Signs Your Blood Sugar Is Too High or Too Low: What to Look For
- Marva Edwards-Marshall
- Apr 6
- 4 min read
Living with chronic conditions can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing blood sugar levels. Sometimes, our bodies send us signals that something isn’t quite right. Recognizing these signs early can make a big difference in how we manage our health. Let’s explore some common uncontrolled blood sugar signs and what they might mean for you.
Understanding Uncontrolled Blood Sugar Signs
Blood sugar, or glucose, is the fuel that powers our bodies. When it’s too high or too low, it can cause a range of symptoms. These symptoms often develop gradually, so it’s important to pay attention to subtle changes in how you feel.
How Do You Feel When Your Blood Sugar Is Off?
High vs Low Blood Sugar
When blood sugar levels fluctuate, your body reacts in ways that can feel uncomfortable or even alarming. You might experience:
Blood sugar can be either too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia), and each causes different symptoms.
Some of the most common signs of High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia. Usually above 180 mg/dL) include:
Increased thirst and frequent urination: When blood sugar is high, your kidneys work harder to filter and absorb the excess glucose. This can leave you feeling thirsty and needing to urinate more often.
Fatigue: High blood sugar can make it harder for your body to use glucose for energy, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish.
Blurred vision: Excess sugar in the blood can cause fluid to be pulled from the lenses of your eyes, affecting your ability to focus.
Slow healing wounds: High glucose levels can impair your body’s natural healing process.
Unexplained weight loss: When your body can’t use glucose properly, it may start breaking down muscle and fat for energy.
When blood sugar levels fluctuate, your body reacts in ways that can feel uncomfortable or even alarming. The most common signs of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia, usually below 70 mg/dL) you might experience:
· Shakiness or dizziness: Low blood sugar can cause your hands to tremble and make
you feel lightheaded.
· Irritability or mood swings: Changes in blood sugar can affect your brain chemistry,
leading to feelings of frustration or anxiety.
· Hunger pangs: Sudden drops in blood sugar often trigger intense hunger.
· Headaches: Both high and low blood sugar can cause headaches.
· Numbness or tingling in extremities: Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar can affect your
nerves, leading to these sensations.
These symptoms can come on quickly or develop over time. It’s important to listen to your body and recognize when something feels off. Keeping a journal of your symptoms and blood sugar readings can help you and your healthcare provider spot patterns.
These symptoms are your body’s early warning signs that your blood sugar may not be in a healthy range.
Why Managing Blood Sugar Matters
Keeping blood sugar within a healthy range is crucial for preventing complications. When blood sugar is consistently high, it can damage blood vessels and nerves. This increases the risk of:
Heart disease
Kidney problems
Vision loss
Nerve damage
Infections that heal slowly
On the other hand, very low blood sugar can lead to confusion, fainting, or even seizures. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the early signs and take action. The American Diabetes Association recommends:
Fasting glucose: 80–130 mg/dL
After meals: <180 mg/dL
Practical Steps to Take Control
If you suspect your blood sugar is out of control, here are some steps you can take:
Monitor your blood sugar regularly: Use a glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor to keep track.
Eat balanced meals: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables.
Stay active: Regular exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively.
Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar.
Manage stress: Stress hormones can raise blood sugar, so find ways to relax.
Get enough sleep: Poor sleep can affect blood sugar control.
Talk to a healthcare provider: They can help adjust medications or recommend lifestyle changes.
Remember, managing blood sugar is a journey. Small, consistent changes can lead to big improvements over time.
Blood Sugar Ranges Chart
When to Seek Help
Seek urgent care if you have:
Blood sugar >300 mg/dL
Severe confusion
Difficulty breathing
Fruity breath odor
Loss of consciousness
If you experience severe symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency care immediately. For ongoing symptoms, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider. They can help you develop a personalized plan to keep your blood sugar in check.
If you are experiencing symptoms of uncontrolled blood sugar or struggling to manage your levels, we’re here to help.
At MEM Health Promotion Services, we provide virtual care to help you manage diabetes, blood pressure, and overall health.
Schedule a virtual visit today
Here are additional resources available to guide you.
American Diabetes Association
CDC – Diabetes and Blood Sugar
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Taking Charge of Your Health Together
Managing blood sugar can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. With the right information and support, we can take control of our health and live fuller, healthier lives. Let’s stay attentive to our bodies, celebrate small victories, and keep moving forward.
Your health is worth it. Let’s keep learning, adapting, and thriving together.
Schedule a virtual visit today
