How do you know when your blood sugar is not right? 6 hidden signs of high blood sugar and diabetes risk.
- verajacksonnutriti
- Mar 21
- 3 min read
Type 2 diabetes develops where the body becomes less sensitive to insulin ( hormone needed to convert glucose from food into energy), and the body can no longer regulate glucose level well, pushing blood glucose in constant higher numbers. If not regulated well for some time, high blood glucose can cause heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss, nerve damage and even lower limbs damage and amputation.
And what's worse - diabetes can develop "silently", without clear symptoms. Many people with type 2 diabetes DON'T KNOW they have it.
Not long ago diabetes it was considered "people over 40 with extra weight" condition. If you were in your 30's and lean, you would probably not worry about diabetes.
This is changing. Current research shows diabetes becomes more frequent in younger people and people with no weight excess. Meaning more people are at risk, and checking your blood glucose regularly is needed.
The good news: you don't have to check your blood glucose every day from your 18th birthday to know your diabetes risk. Consistent high blood sugar, DOES give you signs to look for. Below are 6 common signs of high blood sugar, increasing diabetes (type 2) risk
So, can you be at risk of type 2 diabetes without knowing it? Can your blood sugar be higher than is supposed to be?
Check yourself with these questions:
Are you always hungry/ eat more than usual?
Did you notice your appetite increased for no reason? Do you feel like you need more food after a meal? Did you notice you feel hungry again shortly after eating?
If you need more food but your lifestyle, but the way you work or exercise hasn’t changed, it may be a sign of broken blood glucose regulation. And increased diabetes risk.
Why does it matter? Blood glucose to energy conversion is slow in type 2 diabetes. It means your body doesn’t get enough energy to function. To get more energy your body prompts you to eat more, raising your hunger and cravings.
Do you need a pee more often, even in cold weather?
If you lifestyle and weather around hasn't changed much, but need a pee more than usual or/and wake up more than once a night to urinate, your blood glucose may be too high for too long, increasing your diabetes risk.
Why does it matter? When your blood glucose is high, your kidneys are working hard to get rid of extra glucose, prompting you to go to toilet more.
Do you drink a lot / always feel thirsty?
If you often need a drink, even if it’s not hot and you are not exercising, your blood glucose and your diabetes risk may be constantly high
Why does it matter? Your kidneys try to get rid of extra blood glucose, sending you to pee more. Because of the fluid loss from frequent urination, you may feel unusually thirsty all the time (known as polydipsia).
Are you tired all the time even after good night sleep?
Do you feel sluggish and run down for no obvious reason? It can be a sign of your body struggling with insulin resistance and converting glucose into energy.
Why does it matter? When insulin resistance develops, blood glucose to energy conversion slows down. Meaning your body is not getting enough energy to function, making you feeling tired and sluggish more often.
Blurred vision, even if you never had eyesight issues.
IMPORTANT! Blurred vision can be dangerous, if you notice it, seek medical help immediately!
Why does it matter? Constantly high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina (rear part of eye). Damaged blood vessels swell and start leaking, causing blurry vision. It normally happens in both eyes and can improve temporarily if your blood glucose level goes lower. In long term blurred vision can lead to vision loss. Don’t ignore it!
Do cuts and wounds take longer to heal?
Why does it matter? Constantly high blood glucose damages blood vessels, slowing blood circulation. It means too slow delivery of essential nutrients, needed to heal a wound. Constantly high blood glucose also weakens your immune system, slowing healing even more.
Did you "ticked" 3 or more signs from the list? If yes, it's time to check your blood sugar, it may be high! Increasing your diabetes risk too.
The good news: you can lower your blood sugar and reduce diabetes risk with simple changes and swaps in what and when you eat.
If you are worried about your blood sugar and want to change it, let's talk.
Book free, no obligation call to talk to me about WHAT you want to change and see how YOU CAN DO IT.
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