When you have high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, it means there is too much glucose in your bloodstream. This condition can affect almost every part of your body, from your heart to your kidneys. People with diabetes, a condition where the body can’t regulate blood sugar effectively, often deal with this issue, but it can also happen to others under different circumstances.

How High Blood Sugar Affects Your Heart and Blood Vessels

High blood sugar can be tough on your heart and blood vessels. Over time, it can cause the walls of the blood vessels to become hard and thick, a condition known as atherosclerosis. When your blood vessels are stiff, they can’t do their job as well, which means your heart has to work harder to pump blood through your body. This extra work can lead to heart disease and even heart attacks.

Impact on Kidneys

Your kidneys work as filters for your blood, cleaning out waste products. High blood sugar can damage these filters, leading to a condition called diabetic nephropathy. If this damage progresses, it can lead to kidney disease or kidney failure, which is a serious condition requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Effects on Eyes and Vision

High blood sugar can also harm your eyes, a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. Over time, it can damage the small blood vessels in your retina, the part of your eye that’s sensitive to light. This damage can seriously lead to vision problems and, in severe cases, blindness.

Nerve Damage

Another area where high blood sugar leaves its mark is on your nerves. Excess glucose in your bloodstream can injure the walls of the tiny blood vessels that feed your nerves, particularly in your legs. This can cause tingling, numbness, pain, or less sensation that usually starts at the tips of your toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward. Left unchecked, you could lose all sense of feeling in the affected limbs.

Skin and Foot Problems

High blood sugar can cause changes in your skin, making it dry, itchy, and prone to infections. People with diabetes may notice that cuts and bruises take longer to heal. When you have nerve damage in your feet, combined with poor blood flow, it can lead to serious foot problems. Non-healing sores and infections can develop, which can be difficult to treat and may sometimes lead to amputation.

How Your Digestive System is Affected

Your digestive system might not escape the effects of high blood sugar either. It can cause a condition known as gastroparesis, where your stomach takes too long to empty its contents. This can lead to a host of digestive issues, including heartburn, feeling full quickly, vomiting, and bloating.

Impact on Mental Health

The consequences of high blood sugar extend to your mental health. Fluctuations in glucose levels can influence your mood and behavior. For example, you might feel irritable or anxious when your blood sugar is high.

What You Can Do

If you’re dealing with high blood sugar, it’s essential to work closely with your doctor to manage your levels. A combination of medication, diet, exercise, and regular monitoring can help you keep your blood sugar within a healthy range and minimize these risks. If you notice any troubling symptoms, it’s critical to seek medical advice promptly.

Further Reading: What Are Healthy Blood Sugar Levels?