High Blood Sugar: Symptoms, Immediate Actions & Management

High Blood Sugar Symptoms: Warning Signs & Immediate Steps to Control

Sudden spikes in blood sugar levels can be daunting, but with prompt action, they can be managed effectively. In India, about 77 million adults have diabetes, and millions more are at high risk. This means roughly 10% of Indian adults (about 90 million) have diabetes.

Several other people have pre-diabetes – blood sugar higher than normal but not yet diabetic. Indian guidelines define pre-diabetes as a fasting level of 100–125 mg/dL. If unaddressed, pre-diabetes often progresses to diabetes. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the high blood sugar symptoms so that prompt action can be taken immediately.

Keep reading to learn more about the signs of high blood sugar, its complications, and ways to manage it effectively.

What is High Blood Sugar?

Hyperglycemia is the term used for excess glucose in your blood. Insulin maintains the level of glucose in the body. ICMR recommends that healthy blood glucose during fasting should be 80–130 mg/dL, and less than 180 mg/dL should be measured after a meal in India.

A fasting blood glucose level higher than 125 mg/dL is a sign of diabetes. Someone with diabetes is typically advised that their post-meal blood glucose should not be above 180 mg/dL. The American Diabetes Association specifies that high blood glucose indicates the body has little insulin or cannot use it properly.

What are the Causes of a Sudden Glucose Spike?

Your blood sugar levels tend to change throughout the day. For those without diabetes, the levels are maintained by insulin and glycogen. The intake of sugars and refined grains triggers spikes in diabetes patients more than in others.

Some of the triggering factors may include:

• Diet Choices: When you eat simple carbohydrates like those in sugary drinks, desserts and refined grains, your blood sugar rises quickly.
• Stress: Stress triggers your body to release hormones that increase blood sugar.
• Illness or Infection: Your body is in fight mode against an infection, which can lead to high glucose levels.
• Lack of Sleep: Even a single night of poor sleep can lower your body’s sensitivity to insulin.
• Dehydration: When less water is in the blood, sugar levels increase.
• Medications: Taking steroids or decongestants can make your blood sugar increase.
• Skipping Meals: Skipping meals may cause unstable blood sugar levels, including reactive hyperglycemia in some cases..

What are the Symptoms of High Blood Sugar?

Hyperglycemia often develops gradually, but certain warning signs are common. For example, some high blood sugar symptoms include:

• Increased thirst (polydipsia)
• Increased appetite (polyphagia)
• Unintended weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Slow-resolving wounds or infections

When you notice high sugar symptoms initially, checking your blood sugar is advised. A brief rise in glucose due to illness or stress is normal. Symptoms of high blood sugar in non-diabetics increased thirst, frequent urination, feeling weak, etc.) are often similar.

Early morning blood sugar spikes, leading to high fasting levels, can occur due to:

• Dawn Phenomenon: Blood sugar often increases naturally in the morning, which is more noticeable for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
• Somogyi effect: A rebound increase in blood sugar caused by a drop in glucose levels overnight, prompting the body to release hormones that elevate blood sugar.

If diabetes goes unaddressed, it may result in harm to the nerves, eyes, kidneys and blood vessels and should not be ignored.

What are the Complications of High Blood Sugar?

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can lead to both immediate and long-term complications if left untreated. Here are some of the risks that may contribute:

1. Immediate Complications

• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): A serious situation where the body uses fat instead of sugar for energy and creates harmful ketones.
• Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS): Serious dehydration and excessive blood sugar levels are often triggered by illness.

2. Long-Term Complications

• Heart Disease: Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Kidney Damage: High blood sugar can damage the kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease.
• Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): It can cause pain, tingling, or loss of sensation, especially in the feet.
• Eye Problems: Can lead to vision loss or blindness due to damage to the retina.
• Slow Resolving: Cuts and wounds may take longer to resolve, increasing the risk of infections.

What are the Immediate Steps to Control High Blood Sugar?

If you have high blood sugar levels and you feel the symptoms, it's crucial to control high blood sugar immediately with these actions:

• Drink Water: It helps reduce blood sugar and allows the kidneys to eliminate extra sugar. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks.
• Light Exercise: Going for a short walk after eating can reduce the impact that food has on blood sugar. Avoid exercise when ketones are detected in your urine.
• Administer Insulin or Medication: Taking insulin or medicine as directed is important if you have diabetes. The quickest way to protect your blood sugar level from spiking is to use insulin. Talk to a doctor before making any adjustments to your medication.
• Eat a Healthy Snack: Opt for a low-carb snack (e.g., nuts, vegetables) if needed.
• Rest and Relax: Stress hormones such as cortisol may increase blood sugar levels. To relax your body, try sitting, taking deep breaths, or meditating.
• Monitor Your Levels: Wait and see again after 15–30 minutes. Track improvements and ensure safety.

Be aware of the signs that may indicate a problem. Vomiting, fast and shallow breathing (with a sweet or fruity breath), confusion or feeling weak could mean you have diabetic ketoacidosis, so get help right away.

If two consecutive readings show 300 mg/dL or above, immediately contact your doctor. Your doctor may suggest taking a different insulin dose or seeing a doctor at the hospital.

What are the Long-Term Management Measures for High Blood Sugar?

Managing and preventing high blood sugar long-term requires lifestyle changes, medical care, and consistent monitoring. Here are some of the key strategies:

1. Regular Monitoring

Monitor blood sugar levels to identify patterns and make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and medication.

2. Healthy Eating Habits

Adopt a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods and sugary beverages.

3. Consistent Physical Activity

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity weekly exercise to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

4. Stress Management

Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress-induced blood sugar spikes.

5. Regular Medical Check-Ups

Schedule routine visits with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and adjust treatment plans as necessary. Quick steps like hydration, movement and medication can help lower a sudden spike, but preventing and managing hyperglycemia requires consistent care.

When it comes to high blood sugar levels, consult your healthcare provider for proper testing and a personalized plan. Early testing can detect problems before complications arise. Test your blood sugar regularly, eat a balanced diet, stay active, and work with your doctor or health team to keep your glucose in check and prevent long-term problems.

It is also wise to have health insurance to secure your health and finances during critical times. At Star Health, we offer comprehensive coverage for high blood sugar treatment under our Diabetes Safe Insurance Policy. We also provide hassle-free cashless claim settlements across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.