High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can occur when the body fails to regulate the amount of glucose in the bloodstream properly.

If left untreated, high blood sugar can cause severe health complications, such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage. That’s why it’s essential to know the signs and symptoms of high blood sugar and take immediate action to lower it. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways to detect and manage high blood sugar.

What is Blood Sugar?

Blood sugar, also called glucose, is the primary source of energy used by the body’s cells.

Glucose comes from the food we eat, and the body produces insulin to help transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells where it can be used for energy. When blood sugar levels are too high, the body can’t use or store glucose correctly, resulting in high blood sugar levels.

What Causes High Blood Sugar?

Several factors can lead to high blood sugar, such as:.

Consuming too many carbohydrates or sugary foods
Lack of physical activity
Stress
Illness or infection
Medications, such as steroids
Insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production, which can lead to diabetes

Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can cause a range of symptoms, such as:.

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Fatigue and weakness
Dry mouth or skin
Blurred vision
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Mental confusion or difficulty concentrating
Sweet-smelling breath

If left untreated, high blood sugar can lead to more severe symptoms, such as:.

Rapid heartbeat
Difficulty breathing
Coma

How to Check Your Blood Sugar

If you suspect you have high blood sugar, it’s essential to check your blood sugar levels regularly. You can do this using a blood glucose meter, which measures the amount of glucose in your blood. Here’s how to use a blood glucose meter:.

Wash and dry your hands.
Insert a test strip into the meter.
Poke the side of your fingertip with a lancet to get a drop of blood.
Place the drop of blood on the test strip.
Wait for the meter to display your blood sugar reading.

Your doctor can help you determine how often you should check your blood sugar levels based on your health history, age, and other factors.

What to Do if Your Blood Sugar is High

If your blood sugar is high, there are several things you can do to lower it, such as:.

Drink water: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out excess sugar from your bloodstream and prevent dehydration.
Exercise: Physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels by allowing cells in the body to use glucose for energy.
Eat a healthy diet: Avoid consuming sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods and focus on eating lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Take medication: If you have diabetes, your doctor may prescribe medication, such as insulin or oral medications, to help lower blood sugar levels.
Monitor your blood sugar: Check your blood sugar regularly and work with your doctor to adjust your treatment plan as needed.

If your blood sugar is consistently high, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. High blood sugar can lead to severe health complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be life-threatening.

Preventing High Blood Sugar

Preventing high blood sugar can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes and other health complications. Here are some tips to help prevent high blood sugar:.

Eat a healthy diet: Focus on consuming lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats while avoiding sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing diabetes.
Check your blood sugar regularly: Monitoring your blood sugar levels can help you detect and manage high blood sugar before it leads to complications.
Take medication as prescribed: If you have diabetes, taking medication as prescribed by your doctor can help manage blood sugar levels and prevent complications.
Manage stress: Stress can raise blood sugar levels, so it’s essential to practice stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga.