The peaks of blood sugar are the result of the accumulation of glucose in the bloodstream. The body needs it as fuel for the proper function of the brain, muscles and organs, and most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose.
However, it can not be used as a fuel unless it enters the cells of the body, which is helped by insulin, the hormone released by the pancreas. Therefore, glucose floats in the bloodstream and accumulates over time, in case the body lacks insulin.
When it accumulates in the bloodstream, it raises glucose or blood sugar levels. High levels of blood sugar do not necessarily mean diabetes, in case the individual recognizes the first signs and treats the problem to prevent its aggravation.⏩
Today, many people suffer from a high level of blood sugar, mainly due to the modern lifestyles we carry, we constantly expose ourselves to stress and consume processed and unhealthy foods, laden with dangerous chemical substances.
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can be of two main kinds:
- Fasting hyperglycemia- when the blood sugar is higher than 130 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) after not eating or drinking for at least 8 hours.
- Postprandial or after-meal hyperglycemia- when the blood sugar is higher than 180 mg/dL 2 hours after meals.
If left untreated, high blood sugar can lead to severe nerve damage, as well as damage to the blood vessels and organs, and various serious conditions and health issues.
The blood sugar levels can elevate due to various reasons, including:⏩
- Illness
- Infection
- Stress
- If one skips the insulin or oral glucose-lowering medicine
- A diet rich in carbohydrates
- Physical inactivity
- Participating in strenuous physical activity, especially when the blood sugar levels are high and insulin levels are low
Excess weight / abdominal fat: the food consumed can not enter the body’s cells to nourish it, so it feels hungry and begins to win. Weight, especially in the belly area.
Nerve Problems: The blood vessels that carry nutrients and oxygen to the nerves get damaged due to the high blood sugar levels.
Excessive Urination/Urinating During the Nigh :⏩
t— High blood sugar levels might cause a urinary tract infection which can lead to a frequent urge to urinate.
Blurred Vision: High blood sugar levels can lead to swelling in the lens of the eyes, which can be the reason for the blurred vision.
Stomach Problems: In the case of high blood sugar levels, one faces difficulties to empty the food from the stomach, which leads to pain, nausea, bloating and distention.
Dry and Itchy Skin: The poor blood circulation leads to itchiness, especially in the lower parts of the legs
Difficulty Concentrating: The lack of insulin impedes the removal of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells, reducing many bodily functions, and causing tiredness and inability to concentrate.
Dry Mouth: The mouth can feel very dry due to the elevated glucose levels.
Recurrent Infections: Certain recurring infections might also indicate high sugar levels in the blood.
Dysfunction of the thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands- : ⏩
These issues, as well as pancreas issues, might be another sign of high glucose levels.
Thirst: The excessive work of the kidneys with the aim to filter and absorb the excess sugar causes thirst as a way for the fluids to eliminate it through the urine.
Always Hungry: The reduced levels of the hormone incretin, which reduces the flow of sugar from the liver after meals, leads to constant hunger. This can happen shortly after eating, as a way to again increase blood sugar levels.
Constant Fatigue or Extreme Tiredness: If your thyroid level is low, there is a good chance you are going to feel tired, sleepy or depressed. In order to fight infections, it takes energy, which can result in constant fatigue and high blood sugar levels.
Skin Changes: Discolorations, skin growths, and dark, thick skin areas on the hands and neck might indicate this condition too.
Tingling and Numbness: The nerve damage, or neuropathy, that results from the elevated blood sugar also leads to tingling and numbness in certain body areas.
