Living with high sugar

Overview

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) happens when there is too much glucose, a type of sugar that gives your body energy, in your blood. It often happens when your body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose get into your cells. High blood sugar is common in diabetes, but it can also appear after a large meal, during illness, or when you are stressed.

Yes, it is very common. Many millions of people around the world live with high blood sugar, especially those with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Many more experience short-term rises in blood sugar from time to time.

It can affect anyone, but you are more likely to have high blood sugar if you are older, carry extra weight, have a family history of diabetes, are not physically active, or have conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling very thirsty
• Urinating more often than usual, especially at night
• Feeling very tired or weak
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Cuts or sores that heal slowly

Symptoms in children

• Bedwetting (especially in a child who was previously dry at night)
• Extreme thirst
• Weight loss without trying
• Being very tired
• Stomach pain

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or feeling 'off'
• Weakness or dizziness
• Falls
• Not feeling hungry
• Being sleepier than usual

Causes

Main causes

• Your body does not make enough insulin (type 1 diabetes or advanced type 2 diabetes).
• Your body's cells do not respond well to insulin (insulin resistance, often with type 2 diabetes).
• Illness or infection, stress, certain medicines, or eating a meal with a lot of sugar can temporarily raise blood sugar.

Risk factors

• Being overweight, especially around the belly
• Having a close family member with diabetes
• Being physically inactive
• Eating a diet high in sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates
• Being over 40 years old (more common with age)
• Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Certain medicines, such as steroids

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any of the emergency symptoms listed above (confusion, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or very high blood sugar), seek emergency care immediately.
• If you cannot keep fluids down or feel extremely unwell, get help the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have been feeling unusually thirsty, tired, or are urinating a lot for more than a few days, make a doctor's appointment.
• If you have risk factors for diabetes, ask about a simple blood test.

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and family background. They will likely recommend a blood test to measure your blood sugar.

Tests that may be done

• Fasting blood glucose test (blood sugar after not eating for 8 hours)
• HbA1c test (shows your average blood sugar over the past 3 months)
• Oral glucose tolerance test (blood sugar after drinking a sugary liquid)

What to expect at your appointment

The test is simple and usually involves a blood draw from your arm. For some tests, you may need to fast overnight. The doctor will explain your results and what they mean for you in plain language.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on lowering and stabilising your blood sugar. Your care plan will be personal to you, based on your health, lifestyle, and type of high blood sugar. Most plans include learning about food, activity, and checking your blood sugar if needed.

Self-care at home

• Eat regular, balanced meals with vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
• Limit sugary drinks and sweets.
• Be active for at least 30 minutes most days, such as brisk walking.
• Take any medicines your healthcare provider has prescribed exactly as directed.
• Check your blood sugar as often as advised by your care team.
• Manage stress with relaxation, breathing exercises, or talking to someone.
• Get enough sleep and keep a steady routine.

Medical treatments

If lifestyle changes are not enough, your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines to help lower your blood sugar. Some people take tablets, and others may need insulin or injectable medicines. The choice depends on many factors, and your doctor will explain your options and adjust them over time. Never start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your healthcare team.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a typical treatment for high blood sugar. For some people with severe obesity and type 2 diabetes, weight-loss (bariatric) surgery may be considered after a full evaluation. This is always an individual decision made with a specialist team.

Living with this condition

Living with high blood sugar means paying attention to your body and building healthy habits. You can live a full, active life. Small daily choices like what you eat, how you move, and how you manage stress all add up.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a routine for meals and medicines.
• Wear a medical ID or carry a card that says you have high blood sugar or diabetes.
• Have regular checkups for your eyes, kidneys, feet, and heart.
• Stay hydrated with water.
• Have a plan for sick days – talk to your healthcare team about what to do when you are unwell.

Diet and exercise

Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and lean proteins like chicken or fish. Limit white bread, white rice, sugary cereals, and fizzy drinks. Exercise helps your body use insulin better. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, like cycling, swimming, or brisk walking. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a long-term condition can feel overwhelming at times. You might feel anxious, frustrated, or tired of managing it. These feelings are normal. Talking to a counsellor, your healthcare team, or a trusted friend can help. If you ever feel hopeless or have thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out to a crisis line or emergency services right away.

Prevention

Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented yet. But the most common type, type 2 diabetes, can often be prevented or delayed. You can lower your risk by keeping a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, staying active, and not smoking.

Vaccines

Keep your routine vaccinations up to date. Infections can raise blood sugar and make it harder to manage.

Screening programmes

If you have risk factors for diabetes, ask your healthcare provider about regular blood sugar checks. Early detection means you can act early and prevent complications.

Complications

If left untreated

• High blood sugar over time can damage nerves and blood vessels.
• This may lead to heart disease or stroke.
• It can cause kidney damage.
• It can harm the eyes and lead to vision loss.
• It can cause nerve pain, especially in the feet and legs.
• It can increase the risk of infections and slow wound healing.

Long-term outlook

The future is bright for women and men who take steps to manage their blood sugar. Many people live long, healthy, and active lives with high blood sugar. The key is to keep your levels as close to normal as possible, stay connected to your care team, and celebrate every small win along the way.

Find support

International organisations

• International Diabetes Federation ↗
• World Health Organization ↗

Local organisations

• Diabetes UK ↗ · United Kingdom

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.