Blood sugar is your body's main source of energy. However, when your blood sugar becomes excessively elevated you may develop health problems. As such, you should monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. The fasting plasma glucose test is one way of doing so. This involves fasting for at least eight hours before measuring your blood sugar level. The normal adult blood sugar levels fall between 70 to 100 mg/deciliter, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Breath that Smells Fruity
Having breath that smells fruity is one sign that you have elevated levels of sugar in your blood, according to the Mayo Clinic. When your blood sugar levels are elevated, you may have a condition known as hyperglycemia. This condition can lead to further problems and complications if you do not do something to lower your blood sugar levels.
Constant Thirst and Frequent Urination
If your blood sugar levels are elevated, chances are you will constantly feel thirsty. This is primarily because your body is unable to stay properly hydrated because of the excessive amounts of sugar in your blood. You will also have a higher tendency to urinate more frequently, according to KidsHealth.
Diabetes and Diabetic Ketoacidosis
You run the risk of developing diabetes if your blood sugar levels remain high. You also might develop a further complication called diabeteic ketoacidosis. This occurs when your body has elevated blood sugar levels, but lacks the means of properly utilizing them. Your body will thus resort to using your fatty tissue as fuel, the American Diabetes Association explains. Unfortunately, utilizing body fat causes ketones to be produced as a byproduct of the process. Once the levels of ketones becomes sufficiently elevated, you will experience diabetic ketoacidosis.
Dry Skin
Elevated blood sugar levels can cause your skin to become dry and dehydrated, MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, explains. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, especially after meals if you suspect you have high blood sugar.
Exhaustion
If you have diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels can cause you to feel exhausted even if you are well-fed, MedlinePlus notes. This is because despite having high amounts of blood sugar, your body is not able to use it as fuel.
Impaired Vision
Impaired vision can be an early sign of elevated blood sugar levels, the Mayo Clinic notes. If you experience blurred vision coupled with headaches, check your blood sugar levels to avoid potential complications because of high blood sugar.
Loss of Weight
Elevated blood sugar levels may create further complications if left untreated. Your body may develop conditions that prevent you from properly utilizing the blood sugar as fuel. Your body may try converting muscle and fat tissue into fuel resulting in weight loss, KidsHealth explains.
