The elevation of blood glucose levels, also known as hyperglycemia, is a condition that can affect people with diabetes or even individuals without a history of the disease. Identifying the symptoms of high blood glucose is crucial to seek appropriate treatment and avoid complications.
Symptoms of High Glucose
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia): One of the first signs of hyperglycemia is intense and persistent thirst. This is due to the kidneys trying to eliminate excess glucose from the blood, which results in frequent excretion of blood and leads to dehydration and increased need for fluids.
- Frequent urination (polyuria): The increase in water production is related to polydipsia. As the body tries to eliminate excess glucose through the urine, this results in frequent visits to the bathroom, especially during the evening.
- Persistent fatigue: Hyperglycemia can cause a constant sensation of tiredness and weakness, as the body cannot effectively use glucose as a source of energy.
- Blurred vision: The high concentration of glucose in blood can affect the eyes, causing blurred or temporarily cloudy vision.
- Frequent infections: People with high glucose are more susceptible to infections, such as urinary tract infections, due to the presence of sugar in the urine, which creates an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria.
- Unintentional weight loss: Even though hyperglycemia can increase appetite, many people lose weight unintentionally, as cells cannot obtain the glucose necessary to function properly.
- Badly alienated: Breathing can acquire a fruity or sweet smell due to the presence of ketonic bodies in the alient, which occurs when the body burns fat instead of glucose to obtain energy.
- Irritability: Fluctuations in glucose levels can cause changes in mood, such as irritability and difficulty concentrating.
Furthermore, other possible symptoms include nausea, headaches, slow healing, dry skin and increased appetite.
What Test Should I Take to Evaluate My Glucosa?
The glucose test in ayunas (with a reference value of up to 100 mg/dL) is not recommended as a diagnosis of hyperglycemia, as it is only a control marker and is not sufficient on its own. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out additional tests, such as glycated hemoglobin and postrandial glucose.
However, it is important to remember the importance of giving 12 hours before the exams, as feeding can affect the results and cause a false positive.
Possible Complications of High Glucose
Hyperglycemia should not be ignored, as, if not treated properly, it can lead to serious complications, such as damage to organs and blood vessels. If you experience these symptoms recurrently, it is essential to seek evaluation from a health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
What Causes the Increase in Glucosa?
Maintaining blood glucose levels within the appropriate range is essential for long-term health. When high glucose is not effectively controlled, several serious complications can arise. Here are some of the most common complications associated with uncontrolled hyperglycemia:
- Damage to blood vessels: High levels of glucose in blood can cause damage to blood vessels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis (accumulation of fatty plaques in arteries), which leads to circulatory problems such as heart disease, cerebrovascular accidents ( ACV) and peripheral vascular disease.
- Nerve damage (neuropathy): Chronic hyperglycemia can damage nerves, which results in symptoms such as tingling, swelling, pain and weakness, especially in the extremities, which can affect the quality of life and mobility.
- Eye problems (retinopathy): High blood glucose can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, which leads to vision problems, including diabetic retinopathy, which can cause blindness if not treated.
- Kidney diseases (nephropathy): Kidney function can be affected by hyperglycemia, which leads to chronic kidney diseases that, in advanced stages, may require dialysis or kidney transplantation.
- Recurrent infections: High blood glucose weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections, such as urinary tract and skin infections.
- Healing problems: Hyperglycemia can delay the healing process, which is particularly worrying in wounds, ulcers or after surgery.
- Fertility problems: In men, high glucose can affect erectile function. In women, it can cause menstrual irregularities and difficulties in conceiving.
- Psychological complications: Constant management of high glucose can cause emotional stress, anxiety and depression, affecting general well-being.
High Glucose Treatment
The treatment of high blood glucose requires the guidance of a doctor. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is not possible to reverse the process, but it is essential to control the situation through diet, exercise, insulin or medications, according to medical advice.
If you have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes, you can improve the situation by adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding the consumption of sugar and alcohol, not smoking and increasing fiber intake.
Foods to Control Glucosa
To control glucose, it is recommended to include foods such as skimmed milk, fish, pollo, olive oil, cacahuetes, nueces, frijoles, brown rice, lechuga, fresh fruits, white queso and other healthy foods in the diet.
I hope this information about glucose has been useful to you. Do not forget to share this information with your friends and family.
