Hyperglycemia Symptoms (high blood sugar): Do you know them?

Knowing the symptoms of hyperglycemia is necessary for early intervention and preventing possible complications, the most important of which are: frequent urination, thirst, and increased feelings of hunger.^[1]

Hyperglycemia Symptoms

Hyperglycemia may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, or if it is mild, which makes it difficult to detect high blood sugar without regular monitoring. Therefore, routine testing of blood sugar, especially for individuals at risk of developing diabetes. Due to risk factors such as: family history, obesity, or sedentary lifestyles, early detection and intervention is crucial.^[2]

Common hyperglycemia symptoms include: ^[1]

Frequent urination (polyuria)

High blood sugar levels can cause the kidneys to filter excess sugar into the urine, leading to increased urination, and this can lead to dehydration. ^[3]

Increased hunger and thirst

Even though you eat, hyperglycemia can make you feel hungry; Because the body's cells may not receive the energy they need. You may feel very thirsty, because the body tries to compensate for fluids lost as a result of frequent urination. ^[4]

Fatigue and generalized weakness                                                       

When glucose cannot effectively enter your cells, your body lacks the energy needed to function efficiently, and as a result, you may feel constantly tired and weak, even after a good night's sleep.^[3]

Blurred vision

Hyperglycemia can affect eye lenses, making them unable to focus light properly, leading to blurred vision, frequent headaches, and if the condition is left uncontrolled, it can lead to more serious eye problems in the long term, such as diabetic retinopathy. ^[4]

Slow wound healing

Hyperglycemia can cause poor systemic circulation and poor immune function, thus impairing the body's ability to heal wounds and recover from infections. ^[4]

Dark skin in the neck, armpits, and other body folds

Insulin resistance causes thickening and darkening of the skin in the neck, armpits, and sometimes other folds of the body, which is known as Acanthosis Nigricans. ^[3]

Symptoms of long-term hyperglycemia

Long-term hyperglycemia symptoms: ^[3][4]

• Unintended weight loss: When your body can't use glucose efficiently, it turns to breaking down muscles and fats for energy, which cause weight loss.
• Recurrent infections: the most common are urinary tract infections, fungal infections, and skin infections.
• Tingling and numbness: Because long-term hyperglycemia damages the nerves.
• Swollen or bleeding gums: The gums become red and inflamed, and suffer from pus and abscesses.

When should you see a doctor?

If you're diabetic and experience mild hyperglycemia spikes from time to time, there's usually no need to panic, just try to understand what changes could have triggered your blood sugar spike, whether by looking at your diet, activity levels, or even compliance to your medications, and this will help you know how to prevent it from rising again. ^[4]

See your doctor in the following cases: ^[5]

• If you're diabetic, and your blood sugar continues to rise, or symptoms persist, despite using medications as directed.
• If you have symptoms of hyperglycemia, even though you have not been diagnosed with diabetes.

Symptoms requiring seeking emergency care

Refer to the emergency room immediately if symptoms of hyperglycemia are accompanied by of any of the following symptoms: ^[5][6]

• A fruity taste or smell in the breath.
• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
• Tachypnea and tachycardia.
• Persistent drowsiness.
• Mental confusion or difficulty concentrating.
• Myalgia and muscle rigidity. ^[4]