The researchers believe that certain genetic or environmental factors may increase the likelihood of type 1 diabetes.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) claims that certain genes play a role and other factors - such as viruses and infections - may have an impact.

The Foundation for Research on Juvenile Diabetes says there is nothing a person can do to prevent type 1 diabetes. Nutrition, exercise or other lifestyle decisions will not change the result.

Type 1 diabetes usually begins in childhood or early adulthood, but can develop at any age.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

The following risk factors may make type 2 diabetes more likely to develop:

Genetically engineered

Excess weight or inaction have a parent or brother or sister with type 2 diabetes

African Americans, Alaska Native Americans, Indians, Asians, Hispanics or Pacific islanders are

over 45 years old that are treated for high blood pressure or have a blood pressure of 140/90 or higher.

that have low "good" HDL cholesterol or high triglyceride content.

Healthy blood sugar

People with high blood sugar levels should discuss their targets with their physician.

They may need to be checked regularly to ensure they are within a healthy range. Each person is different, and levels may vary from person to person.

To determine blood glucose levels, a person may need to fast for 8 hours, 2 hours after a meal, or both.

Some people may also take a glucose tolerance test, where they drink sugar liquid and then take a blood test.

The American Diabetes Association recommends primary blood glucose levels of 80-130 milligrams per deciliter (ml/dL). Approximately 1-2 hours after a meal, blood sugar levels should be below 180 ml/dL.

Satisfying blood sugar levels

Many people with diabetes need to check their blood sugar levels daily with a blood glucose meter. This device takes a drop of blood, usually from your finger, and shows your blood sugar level for a few seconds.

People with type 1 diabetes mellitus should take insulin on doctor's recommendation, usually several times a day.

People with type 2 diabetes mellitus or gestational diabetes may need to change their diet and exercise habits. They may also need to take oral medication or insulin.

Preventing high blood sugar levels

Several strategies can help prevent hyperglycemia.

People should do it:

Monitor blood sugar levels according to a doctor's recommendation and take the right amount of insulin if they have type 1 diabetes.

Talk to your health care provider or nutritionist about what foods you should eat or avoid, how much and how often you should eat.

Take precautions to avoid infections, e.g. wash your hands regularly as a disease such as a cold can cause high blood pressure.

Plan your food intake and exercise to balance blood sugar levels.

Minimise stress as much as possible, for example through exercise, sufficient sleep and stress-relieving exercises such as meditation or yoga.

Low blood sugar

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can occur when a personhas certain diseases uses specific drugs practise many sports overdose or overdose. It can also be a side effect of diabetes medication. Too much insulin can lead to low blood sugar levels.

Symptoms of low blood sugar can include

Feeling weak or shivering

Sudden nervousness, anxiety or irritability

Hyperhidrosis

Extreme hunger

Confusion

Rapid heartbeat

A person can quickly cure hypoglycemia by drinking fruit juice or eating a glucose tablet, a piece of sugar or candy.

Anyone who has frequent episodes of hypoglycemia should talk to a doctor. They may recommend a change in the type of dose.

When to see a doctor

Anyone experiencing fatigue, thirst, frequent urination or weight loss should see a doctor as this may indicate diabetes or other health problems.

During a routine medical examination, blood glucose tests are often performed, even if the person has no symptoms.

The U.S. Prevention Services Task Force recommends that adults between the ages of 40 and 70 who are overweight should be tested for diabetes.

Individuals with diabetes in their family history or other risk factors may need testing earlier or more frequently.

Prospects 

If a person has diabetes, their health and well-being depend on the correct setting of blood sugar levels.

To improve or maintain a good quality of life, a person should

Doctor's visit

Take prescription medication

Follow dietary and exercise instructions

These strategies can help a person with diabetes control blood sugar levels, which can slow down the progression of diabetes.

A person should also carry a medical record, especially if they use insulin, as it can provide important information in an emergency.