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Real members of DiabetesTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

What issues will happen if your sugar stays high?

A DiabetesTeam Subscriber asked a question 💭
April 4
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A DiabetesTeam Member

If blood sugar stays high over time, it can start to affect different parts of the body. In the short term, people often notice things like feeling really thirsty, needing to use the bathroom more, low energy, and sometimes blurry vision.

Over time, consistently high levels can lead to things like nerve discomfort, vision issues, and added strain on organs like the kidneys and heart. It can also make it harder for the body to heal and fight off infections.

Everyone’s experience is a bit different, but this is why many people focus on time in range and patterns like you have been sharing. If you want, we can talk more about what you are noticing and what seems to help keep things steadier.

April 6
DiabetesTeam

What health issues can occur if blood sugar stays high?

When blood sugar remains elevated over time, it can lead to serious complications affecting multiple parts of your body. Here are the main issues that can develop:

Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)
- Loss of sensation, especially in feet and legs
- Pain or tingling Show Full Answer

What health issues can occur if blood sugar stays high?

When blood sugar remains elevated over time, it can lead to serious complications affecting multiple parts of your body. Here are the main issues that can develop:

Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)
- Loss of sensation, especially in feet and legs
- Pain or tingling sensations
- Affects bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion
- Can cause vaginal dryness and erectile dysfunction

Eye Problems (Diabetic Retinopathy)
- Damage to blood vessels in the retina
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty seeing objects at a distance or reading
- Floating spots or streaks in vision
- Can lead to vision loss

Skin Issues
- Wounds that heal slowly or don't heal
- Various skin conditions like diabetic dermopathy (scaly patches)
- Increased risk of infections, especially in warm, moist areas
- Lesions that can become infected

Other Serious Complications
- Heart attacks and strokes
- Kidney disease and potential kidney failure
- Tooth and gum disease
- Digestive problems like gastroparesis (stomach doesn't empty properly)
- Hearing loss (double the risk compared to general population)

Immediate Symptoms
High blood sugar can also cause short-term symptoms like headaches, increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, blurred vision, and fatigue.

Keeping blood sugar levels within your target range through proper diabetes management can help prevent or slow these complications.

April 4

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