There are so many potential complications for diabetes ranging from blindness to limb amputation. For diabetics, it’s important to keep blood sugar levels in check to keep the complications to a minimum. Learn more about out of control diabetes signs, symptoms and management.
When I was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I was not told to check my blood sugar regularly. I was only to manage it with diet and exercise. Looking back, it would have been hard to know what I was managing since I wasn’t given a meter, any goals for blood sugar, or told what to be on the lookout for in case things got worse. I knew what low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, felt like, but what if my blood sugar was too high? When I landed in the emergency room with a blood sugar level over 600 (my meter didn’t go higher than that), I realized there was a huge gap in my knowledge. The symptoms I had been experiencing for the past three to five days were my body’s attempt to tell me something was wrong. I just needed to listen.
Here are 5 signs your diabetes may be out of control:
- Blurry vision
This one took me by surprise at first. It was hard for me to see at a distance. Titles on my bookshelf that I could normally see from across the room were now too blurry to read. In addition, I had trouble reading the road signs as I was driving. I thought it was because I spent too much time looking at the computer and my phone, but it was the high blood sugar.
- Frequent urination
If you are taking more trips to the restroom than usual, check your blood sugar levels. This is can also result in dehydration so check your urine color as well. Look for any differences in your normal color range.
- Frequent thirst
If you’re urinating more frequently, it’s probably because you are thirsty more often. Although this can be caused by other conditions and medications that make your mouth dry, combined with the other symptoms, it should make you pause and see what’s going on.
- Fatigue
Your body will get exhausted trying to regulate insulin levels. For you, this will show up as exhaustion and fatigue. You’ll be more tired than usual and may feel the need to sleep more. If you’ve been getting enough sleep, then look for a secondary cause for your fatigue.
- Headache
There are a number of reasons why you may have a headache, but hyperglycemia can be one of them. This symptom can be because of the dehydrated state your body is because of your frequent thirst and urination.
Taken together as a cluster of symptoms, it is easier to see that something is going on with your body and take appropriate action. Know what your numbers are supposed to be and check your numbers regularly, according to your medical team’s instructions.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, talk to a healthcare professional, or seek emergency care.
Wendy Coop is a health and wellness writer, veteran, and military spouse. She creates health and wellness content for corporations to inform and educate their workforce. Wendy is also trained as a health coach, certified fitness nutritional specialist, and certified personal trainer.
