Just like all that glitters is not gold, not everything sweet benefits your body. It is estimated that about 1 in 10 people in the country have diabetes – a condition influenced by blood sugar levels. Moreover, 1 in 5 persons with diabetes is unaware of their condition. Diabetes awareness, early detection, and treatment are essential to control one’s blood sugar levels. Here are the causes and symptoms of high blood sugar, along with remedies.
Causes of high blood sugar
Multiple factors influence diabetes in a person, including age, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and family history of the disease.
Genetic predisposition
Studies suggest that individuals having one parent with diabetes are 40% likely to inherit the disease, whereas those with both parents having the condition stand a 70% chance of developing the disorder. Mutations to certain genes have been linked to the onset of high blood sugar. Some of these genes include TCF7L2, which regulates insulin secretion and production of glucose; GLUT2, responsible for providing glucose to the pancreas; and ABCC8, which controls insulin levels.
Age
Type-2 diabetes predominantly affects individuals over 45. Approximately 14% of people in the country between 45 and 64 years of age are diagnosed with type-2 diabetes.
Poor lifestyle
Unhealthy habits, such as fast-food binges, lack of exercise, and compromised sleep schedules, can contribute to the development of elevated blood sugar levels with time.
High triglyceride levels
High levels of triglycerides – a type of fat – can be precursors to high blood sugar. Triglyceride levels greater than 500 mg/dL are classified as “severe,” posing a greater risk for diabetes and other lifestyle conditions.
Gestational diabetes
Studies have shown that approximately 50% of women with gestational diabetes, i.e., high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, develop type-2 diabetes.
Signs and symptoms
Understanding the early warning signs and symptoms of diabetes is necessary for timely diagnosis and management. Some of the common symptoms are listed below.
Excessive thirst
Patients with diabetes often feel extremely dehydrated, regardless of the volume of water they take in. Such extreme thirst levels result from dehydrated tissues caused by excessive glucose levels.
Mood swings
Frequent fluctuations in blood sugar levels can stress the body, causing mood swings, irritability, and behavioral changes.
Blurred vision
A prominent symptom of diabetes is the swelling of the eye lens, causing blurry vision. Rapid changes in blood sugar levels usually trigger such swelling.
Frequent urination
Individuals with diabetes have high blood glucose levels, resulting in excessive glucose in the urine and causing frequent urination.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common diabetes symptom, particularly among individuals with uncontrolled diabetes. It can also be caused due to the constant feeling of being dehydrated.
Treatment options
If one observes the symptoms mentioned above, it is advised to consult soon a health expert, who will chart treatment plans to manage the condition.
Insulin pumps
These small, computerized devices regulate insulin levels in the body through a pre-programmed schedule. Insulin pumps can easily be attached to one’s belt or pocket or to the arm or stomach.
Islet cell transplant
This intervention is typically recommended for patients with type-1 diabetes. It involves the extraction of islet cells from a deceased person’s pancreas and their implantation in the liver of a patient with type-1 diabetes.
Curated meal plan
A daily intake of diabetes-friendly fruits like papaya, oranges, berries, and apples; vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, bitter gourd, and cucumber; protein-rich foods; and fatty fish can help control diabetes. Also, deep-fried, sugary, and processed foods must be avoided.
Active lifestyle
Exercising has several benefits, including regulating blood sugar and blood pressure and better sleep. Walking, swimming, resistance and weight training, yoga, and aerobics are some physical activities that facilitate a healthy lifestyle.