11 Early Warning Signs of High Blood Sugar You Should Never Ignore
Recognizing the subtle signs of high blood sugar can help you prevent serious complications like nerve damage, heart issues, and vision loss—here are 11 symptoms you shouldn't ignore.
Watan-High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can develop gradually, with symptoms starting off mildly—such as fatigue and thirst—making them easy to overlook for years. However, over time, elevated sugar levels can damage blood vessels and lead to serious complications affecting the eyes, heart, kidneys, and feet.
What Are the Signs of High Blood Sugar?
1. Excessive Thirst
When blood sugar levels rise, the kidneys work to flush out the excess sugar through urine, causing the body to lose fluids. This leads to persistent thirst and a dry mouth, according to the medical site Verywell Health.
2. Frequent Urination
Needing to urinate often—especially at night—is a common sign of high blood sugar. The body pulls water from tissues to help eliminate the excess sugar.
3. Constant Hunger
Even though there’s sugar in the blood, the body can’t use it efficiently. As a result, a person feels hungry all the time.
4. Blurred Vision
To manage the excess sugar, the body may draw fluid from the eye tissues, causing vision to become blurry.
5. Fatigue
When cells can’t access sugar for energy, it leads to weakness and ongoing tiredness.
6. Frequent Infections
High blood sugar weakens the immune system and increases the risk of fungal or bacterial infections—especially common among women.
7. Skin Issues
Dry skin, slow-healing wounds, and dark patches on the neck can all be signs of insulin resistance.
8. Mood Swings
Some studies have linked high blood sugar to mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or stress.
9. Stomach Pain
Nerve damage caused by high blood sugar can slow digestion, leading to stomach discomfort.
10. Unexplained Weight Loss
Especially in children, when the body can’t use sugar for energy, it starts burning fat and muscle, leading to sudden weight loss.
11. Tingling or Numbness
Chronic high blood sugar can damage peripheral nerves, causing a tingling or numb feeling in the hands and feet.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional to assess your condition and prevent serious complications such as heart disease, sexual dysfunction, kidney issues, and pregnancy-related problems.
