High Blood Sugar Can Trigger Dangerous Diabetes Complications
If you have diabetes or suspect your blood sugar is high, acting early can prevent serious problems like nerve damage, kidney disease, or heart issues. The key is recognizing when your blood sugar is out of control and getting the right care.
How to Know If Your Blood Sugar Is Too High
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms at first. But ignoring it can lead to emergency situations like diabetic ketoacidosis. A simple way to check is with a home blood glucose meter. Most doctors recommend keeping readings below 180 mg/dL two hours after meals and below 130 mg/dL when fasting.
If you’re testing at home, look for patterns of readings consistently above these thresholds. But symptoms are just as important to notice, because they can signal that your blood sugar is dangerously high even without testing.
Check Your Medicine Cabinet First
Some medications can affect your blood sugar levels. Steroids, certain diuretics, and some psychiatric drugs are common culprits. If you’ve recently started a new medication and notice changes in your symptoms or blood sugar readings, talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes.
When to Seek Urgent Care
If you experience symptoms like extreme thirst, very frequent urination, confusion, or difficulty breathing, these can be signs of a medical emergency. Go to the emergency room immediately if you suspect diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
High blood sugar is often a sign of poorly managed diabetes or prediabetes. It’s important to work with your healthcare team to adjust your diet, activity, and medications. Early intervention can lower risks and improve your quality of life.
Here are the 10 warning signs of high blood sugar. Number 6 is the one most people overlook — and it can cause lasting damage if ignored.
