High blood sugar: What are the warning signs?
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Diabetes is the eventual outcome of a shortfall in insulin, the hormone that takes up glucose in the blood. As levels of the hormone flounder, concentrations of blood sugar grow, wreaking havoc on the body. This is the most perilous aspect of diabetes because once blood sugar damage reaches a certain threshold, little can be done to reverse it. Early signs of the condition, such as frequent headaches, should therefore never be ignored.
Diabetes cases have been growing year on year, but slowing the disease is proving a challenge because it is inextricably linked to other conditions such as obesity.
Symptoms include intense thirst, a need to urinate often, fatigue, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
According to the website Diatribe, however, blood sugar levels that remain high throughout the night may elicit symptoms of hyperglycaemia, such as headaches.
The health website states: “Hyperglycaemia, or ‘high glucose’, is not defined by one specific glucose level.
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“While many people with diabetes aim to keep blood sugar levels below 180mg/.dl during the day, some people aim for the lower ranges of 120 of 140 mg/dl at night, when they are not eating.”
Symptoms of higher blood sugar levels can cause disruptions to sleep, because people may experience the need to urinate frequently or to consume water.
However, headaches, dry mouth, nausea may also be more common
Some health bodies claim that headaches brought on by high blood sugar generally take several days to develop, and are one of the initial signs of high blood sugar levels.
This is because fluctuations in glucose levels affect the brain more than other organs in the body, according to Healthline.
In fact, headaches caused by changes in glucose are generally related to hormones activated by sugar levels.
But despite being slow to appear, recurring headaches should never be ignored.
Frequent or long-term blood sugar highs can be dangerous for a number of reasons, but mainly because they entail health complications of the heart, eyes, kidneys and other organs.
Secondly, high blood sugar levels can boost concentrations of ketones in the blood, which is a telltale sign that there is enough insulin in the body.
At this stage, the condition – known as diabetic
How to lower blood sugar levels
The importance of healthy eating for blood sugar control cannot be overstated.
Diet is just as relevant for diabetes prevention as it is for treatment. As a rule of thumb, foods that are sweetened with sugar or comprise simple carbohydrates should be avoided.
Harvard Health explains: “For most people with diabetes, carbohydrates should account for about 45 percent to 55 percent of the total calories you eat each day.
“Chose your carbohydrates wisely – ideally from vegetables, whole grains and fruits.
“Avoid highly refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, and rice, as well as candy, sugar soft drinks and sweets.”
What’s more, the lowering effects of exercise on blood sugar are some of the longest-lasting, helping regulate levels for periods of up to 48 hours.
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