Everyone has sugar, or glucose, in their bloodstreams at all times. It is critically important for proper brain function. In fact, all the cells in the body require blood glucose for energy to carry out their tasks. When an individual states that he has sugar in his blood, he typically means that he has an elevated blood sugar level, also known as hyperglycemia. Chronic hyperglycemia suggests diabetes, a condition that requires treatment through dietary modifications and often medication. Untreated diabetes can lead to severe complications and premature death.
Classic Signs
Classic signs of hyperglycemia include frequent urination and feeling thirsty a good deal of the time. You may drink a glass of water or another beverage and become thirsty again in 30 minutes. The third classic sign of hyperglycemia is frequent hunger; this sign is often dismissed and attributed to another cause. If you notice that you are thirsty more often than usual and are voiding more than eight times each day, discuss it with your physician.
Symptoms You May Notice
Other diabetes symptoms you may notice include weight loss, dry skin, itchiness, excessive tiredness and a gradual onset of vision problems. You may develop recurrent infections such as yeast infections, skin infections or nail infections. Your hands or feet may feel numb, tingly or asleep.
Signs a Physician May Recognize
Your physician may suspect diabetes during a physical examination if you have glucose in your urine or sores that aren't healing properly. He may also notice that you don't have hair on your feet or lower legs. A blood test will reveal an elevated blood glucose level; this can be done by drawing blood from your arm or testing a drop of blood from your finger. Your physician will likely conduct further testing before diagnosing you with diabetes.
Signs of Chronic, Untreated Hyperglycemia
Many people fail to recognize that they have diabetes for years. The first signs that cause them to seek treatment may include male impotence, permanent kidney damage, blindness, decreased sensations in the limbs or a decreased ability to move the limbs. Occasionally, diabetes isn't determined until an individual has a heart attack or stroke, which is likely the result of damage from years of untreated high blood sugar.
What to Do
If you suspect you have diabetes due to your symptoms, being obese, or having a strong family history of diabetes, don't be afraid to get a blood test. If your do have diabetes, there are changes you can make and medications you can take that will improve your quality of life and likely extend the length of your life.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing;" Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
- American Diabetes Association: Hyperglycemia
- EndocrineWeb: Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
