High blood sugar:
High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is a condition in which the blood glucose level is abnormally high. Glucose is a type of sugar that the body uses for energy. When the blood glucose level is too high, it can damage the body's tissues and organs.
Symptoms of high blood sugar:
The symptoms of high blood sugar can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination: When the blood glucose level is high, the kidneys try to remove the excess glucose from the blood by producing more urine. This can lead to frequent urination, especially at night.
- Excessive thirst: As the body loses fluids through frequent urination, it becomes dehydrated. This can cause excessive thirst.
- Extreme hunger: When the body is unable to use glucose for energy, it turns to other sources of energy, such as protein and fat. This can lead to extreme hunger.
- Fatigue: High blood sugar can make the body feel tired and weak.
- Blurred vision: High blood sugar can damage the nerves in the eyes, leading to blurred vision.
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet: High blood sugar can damage the nerves in the hands and feet, causing tingling or numbness.
- Slow-healing sores: High blood sugar can impair the body's ability to heal wounds, leading to slow-healing sores.
- Unexplained weight loss: High blood sugar can cause the body to break down muscle and fat for energy, leading to unexplained weight loss.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. High blood sugar can lead to serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
How to control high blood sugar:
There are a number of things you can do to control high blood sugar, including:
- Eating a healthy diet: A healthy diet that is low in sugar and high in fiber can help to control blood glucose levels.
- Exercising regularly: Exercise can help the body to use glucose for energy and lower blood glucose levels.
- Taking medication: If diet and exercise alone are not enough to control blood glucose levels, medication may be necessary.
- Monitoring blood glucose levels: Regularly monitoring blood glucose levels can help to identify and manage high blood sugar episodes.
By following these steps, you can help to control high blood sugar and prevent serious complications.
