Elevated blood glucose is often caused by a condition called diabetes that is caused by problems with insulin. Type 1 diabetes is caused by inadequate insulin production, whereas type 2 diabetes is the result of the body not responding properly to insulin. Elevated blood sugar levels can have a number of dangerous effects on the body.
Cardiovascular Disease
One of the main effects of chronically elevated blood glucose levels, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive snd Kidney Disorders explains, is an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Elevated blood glucose levels can cause damage to the walls of arteries. These damaged arterial walls are then prone to developing atherosclerosis, which is a condition in which cholesterol accumulates in the walls of the arteries, resulting in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques cause the walls of the arteries to become thick and stiff. This causes the arteries to become narrowed, which leads to an increase in blood pressure. These plaques can also significantly impair the flow of blood through the artery, resulting in the closure of the coronary arteries, leading to a heart attack. Atherosclerosis also increases a patient's risk of developing a stroke.
Kidneys
The kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood and removing waste products. High blood sugar can damage the filtering portions of the kidneys, the Mayo Clinic explains. This can result in permanent renal damage, which can result in complete kidney failure. Patients with kidney failure will either need a kidney transplant or dialysis.
Neuropathy
Elevated blood glucose levels can also damage nerves, the American Diabetes Association explains. This can result in patients developing tingling or numbness or pain in their extremities. Nerve damage caused by high blood sugar can be very difficult to treat and can result in permanent sensory impairment and chronic pain.
Eyes
Patients who have elevated blood sugar can also suffer from various forms of eye problems, the American Diabetes Association explains. High blood sugar levels can clog small blood vessels that supply blood to the retina. This can disrupt blood flow to the retina, causing permanent retinal damage and vision loss. Elevated blood sugar levels can also increase a person's chance of developing glaucoma and cataracts.
Skin Infections
Elevated blood sugar can also block capillaries that supply blood to the skin. This can be dangerous because proper circulation is needed for the healing of wounds in or near the skin's surface. This poor circulation can result in wounds being slower to heal and can also increase the chance of dangerous infections afflicting the patient, which can result in gangrene.
