The condition of excessive sugar in the blood is called hyperglycemia.
It commonly affects people with diabetes, but it can also occur in non-diabetics. Hyperglycemia happens when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose (sugar) get into your cells for energy. When there’s not enough insulin or it’s not working effectively, glucose builds up in the bloodstream.
Common symptoms of hyperglycemia include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue/tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Increased hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
Causes of hyperglycemia can include:
- In people with diabetes:
- Not taking enough insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medication
- Eating too many carbohydrates
- Lack of physical activity
- Illness or infection
- Stress
- Dawn phenomenon (a surge of hormones in the early morning)
- In people without diabetes:
- Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids)
- Pancreatic disorders
- Hormonal disorders (e.g., Cushing’s syndrome)
- Severe stress (due to surgery, trauma, or serious illness)
Complications of untreated hyperglycemia can be serious and include:
- Short-term, life-threatening conditions:
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Occurs when the body doesn’t have enough insulin and starts breaking down fat for energy, producing toxic acids called ketones. More common in type 1 diabetes.
- Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS): Occurs when blood glucose levels become very high, leading to severe dehydration. More common in type 2 diabetes.
- Long-term complications (due to prolonged high blood sugar damaging blood vessels and nerves):
- Heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease
- Nerve damage (neuropathy), especially in the legs and feet
- Kidney damage (nephropathy)
- Eye damage (retinopathy), potentially leading to blindness
- Foot problems, including infections and ulcers that can lead to amputation
- Skin and mouth conditions
- Increased risk of infections
- Bone and joint problems
If you experience symptoms of high blood sugar, it’s important to consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate management.