All diabetics are prone to high sugar levels. However, type 1 and type 2 diabetics have high levels for different reasons. Type 1 diabetics experience high blood sugar because their pancreas no longer produces insulin. Insulin transforms sugars in the blood into energy and stabilizes blood-sugar levels. Some type 2 diabetics produce insufficient insulin levels. Others may produce adequate amounts, but their bodies do not appropriately respond to the available insulin. In all cases, diabetics must control high sugar levels to avoid diabetic complications.
Symptoms
Most diabetics will at least occasionally experience high blood-sugar levels. It is important to recognize the symptoms in order to prevent high sugar levels from becoming chronic and permanently damaging. High blood sugar tends to cause extreme thirst. Because you will drink huge quantities of water to alleviate the thirst, you will urinate frequently. In addition, you will likely tire easily and your vision will blur.
Kidneys
The American Diabetes Association warns that chronically high blood-sugar levels increase the blood-filtration demands of the kidneys. Overworked kidneys will eventually begin to leak, rather than efficiently eliminating waste products through their myriad filters, and this can ultimately lead to end-stage renal disease. Diabetics who diligently control both their blood sugar levels and blood pressure are significantly protected against kidney disease.
Eyes
The most dangerous complication of high sugar levels to the eyes is diabetic retinopathy, a disorder of the retina. Most diabetics of either type will eventually incur retinopathy at some point, according to the American Diabetes Association. However, the less dangerous, nonproliferative form of retinopathy is far more common. In this form, small blood vessels in the eye may leak fluids and create swelling. Proliferative retinopathy, which occurs when your eyes generate defective blood vessels to compensate for blockages, is a leading cause of blindness and must be managed by an eye specialist.
Feet
Keeping blood sugar levels under control can delay the appearance and progression of diabetic neuropathy, a form of nerve damage. Because of neuropathy, diabetics must pay special attention to their feet. Neuropathy can cause a loss of sensation, so a diabetic may not even be aware of an open foot wound. Infections can result from untreated wounds, and because diabetics often heal slowly, this can ultimately lead to the loss of a limb.
Heart
The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse reports that diabetics have the same risk for heart attacks as nondiabetics that have already suffered a heart attack. Having diabetes also doubles your risk for both heart attacks and strokes. In addition to closely monitoring glucose levels to ensure they fall within the normal range, the Clearinghouse recommends keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels normal.
