Due to the pandemic, there has been a surge in diabetes cases around the world. This rise has been exacerbated by low-grade inflammation caused due to viral infections, which impact insulin resistance. According to research, these viruses can replicate within pancreatic beta-cells, where insulin is produced. This further affects the synthesis and secretion process of the hormone. This sudden increase has made it more critical to recognize the alarming signs of high blood sugar.

High blood sugar levels can have harrowing effects on one’s body – from causing blindness and impotence to cardiac issues and a fatty liver. Recognizing these signs is crucial for timely intervention and treatment. Some common strategies for managing high sugar levels include nutrition management, regular monitoring, exercise, and insulin therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may also be advisable.

Excessive thirst
Also known as polydipsia, excessive thirst is a common sign of high blood sugar caused by dehydration resulting from frequent urination. Patients with high blood sugar levels might constantly battle the urge to drink fluids to quench their insatiable thirst.

Increased hunger
People with high blood sugar are also prone to increased hunger as a sign of their condition. Polyphagia causes the body’s cells to miss out on receiving sufficient energy from glucose. In order to cope with it, the body breaks down stored fat and muscle tissue, which might cause unintentional loss of body mass.

Frequent urination
Polyuria is also one of the common signs of high blood sugar. The kidney’s primary function is to eliminate excessive sugar in the body. The urge to empty the bladder is more frequent at night, known as nocturia. Paying attention to changes in urinary frequency can help identify potential high blood sugar levels.

Blurry vision
High blood sugar levels can affect the lens of the eye, causing temporary changes in vision. Individuals may experience blurred vision or difficulty focusing. This visual impairment is often temporary, and resolves once blood sugar levels are properly managed. However, prolonged high blood sugar can lead to long-term complications affecting vision.

Dry mouth and skin
Dehydration resulting from increased urination can cause dryness of the mouth and skin. Individuals may experience a persistent dry or sticky sensation in the mouth and notice dry, itchy, or flaky skin. Proper hydration and moisturizing measures are essential to alleviate these symptoms.

Slow-healing sores or cuts
Over an extended period, high blood sugar levels can affect the speed of healing of sores and cuts. Diabetes causes nerve damage, which impacts circulation. This delayed healing causes even minor wounds to become more prone to infections.

Pain or numbness in the hands and feet
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can damage nerves, leading to a condition called diabetic neuropathy. This can cause a tingling, painful sensation, or numbness in the hands and feet.

Frequent yeast infections
High blood sugar levels can also make one more susceptible to frequent yeast infections. Increased levels of sugar in the bloodstream lead to high levels of glucose in the urinary tract. This gives yeast a feeding ground, leading to symptoms such as itching, redness, or soreness in the nether regions, pain or discomfort during urinating, and thick, abnormal vaginal discharge.

Swollen or bleeding gums
Increased levels of sugar in the body lead to higher glucose levels in the gums. This provides nourishment for the bacteria in one’s mouth, making them more susceptible to gum disease. This can cause symptoms such as swollen or bleeding gums, the appearance of pus or ulcers, or even tooth loss.

Dark patches on skin
Those with hyperglycemia may also notice the formation of patches of dark skin on the creases of the neck, armpit, or groin area. This skin condition is also known as acanthosis nigricans.

Complications caused due to high blood sugar
When left unchecked, spiked blood sugar levels can lead to health complications such as:

• Blindness
  People with increased blood sugar levels are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Some common symptoms of this condition include blurred or fluctuating vision, dark or empty areas in one’s vision, or even complete blindness or vision loss.
• Cardiac issues
  Damage to the blood vessels due to high levels of blood sugar also puts one at an increased risk of cardiac issues such as heart attacks or strokes.
• Fatty liver
  Excess glucose in the body is turned into fat cells. This fat is stored in the liver. Over time, the liver cells are gradually replaced by fat cells, impacting liver function and leading to fatty liver disease. This condition is a common complication for those living with type-2 diabetes.
• Impotence
  With high blood sugar levels, the amount of blood flowing to sexual organs may be restricted. This can lead to erectile dysfunction or impotence.

Medicare covers various services like hospital stays, doctor stays, and supplies, including blood sugar test strips. The service also covers a substantial portion of prescriptions. Different parts of Medicare cover different supplies and services. Part A provides coverage for hospice care, hospital stays, and skilled nursing facilities. Part B covers blood sugar test strips, blood sugar monitors, lancets, and more. It also covers insulin pumps and supplies. Similarly, part C and D provide coverage for other aspects of diabetes treatment and management. Also, don’t forget to consult a healthcare provider to discuss vaccination and other options to protect yourself and your family.

Elevated blood sugar levels in diabetes can lead to nerve damage, leading to conditions like polyneuropathy, affecting multiple nerves, or focal neuropathy, affecting a single nerve. Both these nerve disorders impact the body’s ability to transmit signals, thus impairing one’s motor and sensory skills. Proper diabetes management is crucial in preventing and mitigating these neurological complications.

Additionally, if left unchecked, elevated blood sugar levels could lead to a range of health issues such as blindness, cardiac issues (like heart disease), fatty liver, and erectile dysfunction or impotence. High blood glucose can also increase the risk of weakened immunity, neuropathy, nephropathy, gum disease, and depression. Recognizing these signs can help one make more informed choices about food intake, paving the way for a healthier future.