2022/03/10
It’s 05:10 PM
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The war on diabetes continues, but rising obesity rates are causing major setbacks. The situation is further complicated by the lack of clear warning signs of high blood sugar in the early stages, so many cases go unnoticed.
However, according to some health authorities, one of the telltale signs may be more noticeable at night.
Diabetes is characterized by an imbalance in the regulation of blood sugar levels, as a result of an inability to respond to insulin, or a deficiency of the hormone. The end result is high glucose levels, which cause severe damage to nerve endings if left uncontrolled.
One sign that blood sugar levels are chronically elevated may be a hit at night.
Hormonal fluctuations can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, whether or not an individual has diabetes.
Only once, when chronically high blood sugar levels are left untreated, does the condition begin to produce obvious warning signs.
Because symptoms do not usually appear before blood sugar levels rise significantly, many cases do not appear in the initial stages, when the condition is still reversible.
A headache at night may be an early warning sign that your blood sugar levels are too high.
Because blood sugar levels rise while you sleep, symptoms may be more noticeable at this time.
The Diabetribe Health website explains: “If your blood sugar level is high at night, you may be experiencing symptoms of hyperglycemia.
Hyperglycemia, or ‘high glucose’, is not defined by a specific glucose level.
“While many people aim to keep blood sugar levels below 180 mg/dL during the day, some people aim for the lower range of 120 or 140 mg/dL at night, when they are not eating.
“At night, symptoms of high blood sugar include poor sleep, getting up a lot to urinate or drink water, headache, dry mouth, and nausea.”
While blood sugar levels may rise at night, it is worth noting that the increase is rarely large enough to cause harm to the body.
Other symptoms of high blood sugar
Excess glucose is a bad thing because it’s been linked to nerve damage, but it can also cause your sweat glands to function properly.
This may lead to insufficient sweating, or excessive sweating, depending on how the glands are damaged.
When nerves stop working, people can also develop diabetic neuropathy, which can lead to amputation in severe cases.
Pins and needles or a constant tingling sensation in the hands and feet can indicate high blood sugar levels.
How to regulate high blood sugar levels
Drinking more water is important for glucose control as it allows the body to get rid of any excess sugar.
Carbohydrate intake must also be managed efficiently, as the body breaks down nutrients into sugar.
“Diabetes is when blood sugar or glucose levels are higher than normal,” said Maggie Powers, PhD, president-elect of health care and education at the American Diabetes Association.
“Foods that contain carbohydrates such as bread, cereal, rice, pasta, fruit, milk and sweets can cause this rise.”
Therefore, you should avoid simple carbohydrates, while you should focus on complex carbohydrates that are rich in fiber.
Exercise can also provide long-lasting effects, helping to keep your blood sugar in the range for up to 48 hours.