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What are Hyperglycemia Symptoms?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

Those suffering from hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, are often well aware of when their levels have spiked. This is because most hyperglycemia symptoms are hard to ignore when the chronic condition is present. Some of the most common symptoms include excessive thirst, hunger, and urination. If the blood sugar levels are not lowered quickly, symptoms like weight loss, blurry vision, and fatigue may show up, to name a few issues. If the condition worsens and is prolonged over time, more serious symptoms like vision loss, nerve damage, intestinal issues, and more can also occur.

One of the most classic hyperglycemia symptoms is increased hunger, which is due to the fact that the glucose in the blood is not being properly used by the body for energy. Since the cells do not absorb it properly, it cannot be used as fuel as it normally could, which results in excessive hunger even after eating. In addition, some of the extra sugar from the blood gets into the urine, which can often cause water molecules to do the same, resulting in increased urination. The final classic symptom is increased thirst, which is caused by the loss of water through excessive urination.

Diabetics monitor blood sugar levels to help prevent hyperglycemia.
Diabetics monitor blood sugar levels to help prevent hyperglycemia.

Other hyperglycemia symptoms often appear when the blood sugar levels do not return to normal soon. Some symptoms, such as fatigue and difficulty focusing on tasks, affect the mental state rather than just the body. Of course, there are physical hyperglycemia symptoms, as well, such as weight loss, blurry vision, and headaches. These will likely not disappear until the blood sugar level has dropped to a normal number, so it should be checked frequently to make sure that more serious symptoms do not show up, such as a coma. This type of serious symptom is also referred to as diabetic ketoacidosis, and it can be avoided by fixing the blood sugar level immediately.

One symptom of hyperglycemia is loss of water molecules through excessive urination.
One symptom of hyperglycemia is loss of water molecules through excessive urination.

When the blood sugar level is not decreased quickly enough, usually through the use of insulin, the hyperglycemia symptoms only get worse. One of the most obvious issues is the decreased ability to see clearly, though skin infections and itchiness are also quite apparent. Intestinal problems may also show up, such as diarrhea or constipation, causing discomfort. It may also be observed that wounds do not heal as quickly as they once did, and that extremities like feet are cold, numb, and losing hair. Additionally, women often notice more vaginal infections than usual, while men might experience erectile dysfunction as a result of nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar.

Discussion Comments

anon155813

i have this problem but didn't know what was it really until i read this page. i kind of know now.

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    • Diabetics monitor blood sugar levels to help prevent hyperglycemia.
      By: Dmitry Lobanov
      Diabetics monitor blood sugar levels to help prevent hyperglycemia.
    • One symptom of hyperglycemia is loss of water molecules through excessive urination.
      By: Ioana Davies (Drutu)
      One symptom of hyperglycemia is loss of water molecules through excessive urination.
    • One serious hyperglycemia symptom is coma.
      By: Claudio's Pics
      One serious hyperglycemia symptom is coma.