Blood sugar levels must be managed if blood sugar levels are high, especially if mild symptoms such as increased thirst, tiredness, or sensation of tingling and numbness in the hands and feet appear. Long-term, uncontrolled blood sugar levels increase the risk of diabetes and diabetes complications which include stroke, coronary artery disease, poor eyesight and kidney damage. Mild symptoms and early warning signs must be acted upon as soon as possible to reduce any further damage to the body. High blood sugar is a starting point for diabetes, as well as damage to the cardiovascular system and nervous system.

High blood sugar can lead to insulin resistance. At the early stages, insulin resistance is like a warning sign or ‘SOS’ from cells to change eating habits and to take charge of blood glucose levels. If not, the body’s innate ability to control blood sugar will get weaker and weaker, until it becomes completely unable to control blood sugar by itself (i.e. diabetes). It is easier to start managing blood sugar levels at the prediabetes stage, when there is insulin resistance but no additional damage. The longer it is put off, the more likely it is to lead to irreversible, permanent damage.

Diabetes occurs from damage to the cells in the pancreas, muscle and fat tissue. Diabetes complications arise from high blood sugar and high fat levels causing additional damage to the blood vessels and nerves, leading to diseases in other parts of the body, namely the heart, brain and eyes.

How does the body get sick because of high blood sugar?

To learn more about how insulin resistance develops, and how complications arise, click on the links below: