High Blood Sugar Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

18 Sep 2025 By Rebecca A. Bowie, M.D.

High Blood Sugar Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, occurs when there's too much glucose in the blood. This condition is often associated with diabetes, but it can also affect individuals who don't have diabetes. Recognizing the symptoms of high blood sugar is crucial for early intervention and preventing serious complications. Ignoring these signs can lead to long-term health issues such as nerve damage, kidney problems, and cardiovascular disease. In this article, we will delve into the critical symptoms you should never overlook, the potential causes, and what steps to take to manage high blood sugar effectively.

Why Monitoring Blood Sugar Is Important

Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is essential for overall health. Glucose, derived from the food we eat, is the primary source of energy for our bodies. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose enter cells to be used as energy. When insulin is deficient or the body becomes resistant to it, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar. Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels, especially if you have risk factors like a family history of diabetes, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle, can help detect hyperglycemia early.

Here’s a quick overview of why you should pay attention to high blood sugar symptoms:

Prevents long-term complications: Uncontrolled high blood sugar can damage organs and nerves over time.
Enables timely intervention: Early detection allows for lifestyle changes or medical treatments to manage blood sugar effectively.
Improves quality of life: Managing blood sugar can alleviate uncomfortable symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Key Symptoms of High Blood Sugar

Recognizing the symptoms of high blood sugar is the first step in managing your health. The symptoms can vary depending on how high your blood sugar levels are and for how long they have been elevated. Here are some of the most critical symptoms that you should never ignore:

1. Frequent Urination (Polyuria)

One of the most common and noticeable signs of high blood sugar is the need to urinate frequently, especially at night. When there’s excess glucose in the blood, the kidneys work overtime to filter and absorb it. However, when glucose levels are too high, the kidneys can’t keep up, and the excess glucose is excreted in the urine. This increased urine production leads to frequent trips to the bathroom.

Example: You find yourself waking up multiple times during the night to urinate, even if you haven’t significantly increased your fluid intake.

2. Increased Thirst (Polydipsia)

Frequent urination leads to dehydration, which, in turn, causes increased thirst. Your body tries to compensate for the fluid loss by signaling you to drink more. This can create a vicious cycle where you drink more, urinate more, and become even thirstier.

Example: You feel constantly thirsty, regardless of how much water you drink. You might also experience a dry mouth.

3. Unexplained Weight Loss

Even if you're eating normally or even more than usual, high blood sugar can lead to unexplained weight loss. When your body can’t use glucose for energy due to insulin deficiency or resistance, it starts breaking down muscle and fat for fuel. This process can result in significant weight loss over time.

Example: You notice that your clothes are getting looser, or you’re losing weight despite not changing your diet or exercise habits.

4. Increased Hunger (Polyphagia)

Despite having plenty of glucose in the bloodstream, cells aren’t receiving enough energy due to insulin issues. This can lead to increased hunger. Your body is essentially telling you to eat more in an attempt to get the energy it needs, even though the glucose isn’t being effectively utilized.

Example: You feel constantly hungry, even after eating a full meal. You might also experience cravings for sugary foods.

5. Blurred Vision

High blood sugar can affect the lens of the eye, causing it to swell. This swelling can lead to blurred vision. While this symptom might resolve as blood sugar levels stabilize, prolonged hyperglycemia can lead to more serious eye problems, such as diabetic retinopathy.

Example: You notice that your vision is blurry or that it fluctuates throughout the day, particularly after meals.

6. Fatigue

When glucose isn’t being effectively used by cells, it can lead to fatigue and a general feeling of tiredness. Even after getting enough sleep, you might still feel drained and lack energy to perform daily activities.

Example: You feel constantly tired and lack the energy to complete your usual tasks.

7. Slow-Healing Sores and Frequent Infections

High blood sugar can impair the body’s ability to heal. Cuts, bruises, and sores may take longer to heal than usual. Additionally, high glucose levels can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, and skin infections.

Example: You notice that a small cut or scrape takes significantly longer to heal than it normally would. You might also experience frequent infections.

8. Numbness or Tingling in Hands and Feet (Neuropathy)

Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves, leading to a condition called diabetic neuropathy. This can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet. Neuropathy can worsen over time and lead to more serious complications, such as foot ulcers.

Example: You experience tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in your hands and feet.

| Symptom | Description | | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Frequent Urination | Need to urinate often, especially at night, due to the kidneys trying to eliminate excess glucose. | | Increased Thirst | Constant feeling of thirst due to dehydration from frequent urination. | | Unexplained Weight Loss | Losing weight without trying because the body is breaking down muscle and fat for energy. | | Increased Hunger | Feeling constantly hungry despite eating enough calories. | | Blurred Vision | Temporary blurring of vision due to fluid shifts affecting the lens of the eye. | | Fatigue | Persistent feeling of tiredness and lack of energy. | | Slow-Healing Sores | Cuts and wounds taking longer than usual to heal. | | Numbness/Tingling | Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet due to nerve damage. |

Potential Causes of High Blood Sugar

Understanding the underlying causes of high blood sugar is essential for effective management. While diabetes is the most common cause, other factors can also contribute to elevated blood sugar levels. Simple Breakfasts To Prevent A Postprandial Blood Sugar Crash

1. Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. There are two main types:

Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This results in an absolute deficiency of insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes: A condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin, or the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity, inactivity, and poor diet.

