Insulin resistance causes sugar – which has been broken down from food -to circulate in the bloodstream, instead of being used as fuel by the body’s cells. This is known as type 2 diabetes. What are the warning signs of high blood sugar levels?
The Global Diabetes Community identified four symptoms of hyperglycaemia (i.e. high blood sugar levels).
Increased thirst
This includes feeling very thirsty (known as polydipsia), which can be accompanied by temporary or prolonged dryness of mouth.
Increased thirst continues regardless if you drink two litres of fluid daily; it’s an unquenchable thirst that can’t be satisfied by drinking more water.
Increased urination
In response to high blood sugar levels, the body attempts to remove excess glucose via urine.
Medically termed polyuria, increased urination includes passing “abnormally large amounts of urine each time you urinate”.
Frequent passing of large volumes of urine can amount to more than three litres in a day.
“If you are frequently experiencing an increased need to urinate, it could be a sign that your sugar levels are too high,” said the charity.
READ MORE: Type 2 diabetes: The four infections to spot
Irritation
Another warning sign of high blood sugar levels, according to the Global Diabetes Community, is feeling uncomfortable and irritable.
Another informative charity Beyond Type 2 suggests using a blood sugar meter, if you’ve been diagnosed with the condition, to keep track of your health.
“Sometimes having high blood sugar can feel like a test you didn’t pass. But numbers are just numbers,” assured the charity.
“Think of them instead as information. Did a certain food or activity make your levels go up or down?
“Armed with that knowledge, you can make adjustments and get closer to your target range more often.”
What causes type 2 diabetes?
Regarded as a “complex illness”, a “myriad of factors” contribute to insulin resistance.
Type 2 diabetes is linked to a “poor high-calorie diet of processed and junk foods”.
The condition is also connected to obesity, high blood pressure, physical inactivity and genetics.
It must be noted that type 2 diabetes is not limited to people who are obese or to those who eat an unhealthy diet.
Once a diagnosis has been made (which can be determined by a blood test carried out by a medical professional), you can start a diabetes management plan.
This can involve lifestyle changes such as becoming more active and eating more fruits and vegetables.
Insulin medication may also be offered, with your GP discussing with you the best way to manage your condition.
Published at Sat, 19 Dec 2020 11:17:00 +0000
Type 2 diabetes: The four warning signs your blood sugar levels are too high
