High Blood Sugar Symptoms: 12 Warning Signs to Know
High Blood Sugar Symptoms: 12 Warning Signs to Know
High Blood Sugar Symptoms: 12 Warning Signs to Know
High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, can have a significant impact on your health if left unmanaged. It's essential to be aware of the warning signs so you can take action and prevent long-term complications. In this article, we'll explore 12 warning signs of high blood sugar that you should never ignore.
1. Excessive Thirst and Dry Mouth

One of the most common symptoms of high blood sugar is excessive thirst. When your body has too much glucose, it pulls water from your tissues to dilute the sugar in your blood. This can lead to dehydration, dry mouth, and frequent urination. If you're constantly feeling thirsty and drinking water but still can't seem to quench your thirst, it may be a sign of high blood sugar.
2. Frequent Urination
High blood sugar causes your kidneys to work overtime to remove excess glucose from your blood. This can lead to frequent urination, especially at night. If you find yourself waking up multiple times to use the bathroom or feeling the need to urinate more frequently than usual, it may be a sign that your blood sugar is too high.
3. Fatigue and Weakness
High blood sugar can cause fatigue and weakness due to the lack of energy produced by your cells. When your body can't use glucose for energy, it can lead to feelings of exhaustion, lethargy, and weakness. If you're feeling tired and lacking energy, even after getting enough rest, it may be a sign of high blood sugar.
4. Blurred Vision
High blood sugar can cause your blood vessels to swell, which can lead to blurred vision. This is especially common in people with diabetes. If you're experiencing blurry vision, it's essential to check your blood sugar levels and consult with your healthcare provider.
5. Slow Healing of Cuts and Wounds
High blood sugar can affect the body's ability to heal wounds and cuts. When your blood sugar is high, it can impair the function of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections. If you notice that cuts and wounds are taking longer than usual to heal, it may be a sign of high blood sugar.
6. Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet
High blood sugar can cause nerve damage, leading to tingling or numbness in your hands and feet. This is especially common in people with diabetes. If you're experiencing numbness or tingling in your extremities, it's essential to check your blood sugar levels and consult with your healthcare provider.
7. Increased Appetite
High blood sugar can cause an increase in appetite due to the body's inability to use glucose for energy. When your body is working overtime to remove excess glucose, it can lead to feelings of hunger and increased appetite. If you find yourself feeling hungrier than usual, it may be a sign of high blood sugar.
8. Dizziness and Lightheadedness
High blood sugar can cause dizziness and lightheadedness due to the body's inability to regulate blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar is high, it can lead to a drop in blood pressure, causing dizziness and lightheadedness. If you're experiencing dizziness or lightheadedness, it's essential to check your blood sugar levels and consult with your healthcare provider.
9. Dark or Yellowish Skin
High blood sugar can cause a condition called acanthosis nigricans, which is characterized by dark or yellowish skin in the folds of your skin. This is especially common in people with diabetes. If you notice dark or yellowish skin in your skin folds, it may be a sign of high blood sugar.
10. Recurring Skin Infections
High blood sugar can cause recurring skin infections due to the body's inability to heal wounds and cuts. When your blood sugar is high, it can impair the function of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections. If you notice recurring skin infections, it may be a sign of high blood sugar.
11. Increased Risk of Urinary Tract Infections
High blood sugar can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to the body's inability to regulate blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar is high, it can lead to an increased risk of UTIs. If you notice symptoms of a UTI, such as pain or burning while urinating, it's essential to check your blood sugar levels and consult with your healthcare provider.
12. Increased Risk of Heart Disease
High blood sugar can increase the risk of heart disease due to the body's inability to regulate blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar is high, it can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. If you notice symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, it's essential to check your blood sugar levels and consult with your healthcare provider.
It's essential to note that these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, and only a healthcare provider can diagnose high blood sugar. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to check your blood sugar levels and consult with your healthcare provider. By being aware of these warning signs, you can take action and prevent long-term complications associated with high blood sugar.