2. Diet

A diet high in simple carbohydrates and sugary foods can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Foods like white bread, pasta, sugary drinks, and processed snacks are quickly broken down into glucose, leading to a surge in blood sugar.

3. Lack of Physical Activity

Physical activity helps the body use glucose for energy and makes cells more sensitive to insulin. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels.

4. Stress

When you're under stress, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can raise blood sugar levels. Chronic stress can lead to persistently elevated blood sugar.

5. Illness and Infections

During an illness or infection, the body releases hormones to fight the infection, which can also raise blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes may find it more challenging to manage their blood sugar during these times.

6. Certain Medications

Some medications, such as corticosteroids, diuretics, and certain antidepressants, can increase blood sugar levels as a side effect.

7. Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women who didn't have diabetes before. It's caused by hormonal changes that affect insulin sensitivity.

Risk Factors for High Blood Sugar

Identifying risk factors can help you take proactive steps to prevent or manage high blood sugar. Common risk factors include:

Family history of diabetes
Obesity or being overweight
Sedentary lifestyle
Age (risk increases with age, especially after 45)
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
History of gestational diabetes

Steps to Take When You Notice High Blood Sugar Symptoms

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms of high blood sugar, it's important to take immediate action to manage the situation and prevent potential complications. Here are the steps you should follow: Understanding Your Fasting Blood Sugar What S Healthy And What S Not

1. Check Your Blood Sugar

The first step is to check your blood sugar levels using a blood glucose meter. This will provide you with accurate information about your current blood sugar levels and help you determine if you need to take further action.

For people with diabetes: Follow your doctor's instructions on how often to check your blood sugar and what target range to aim for.
For people without diabetes: If you suspect you have high blood sugar, consider purchasing a blood glucose meter to check your levels. Normal fasting blood sugar levels are typically below 100 mg/dL.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to help flush excess glucose out of your system and prevent dehydration. Water is the best choice, but you can also drink unsweetened tea or herbal infusions. Avoid sugary drinks, as they can further raise blood sugar levels.

3. Adjust Your Diet

Avoid sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods that can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. Opt for non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. If you have diabetes, follow your meal plan and consider adjusting your insulin dosage if needed.

4. Exercise

Engage in light physical activity such as walking, stretching, or yoga. Exercise helps your body use glucose for energy and can lower blood sugar levels. However, avoid intense exercise if your blood sugar is very high, as it can sometimes have the opposite effect.

5. Monitor Your Symptoms

Keep track of your symptoms and blood sugar levels over time. This will help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns and make adjustments to your treatment plan if necessary.

6. Consult a Healthcare Provider

Seek medical attention if your blood sugar levels are consistently high or if you experience severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, or shortness of breath. Your healthcare provider can perform additional tests to determine the underlying cause of your high blood sugar and recommend appropriate treatment options.

When to Seek Emergency Care

In some cases, high blood sugar can lead to life-threatening complications that require emergency medical care. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Severe dehydration (e.g., extreme thirst, dry mouth, decreased urination)
Confusion or disorientation
Rapid, deep breathing
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal pain
Loss of consciousness

Strategies for Managing and Preventing High Blood Sugar

Preventing high blood sugar involves adopting lifestyle changes and medical interventions tailored to your individual needs. Here are effective strategies for managing and preventing high blood sugar:

1. Balanced Diet

Adopt a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. Limit your intake of sugary drinks, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates. Focus on portion control and eating regular meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

2. Regular Exercise

Incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. A Beginner S Guide To Understanding Your Normal Blood Sugar Chart

3. Weight Management

Maintain a healthy weight through a combination of diet and exercise. Even losing a small amount of weight can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

4. Stress Management

Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature. Chronic stress can raise blood sugar levels, so managing stress is essential for maintaining stable blood sugar.

5. Regular Monitoring

Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it. This will help you identify patterns and make adjustments to your lifestyle or medication as needed.

6. Medication Adherence

If you have diabetes, take your medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Follow their instructions carefully and never skip or change your dosage without consulting them.

7. Adequate Sleep

Get enough sleep each night. Poor sleep can disrupt hormone levels and increase insulin resistance, leading to high blood sugar.

8. Regular Check-ups

Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your overall health and blood sugar levels. They can provide guidance and support for managing your condition and preventing complications.

9. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Limit your alcohol intake, as alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and interfere with diabetes medications. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation and with food.

10. Quit Smoking

If you smoke, quit. Smoking can increase your risk of developing diabetes and make it harder to manage your blood sugar.

By recognizing the symptoms of high blood sugar and taking proactive steps to manage your health, you can prevent serious complications and improve your quality of life. Remember, early detection and intervention are key to maintaining stable blood sugar levels and preventing long-term health issues. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.