The blood sugar level in the body indicates the amount of glucose in the blood, which is a type of sugar which is the main energy source for the body. High blood glucose(blood sugar), or technically, hyperglycemia, occurs when the body cannot use glucose properly( type2 diabetes), or it has insufficient amounts of it (type 1 diabetes).

Warning Signs of Diabetes

In 2013, over 382 million people around the world had diabetes, and 90% of them had type 2 diabetes. This is a metabolic disease, characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Production of insulin – a pancreatic hormone that usually deals with balancing blood sugar levels – is either reduced or the cells don’t respond to it properly. As early as possible, it would be a life-changer if you already learn how to prevent Peripheral Arterial Disease.

The following symptoms develop as a result of this:

Dry mouth: You experience a lack of moisture in the mouth, which can be both unpleasant and dangerous. Dry mouth can become a breeding ground for bacteria and cause different oral and dental problems.

Frequent urination (polyuria): If you notice that you have to urinate more often, and you wake up during the night (sometimes several times) to empty your bladder, this could be a warning sign. The kidneys start working harder to get rid of the excess glucose from the blood.

 Sexual dysfunction: Diabetes also damages blood vessels and nerves in the sex organs, which can lead to different sexual problems. Women can experience vaginal dryness and men can have difficulty with erection. 35% to 75% of men with diabetes suffer from impotence.

Increased hunger (polyphagia): Due to extreme highs and lows in blood sugar levels, the body develops a sudden urge to eat. The cells don’t get enough glucose, so you crave it.

Weight loss or weight gain: As insulin can’t get glucose into the cells, the body reacts as if it would be starving and starts using proteins from the muscles. Rapid, unexplained weight loss (10 to 20 pounds over a couple of months) is not healthy and requires further investigation.

 Vision problems: High blood sugar also affects the eyes. It changes the shape of the lens and eyes. As a result, your vision becomes blurry. You can see occasional flashes of light and the vision gets distorted. Initially, the changes to the eyes are reversible. However, if sugar levels stay high for a long period of time, this can cause permanent damage and can even lead to eyesight loss.

Skin changes: Velvety dark skin, known as achantosis nigricans, can appear on the neck, groin and armpit. You can also observe other unusual skin changes and itchiness, especially around the vaginal or groin area.

Hyperglycaemia is the medical term for a high blood sugar (glucose) level. It’s a common problem for people with diabetes.It can occasionally affect people who don’t have diabetes, but usually only people who are seriously ill, such as those who have recently had a stroke or heart attack, or have a severe infection.

What causes high blood sugar?

A variety of things can trigger an increase in blood sugar level in people with diabetes, including:

• stress
• an illness, such as a cold
• eating too much, such as snacking between meals
• a lack of exercise
• dehydration
• missing a dose of your diabetes medication, or taking an incorrect dose
• over-treating an episode of hypoglycaemia(low blood sugar).
• taking certain medicines, such as steroid medication

Occasional episodes of hyperglycaemia can also occur in children and young adults during growth spurts.

Treating hyperglycaemia

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes and you have symptoms of hyperglycaemia, follow the advice your care team has given you to reduce your blood sugar level as well as exploring other wellbeing options such as integrative medicine.

You may be advised to:

• change your diet – for example, you may be advised to avoid foods that cause your blood sugar levels to rise, such as cakes or sugary drinks
• drink plenty of sugar-free fluids – this can help if you’re dehydrated
• exercise more often – gentle, regular exercise with the best diabetic socks such as walking can often lower your blood sugar level, particularly if it helps you lose weight
• if you use insulin, adjust your dose – your care team can give you specific advice about how to do this

You may also be advised to monitor your blood sugar level more closely, or test your blood or urine for substances called ketones (associated with diabetic ketoacidosis). Until your blood sugar level is back under control, watch out for additional symptoms that could be a sign of a more serious condition.