High Blood Sugar: 9 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

The term “high blood sugar” is often associated with diabetes, and there’s a reason why. It is a crucial metric that diabetics or those at risk of it tend to keep a close eye on, since it can be a key indicator of overall health.

But what many don’t realize is that elevated blood sugar levels, also known as hyperglycemia, can affect anyone, even those without a diabetes diagnosis. Be one step ahead of this health issue by taking note of symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored and why they happen. Plus, check out home remedies to help manage high blood sugar levels that may help improve well-being and prevent complications.

What Are Common Symptoms of High Blood Sugar Levels? Blood sugar or blood glucose levels that go above 180 to 200 milligrams per deciliter(mg/dL) or 10 to 11.1 millimoles per liter (mmol/L)¹ may be a catalyst for any of the following symptoms. These can slowly develop over several days or weeks:²

1. Increased thirst and/or hunger
2. Frequent urination
3. Headaches
4. Blurred vision
5. Weakness or tiredness¹
6. Weight loss
7. Dry mouth
8. Recurrent infections
9. Slow healing of wounds or cuts³

If you spot any of these signs of high blood sugar levels, talk to a doctor right away. They can help you understand why these happen and suggest next steps that’ll help tackle them effectively and prevent them from worsening.¹
 

What Causes High Blood Sugar or Glucose Levels?

Aside from eating more than what the body needs or can burn for physical activities, several factors can contribute to elevated blood sugar levels. Here are some of the most common causes of high blood sugar to watch out for:²

• Insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity: This is characterized by the inability of cells in the muscles, fat, and liver to respond to a hormone called insulin properly. This then increases the body’s insulin demand, allowing it to regulate blood sugar levels properly. Unfortunately, if the body cannot produce enough insulin, this can increase the risk of high blood sugar levels.

  Insulin resistance can affect almost anyone, not just people with diabetes. Several factors can increase your risk, including obesity, lack of physical activity, diets high in processed carbohydrates and saturated fats, certain prescription medications (such as corticosteroids, blood pressure drugs, and psychiatric medicines), hormonal or genetic conditions, and even pregnancy.

• Physical stress: If someone is stressed, the body may temporarily raise blood sugar levels due to the release of cortisol and/or adrenaline. This is most likely to happen to people who struggle with stress due to an illness, injury, or surgery, or even trauma or work-related stress.

• Pancreatic conditions: Given that the pancreas produces insulin, damage to this organ can negatively affect this hormone’s production and raise one’s risk for high blood sugar levels. Examples of pancreatic health issues that may increase one’s risk for hyperglycemia include physical trauma to the upper abdomen, Type 1 diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and cystic fibrosis.
   

Tips for Lowering Blood Sugar Levels

The earlier you address high blood sugar levels, the less likely they are to affect your daily life. The first step is to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. While target levels may vary depending on your age, existing health conditions, and other factors, here are some general benchmarks to consider:

• Before meals: 80 to 130 mg/dL
• Two hours post-meal: Less than 180 mg/dL

After consulting a doctor about the ideal blood sugar levels for their condition, manage them with the help of these easy-to-follow tips:⁴

1. Opt for food low in calories, sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
2. Don’t skip meals and make an effort to eat at regular times.
3. Swap juice or soda for water.
4. Choose fruits instead of candies in case of a sweet craving.
5. Limit or avoid the intake of alcoholic beverages.
    

Dietary Fiber for Blood Sugar Level Management? It’s Possible!

Did you know there’s another way to potentially offset the effects of high blood sugar levels through one’s diet? Well, this answer can come in the form of dietary fiber. Compared to other carbohydrates, dietary fiber does not trigger increases in blood sugar levels, as the body doesn’t absorb and break down this nutrient.⁵

While a diet loaded with fiber-rich fruits and vegetables is a good place to start, people looking for another remedy for high blood sugar that can seamlessly fit into daily routines don’t have to look far with Glucopro^®!

This water-soluble, non-gelling, and wintermelon tea-flavored supplement contains 5.4 mg of a dietary fiber called resistant maltodextrin⁶ that was proven to help:

• Improve gut health by:
  • Stimulating the production of a prebiotic in the form of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)⁷
  • Increasing the number of good bacteria in the gut⁸
  • Promoting intestinal regularity⁹
• Assist with healthy weight management by:
  • Promoting intestinal regularity⁹
  • Decreasing visceral fat¹⁰
• Manage blood sugar spikes after meals¹¹

Together with proper diet and exercise, taking a total of three Glucopro^® sachets daily can help people get 16.2g of fiber that allows them to meet the daily dietary fiber requirements of 20 to 25 grams for Filipino adults 19 years old and above, as highlighted in the Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes (PDRI).¹² Ideally, dissolve each sachet in a 250 mL glass of water and consume immediately with meals.⁶

Use Glucopro^® under medical supervision. It is always best to consult a doctor prior to taking any form of supplements.

Glucopro^® is available in drugstores nationwide and online via Lazada and Shopee.