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What are the complications of high blood sugar?

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rocky Face, GA
September 21, 2025
 · 
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Answer Summary

Members discussed the wide-ranging complications of high blood sugar, including blurred vision, dry mouth, numbness, nerve damage, neuropathy,... Read more

Members discussed the wide-ranging complications of high blood sugar, including blurred vision, dry mouth, numbness, nerve damage, neuropathy, and heart disease, with many emphasizing that uncontrolled diabetes can lead to severe health consequences. Several members shared their frustrating experiences with hospital care, noting that institutional food is often not diabetic-friendly (serving items like sherbet, cookies, and pasta) and that hospitals tend to keep blood sugar levels higher to avoid dangerous lows, resulting in readings as high as 324. A recurring theme was the importance of self-advocacy and vigilance, with members supporting each other through prayer and encouragement while acknowledging that stress, infections, medications, and even pain relievers can significantly impact blood sugar control.

DiabetesTeam

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can cause immediate symptoms including
• Increased hunger and thirst
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth and skin

If left untreated, high blood sugar can develop into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition where
• The body breaks down fat for Show Full Answer

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can cause immediate symptoms including:
• Increased hunger and thirst
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth and skin

If left untreated, high blood sugar can develop into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition where:
• The body breaks down fat for energy
• Ketones build up in the blood
• You may experience stomach pain, nausea, and fruity-smelling breath Long-term complications of uncontrolled high blood sugar can include:
• Kidney failure
• Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
• Vision problems and potential vision loss (diabetic retinopathy)
• Heart disease
• Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying)
• Circulation problems

The good news is that maintaining good blood sugar control through proper diabetes management can help prevent or delay many of these complications.

September 21, 2025
A DiabetesTeam Member

@A DiabetesTeam Member In the mental hospital knowing we were on heavy drugs that caused eating disorders they would set up a table on the ward with all sorts of cakes and pies. To prevent myself from becoming obese when I passed the table I would put just a little on my finger and lick it each time I passed.

September 29, 2025
A DiabetesTeam Member

A dietician came to talk to me when I was in the hospital. They knew I was diabetic because they checked my sugar every 4 hours. The dietician put me on a regular diet. I guess to keep me from crashing. I don't know. Maybe your right, Larry.

September 29, 2025
A DiabetesTeam Member

@A DiabetesTeam Member I have come to the conclusion that hospital dietary staff know nothing about nutrition. In hospital 190. Two days later out of hospital 106.

September 29, 2025
A DiabetesTeam Member

@A DiabetesTeam Member
You are absolutely right
When I was in the hospital they served me orange sherbet, cookies, pasta etc. They drinks were diabetic friendly. I have been out of the hospital 3 days. My FBG was 324 this morning. Any stressor will affect numbers also. So will certain medications for that illness. Especially if you have a raging infection and take a lot of antibiotics.

September 29, 2025 (edited)

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