Recognizing high bl00d sugar: 7 early signs you should not ignore

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines hyperglycemia — more commonly known as high blood sugar — as a fasting blood glucose level exceeding 7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dL) or a level greater than 11.0 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) two hours after eating. While it is most often seen in people living with diabetes, high blood sugar can also occur in those at risk, especially due to poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, or underlying medical conditions.

This condition typically develops when the body either fails to produce enough insulin — the hormone responsible for moving glucose from the blood into cells — or becomes resistant to insulin’s effects. If left unchecked, hyperglycemia can gradually harm blood vessels, nerves, and vital organs, leading to long-term health problems. That’s why recognizing the early warning signs is critical to preventing complications and improving quality of life.

Below are seven key symptoms that may indicate your blood sugar is rising to unhealthy levels:

1. Constant Thirst (Polydipsia)

One of the most common early signs of high blood sugar is an unquenchable thirst. When glucose builds up in the bloodstream, the kidneys work harder to filter and remove the excess through urine. In doing so, they pull extra fluids from the body, leaving you dehydrated and craving more water than usual.

2. Increased Hunger (Polyphagia)

High blood sugar disrupts your body’s ability to turn food into usable energy. Since glucose cannot enter the cells effectively, the brain interprets this as an energy shortage — even if you’ve just eaten. As a result, you may find yourself feeling unusually hungry, craving larger meals or frequent snacks.

3. Small Skin Bumps (Eruptive Xanthomatosis)

Persistently high glucose levels can raise triglyceride levels — a type of fat in the bloodstream. This may lead to the formation of small, yellowish bumps on the skin, often on the arms, legs, buttocks, or hands. While not painful, these bumps signal that your blood sugar and lipid levels may be too high.

4. Chronic Fatigue

Without enough insulin, cells are deprived of the glucose they need to produce energy. Instead, sugar remains in the blood, causing you to feel drained, weak, or unable to concentrate. Chronic fatigue linked to high blood sugar often doesn’t improve with rest and may persist for weeks or months if untreated.

5. Headaches and Blurry Vision

High blood sugar can cause fluid shifts that affect the lens of the eye, leading to swelling, distorted vision, and trouble focusing. In some cases, the strain may trigger headaches, further impacting daily productivity and comfort.

6. Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet

Over time, elevated glucose levels can damage the body’s peripheral nerves — a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. Early signs include tingling, burning sensations, or numbness in the extremities, especially the hands and feet. Prompt blood sugar management can help prevent further nerve damage.

7. Skin Tags

Skin tags — small, harmless growths — often appear in body folds such as the neck, armpits, groin, or eyelids. While common, frequent or sudden skin tag development can sometimes be linked to insulin resistance and high blood sugar.

Bottom Line

Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking medical advice can make a significant difference in managing blood sugar effectively. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and routine blood glucose monitoring are key to keeping your levels in check and avoiding serious complications.