What is High Blood Sugar?
When blood sugar levels are too high, the body converts excess glucose in the bloodstream to glycogen or stores it as fat. Glycogen is a short-term energy source, while fat serves as a long-term reserve. Proper blood sugar regulation is essential for energy and healthy weight. Blood sugar also affects appetite—lower levels can make you feel hungry.
What should my blood sugar levels be?
Causes of High Blood Sugar
- Consuming carbohydrates: The body struggles to convert carbohydrates into energy if blood sugar is already high, especially in people with diabetes.
- Poor insulin management: Inadequate medication or lack of exercise and diet control raises blood sugar levels.
- Stress: Emotional strain can trigger spikes in blood sugar.
- Illness and related conditions: Infections and surgery can elevate blood sugar within hours.
- Other medications: Some drugs may cause sugar levels to rise.
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
- Difficulty waking up fully
- Needing coffee, tea, cigarettes, or sweets to start the day
- Drowsiness after eating
- Evening fatigue or daytime naps
- Avoiding exercise due to low energy
- Frequent headaches or night sweats
If you answered “yes” to most of these, your blood sugar levels may be unstable. Get tested as soon as possible.
Common Hyperglycemia Symptoms
- Dry mouth
- Constant thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blurry vision
- Dry, irritated skin
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased hunger
Prolonged high sugar can lead to dehydration and severe symptoms like breathing trouble, dizziness, weight loss, confusion, or even coma. This can escalate to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a medical emergency.
DKA Symptoms Include:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Stomach pain
Complications Caused by High Blood Sugar
Short-term effects include fatigue, thirst, frequent urination, infections, and blurry vision. In elderly people, complications like dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can increase fall risk.
Long-term effects include:
- Eye disease (retinopathy)
- Kidney disease (nephropathy)
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Cholesterol problems
Managing High Blood Sugar
Use a glucose meter regularly. If no symptoms are present but levels are high, continue with balanced meals and non-caffeinated beverages. Check levels every four hours and test for ketones if diabetic.
Effective Strategies:
Exercise
Physical activity lowers blood sugar. If levels exceed 13.33 mmol/dL, check for ketones before exercising. If ketones are present, do not exercise—consult your doctor.
Diet
- Eat mostly non-starchy vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and broccoli.
- Avoid sugar and sweeteners like syrup and corn syrup.
- Drink less fruit juice—choose whole fruits instead.
Download the free Diabetic e-book with meal plans, recipes, and exercises.
Supplement for Blood Sugar
Manna Blood Sugar Support helps control glucose by slowing absorption by 43%. This reduces insulin demand.
Medication
If lifestyle changes aren't enough, consult a doctor for prescription treatment.
Preventing High Blood Sugar
Avoid foods that spike blood sugar levels:
- Sugary sweets and drinks
- Foods made with synthetic oils (high in omega-6)
- White rice, bread, and potatoes
- Excess red meat, eggs, and dairy
- Caffeine
- Fried foods, sauces, and sweet desserts
- Condensed milk and sugary dairy combinations
