High blood sugar level is a condition in which the body has too much sugar in the blood. Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that the body uses for energy. It is found in many foods, including fruit, milk, and sweets. The body breaks down sugar into glucose, which is then used for energy.
High blood sugar is a very common problem, and it's one that is often overlooked. Many people don't even know that they have it. And even if they do, they may not realise the seriousness of the condition.
It is a serious medical condition that can lead to a variety of health problems if left untreated. Some of the complications of high blood sugar level include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation.
A new scientific study has found that high blood sugar levels can have a negative impact on your health. The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found that high blood sugar levels can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
The study's findings are based on data from more than 3,000 people who were followed for a period of 15 years. The participants were divided into two groups: those with high blood sugar levels, and those with normal blood sugar levels. The researchers found that the participants with high blood sugar levels were more likely to develop health problems than those with normal blood sugar levels.
According to Prof. Olufemi Fasamade, consultant physician and endocrinologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, said: “Diabetes kills more people than the trio of tuberculosis, HIV and malaria. From my experience with patients that have ailments like stroke, heart attack, blindness, kidney problem, and limb amputation, they all have links to diabetes”.
The study's findings suggest that if you have high blood sugar levels, you should take steps to lower them. This may include making changes to your diet, exercising more, and taking medication.
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar Level
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, your blood sugar may be too high:
– Excessive thirst
Excessive thirst is one of the most common symptoms of high blood sugar. When blood sugar levels rise, the body attempts to get rid of the excess sugar by urinating more frequently. This increased urination can lead to dehydration, which in turn can cause thirst.
– Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of high blood sugar. When your blood sugar is high, your body has to work harder to maintain a normal blood sugar level. This can lead to fatigue and tiredness. Fatigue can also be a symptom of other health conditions, such as anemia or sleep apnea. If you are feeling fatigue, it is important to see your doctor to rule out these other conditions.
– Blurred vision
Blurred vision is one of the most common symptoms of high blood sugar. When blood sugar levels rise, the lenses of the eyes become swollen and change shape. This alters the way light enters the eyes, resulting in blurred or fuzzy vision. In severe cases, high blood sugar can cause permanent damage to the eyesight.
– Headaches
High blood sugar levels can cause a number of different symptoms, including headaches. When blood sugar levels are high, the body is unable to properly utilise glucose for energy. This can lead to a build-up of sugar in the blood, which can in turn cause headaches.
Headaches caused by high blood sugar levels are typically throbbing or pulsing in nature and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to check your blood sugar levels and seek medical treatment if necessary.
– Slow healing cuts or wounds
When your blood sugar is high, your body will be unable to heal properly. This is because the high blood sugar prevents your body from producing the necessary collagen to build new tissue and repair existing damage. In addition, high blood sugar also interferes with your body's ability to fight infection. This means that even a small cut or wound can take longer to heal if your blood sugar is high.
– Frequent infections
High blood sugar level can lead to a number of different health problems, one of which is frequent infections. When blood sugar levels are high, it can weaken the immune system and make it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. This can lead to a person getting sick more often, as well as developing more serious infections that are more difficult to treat. Therefore, if you are experiencing frequent infections, it is important to get your blood sugar levels checked to see if they are the cause.
– Fluctuations in mood
There are a few reasons why high blood sugar can cause mood swings. First, when blood sugar levels are high, the body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone can cause feelings of anxiety and irritability. Additionally, high blood sugar can cause inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can lead to a decrease in the production of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood.
If you’re experiencing any of the aforementioned, your best bet is to see a doctor and get it under control. Don't wait until it's too late.
Causes of High Blood Sugar Level
If you're like most people, you probably think of high blood sugar as something that only affects people with diabetes. But the truth is, high blood sugar can affect anyone at any time. There are many causes of high blood sugar, and most of them are completely within our control.
One of the most common causes of high blood sugar is eating too much sugar. Sugar is found in lots of foods that we eat every day, and it's easy to consume more sugar than we realise. When we eat too much sugar, our body's insulin levels can't keep up, and our blood sugar levels rise.
Other common causes of high blood sugar include eating too many refined carbohydrates, not getting enough exercise, and stress. Refined carbohydrates are found in foods like white bread, pasta, and pastries. They're also found in many processed foods. When we eat refined carbs, our body breaks them down into sugar very quickly, which can cause our blood sugar levels to spike.
Getting enough exercise is important for keeping our blood sugar levels in check. Exercise helps to increase our insulin sensitivity, which means that our body is better able to process sugar. Stress can also cause our blood sugar levels to rise. When we're stressed, our body releases hormones that can raise our blood sugar levels.
So, if you're struggling with high blood sugar, take a look at your lifestyle and see if there are any changes you can make. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and managing stress can all help to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
How is High Blood Sugar Treated?
If you have high blood sugar, treatment is important to keep your blood sugar levels under control and prevent serious health problems. There are a number of different treatment options available, and the right option for you will depend on your individual circumstances.
If you have high blood sugar, it is important to work with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. There are a number of different treatment options available, and the right option for you will depend on your individual circumstances. Treatment options include healthy diet, medication, and surgery.
Healthy diet:
Making changes to your diet is one of the most important things you can do to manage your diabetes and improve your blood sugar levels. Even small changes can make a big difference. Cutting back on sugary foods and drinks, eating more fiber-rich foods, and choosing healthy fats can help keep your blood sugar levels in check. Adding in some physical activity can also help.
If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you create a diabetes-friendly eating plan that meets your needs and preferences.
Exercise:
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
When you exercise, your body becomes more sensitive to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, or blood sugar. When your body is more sensitive to insulin, it can more efficiently use blood sugar for energy, which can help keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
In addition to increasing your body’s sensitivity to insulin, exercise also helps your body use more glucose for energy. When you exercise, your muscles need more energy, so they require more glucose. This can help to lower your blood sugar levels.
Finally, exercise can also help you lose weight. When you lose weight, your body becomes more efficient at using insulin and blood sugar. This can help to lower your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of complications from diabetes.
Taking medications
There are different types of medications used to treat high blood sugar, and your doctor will decide which one is right for you. Some of the most common medications are:
• Metformin. This is usually the first medication prescribed for type 2 diabetes. It works by helping your body use insulin better.
• Sulfonylureas. These medications help your pancreas make more insulin.
• Meglitinides. These medications work like sulfonylureas, but they work more quickly.
• Insulin. If your body can't make enough insulin, or if your body isn't using insulin properly, you may need to take insulin injections.
If you have high blood sugar, it is important to get treatment to keep your blood sugar levels under control. There are a number of different treatment options available, and the right option for you will depend on your individual circumstances.
