Elevated 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 is crucial to seeking appropriate treatment and avoiding complications.
Symptoms of High Glucose
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia): One of the first manifestations of hyperglycemia is intense and persistent thirst. This happens because the kidneys try to eliminate excess glucose from the blood, resulting in frequent excretion of urine, which leads to dehydration and an increased need for fluids.
- Frequent urination (polyuria): Increased urine production is related to polydipsia. In this sense, as the body tries to eliminate excess through urine, this results in frequent trips to the bathroom, especially at night.
- Bad breath: Breath may take on a fruity or sweet odor due to the presence of ketone bodies in breath, which occurs when the body burns fat instead of glucose for energy.
- Blurred vision: The high concentration in the blood can affect the eyes, causing temporary blurred or blurred vision.
- Frequent infections: People with high glucose levels are more susceptible to infections, such as urinary tract infections, due to the presence of sugar in the urine, creating an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria.
- Unintentional weight loss: Although hyperglycemia can increase appetite, people often lose weight unintentionally because their cells cannot get the glucose they need to function properly.
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia): One of the first manifestations of hyperglycemia is intense and persistent thirst. This happens because the kidneys try to eliminate excess. In this sense, it is resulting in frequent excretion of urine, which leads to dehydration and increased need for fluids.
- Irritability: Fluctuations in glucose levels can cause mood swings, such as irritability and difficulty concentrating.
- Persistent fatigue: Hyperglycemia can cause a constant feeling of tiredness and weakness. In other words, the body cannot effectively use glucose as an energy source.
Which Exam Should I Take to Evaluate?
The fasting glucose test (with a reference value of up to 100 mg/dL) is no longer indicated for diagnosing 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 postprandial glucose.
However, it is important to remember the importance of fasting for 12 hours before the exams, as food 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 see a healthcare professional for an accurate assessment and diagnosis.
What Causes Increased Glucose?
Maintaining blood glucose levels within the appropriate range is essential for long-term health. When high glucose is not controlled effectively, several serious complications can arise. Here are some of the most common complications associated with uncontrolled hyperglycemia:
- Damage to blood vessels: High blood glucose levels can cause damage to blood vessels. In this way, it acts by increasing the risk of atherosclerosis (accumulation of fatty plaques in the arteries). In this sense, it is leading to circulatory problems, such as heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.
- Nerve damage (neuropathy): Chronic hyperglycemia can cause nerve damage, resulting in symptoms such as tingling, numbness, pain and weakness, especially in the extremities. This can affect quality of life and mobility.
- Eye problems (retinopathy): High blood glucose can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems, including diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness if left untreated.
- Kidney diseases (nephropathy): Kidney function can be impaired by hyperglycemia. In other words, leading 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 and skin infections.
- Healing issues: Hyperglycemia can delay the healing process, which is of particular concern 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 getting pregnant.
- Psychological complications: Constantly managing high glucose can cause emotional stress, anxiety and depression, affecting overall well-being.
Treatment
Treating high glucose requires a doctor's guidance. If you have already 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 medication, as advised by your doctor.
If you have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes, you can improve your situation by adopting a healthy lifestyle. That is, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding sugar and alcohol consumption, not smoking and increasing fiber intake.
Foods to Control Glucose
To control glucose, it is recommended to include foods such as skimmed milk, fish, chicken, olive oil, peanuts, chestnuts, beans, brown rice, lettuce, fresh fruit, white cheese and other healthy foods in your diet.
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