Excessively high blood sugar levels are the main characteristic of diabetes mellitus. But is it possible to have high blood sugar even without diabetes, and what are the symptoms of hyperglycemia? We’ll tell you.
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Hyperglycaemia: You can recognize hyperglycaemia by these symptoms
Hyperglycemia does not always have to be accompanied by symptoms, which is why prediabetes or budding insulin resistance in particular often go unnoticed. Nevertheless, the following signs and symptoms can occur, especially in the case of severe hyperglycaemia:
- strong thirst,
- constant urge to urinate or frequent urination ,
- Fatigue,
- lack of drive,
- Nausea,
- dizziness.
If the blood sugar level is very high, disturbances of consciousness or even loss of consciousness – so-called diabetic coma – can occur.
Important: If you experience these symptoms more often or over a longer period of time, you should definitely consult your doctor in order to rule out possible diabetes or to be able to start therapeutic measures at an early stage.
Possible causes of hyperglycemia
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels naturally occur over the course of the day . These are normal because the pancreas releases more or less insulin depending on the time of day, meals, individual metabolism and physical activity. That is why blood sugar fluctuates between about 60 and 140 milligrams of sugar per deciliter of blood, even in healthy people . When fasting, it should be below 100 mg/dl, two hours after eating it should not exceed 140 mg/dl.
If the blood sugar levels are above this, there is a high probability that it is diabetes or at least a budding insulin resistance. According to the ÄrzteZeitung , elevated blood sugar levels “rarely have any other cause than diabetes” . However, in certain cases, the following triggers can also cause elevated sugar levels.
Tip: With a blood glucose meter, you can easily measure your blood glucose level yourself. You can find inexpensive devices online from as little as 15 to 25 euros, for example from Medisana or Adia . However, the self-test does not replace a doctor’s diagnosis. If you suspect diabetes or insulin resistance, you should always consult a diabetologist.
Stress
In stressful situations, so-called “non-diabetic” hyperglycemia can actually occur. Because the released stress hormones mobilize the energy reserves of the body and the liver so that enough sugar is available in the blood for possible flight or fighting. According to the German Diabetes Aid , permanent overload can even possibly trigger type 2 diabetes.
Excessive sugar intake
Occasionally, excessive sugar consumption can also cause hyperglycemia. However, this is rare in completely healthy people, which is why experts warn against taking elevated blood sugar levels lightly or attributing them to a single high- sugar meal . Because actually the insulin response of the pancreas should be sufficient to keep the blood sugar under control. A doctor should therefore always be consulted in the event of elevated values or symptoms.
medication
Certain medicines can also affect our blood sugar levels. Although cortisone inhibits inflammation in the body, it also impairs the absorption of glucose in the muscles, liver and fat cells. As a result, excess sugar remains in the blood and hyperglycemia is the result. Thyroid hormones, beta-blockers and diuretic drugs can also have a significant impact on blood sugar levels.
Useful: You can lower your blood sugar level with these natural home remedies >>
late dinner
Are you one of those people who eat something very late in the evening? In recent years, it has become increasingly clear to researchers why this might not be a good idea. Because our pancreas is also subject to the day-night rhythm and is more active in the morning than in the evening – at least in about 80 percent of people. As a result, the insulin release is significantly lower in the evening , which means that carbohydrate-rich meals in particular late at night drive up the blood sugar level. If there is not enough insulin, the absorbed sugar is not fed into the muscles or liver, but remains in the blood – the result is , according to studies, an increased risk of hyperglycemia, weight gain and diabetes mellitus.
