What Are High Blood Sugars?
High blood sugars are a condition in which an individual has too much sugar (glucose) in the blood. The normal range for blood glucose, or blood sugar, is between 70 and 120 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). A person with diabetes may have higher blood sugars than this, and if left unchecked, can cause serious health complications. High blood sugars can also occur in people who don't have diabetes.
What Causes High Blood Sugars?
High blood sugars can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, stress, and medications. People with diabetes may have higher blood sugars if they don’t take their medications as prescribed, or if their diet is too high in sugar. High blood sugars can also be caused by stress, as the body releases hormones that can cause the blood sugar to rise. Certain medications, such as steroids, can also cause high blood sugars.
What Are the Side Effects of High Blood Sugars?
High blood sugars can cause a wide range of side effects, both short-term and long-term. In the short-term, high blood sugars can cause increased thirst, blurred vision, fatigue, and frequent urination. In the long-term, high blood sugars can cause damage to the kidneys, heart, and eyes, as well as an increased risk of stroke, nerve damage, and amputation. High blood sugars can also cause an increased risk of depression, as the body is unable to properly regulate mood.
How Can High Blood Sugars Be Controlled?
High blood sugars can be managed through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. Eating a balanced and healthy diet, and avoiding foods high in sugar and carbohydrates, can help keep blood sugars in check. Exercise can also help, as it can help the body to regulate the glucose in the bloodstream. Finally, if you have diabetes, it is important to take your medications as prescribed, as this can help keep your blood sugar levels under control.
What Are the Risks of Ignoring High Blood Sugars?
If high blood sugars are not managed, they can lead to a number of serious health complications. These can include damage to the kidneys, heart, and eyes, as well as an increased risk of stroke, nerve damage, and amputation. High blood sugars can also cause an increased risk of depression, as the body is unable to properly regulate mood. Finally, high blood sugars can lead to an increased risk of death if left unchecked.
Conclusion
High blood sugars can cause serious health complications if left unchecked. It is important to manage high blood sugars through lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and to take any medications as prescribed. Ignoring high blood sugars can lead to serious health complications, and even death, so it is important to take any necessary steps to keep them under control.