Glucose is the main source of energy for the human body. But when its level in the blood rises above normal, it can have serious health consequences. The most dangerous thing is that hyperglycemia often occurs without obvious symptoms, or is masked by general fatigue or stress, writes IZ. Identifying the first signs allows you to avoid complications, including the development of type 2 diabetes. Next are seven non-obvious, but important symptoms that you should pay attention to.
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- Constant fatigue for no apparent reason
- Frequent headaches and difficulty concentrating
- Sudden change in vision
- Frequent fungal infections
- Slow healing of wounds
- Constant feeling of hunger
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- What to do if you experience these symptoms?
Constant fatigue for no apparent reason
It seems like you’ve had enough sleep and haven’t exercised much, but you still feel exhausted. This could be because glucose isn’t getting into your cells due to a lack of or insensitivity to insulin, the hormone that transports sugar into your tissues. As a result, your cells don’t get the energy they need, and your body “starves” at the cellular level, even if you eat regularly.
Frequent headaches and difficulty concentrating
Blood sugar directly affects brain function. Too much sugar alters brain metabolism, disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters, and reduces oxygen delivery to tissues. A person may experience chronic headaches, “brain fog,” confusion, difficulty making decisions, or forget simple things. These symptoms are often ignored because they can easily be attributed to fatigue or stress.
Sudden change in vision
Temporary blurred vision or a change in clarity is one of the early signs of a glucose problem. When blood sugar levels change, it also changes the pressure of the fluid in the eyeball, causing a temporary deformation of the lens. A person may notice that they need to change their prescriptions or that their vision temporarily worsens after eating. It is important not to ignore such episodes.
Frequent fungal infections
Excess glucose creates an ideal environment for fungal infections to develop. In women, this can manifest as candidiasis (thrush), in men – as irritation or rashes in the intimate area. Skin fungal infections can also occur, especially in skin folds (armpits, under the breasts, between the fingers). Frequent relapses without an obvious cause are a good reason to get your glucose levels tested.
Slow healing of wounds
A simple scratch that does not heal within a few days or even weeks is a reason to be wary. Elevated sugar disrupts blood microcirculation, reduces the body's ability to regenerate, and impairs the immune response. In people with chronic hyperglycemia, even small wounds can become infected or turn into ulcers, which is especially dangerous for the lower extremities.
Constant feeling of hunger
If you eat frequently but then feel hungry again almost immediately after eating, this could be a symptom of insulin resistance. The body can't use glucose effectively, so the brain gets a signal that it doesn't have enough energy. Hunger often occurs 1-2 hours after eating, especially if the meal was high in carbohydrates. This cycle of overeating can further exacerbate the problem.
Numbness or tingling in the extremities
Diabetes often leads to diabetic neuropathy, which is nerve damage. The peripheral nerves, which are responsible for feeling in your hands and feet, are affected first. You may experience tingling, numbness, or even pain. These symptoms come on gradually, sometimes only at night at first, but over time they become permanent.
What to do if you experience these symptoms?
Not all of the symptoms on this list necessarily indicate hyperglycemia. However, if you experience at least two of them at the same time, it is important to consult a family doctor or endocrinologist. A simple fasting blood test is enough to see if there are grounds for further examination. Timely response can prevent the development of diabetes or keep the condition under control without medication – only with the help of nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle changes.
As a reminder, we previously wrote about how to avoid damaging your nails after using gel polish.