The Effects of Prolonged Hyperglycemia (High blood Sugar levels)

Even before you are diagnosed with diabetes, if you are obese, your blood sugars are most likely elevated.  High blood sugar levels in a body over a prolonged period of time can have devastating effects on your body.  You may not be showing symptoms of high blood sugars but your doctor will most likely do a routine blood test if you are obese to check for pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

People can go for years or even decades with undiagnosed pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.  Over this time, their blood glucose will be at above average range and this can cause internal damage.  Once you find out that you are pre-diabetic it is advised to change your lifestyle and eating habits to prevent the onset of diabetes. For people who have already been diagnosed with diabetes, they can still experience damage from hyperglycemia if they are not controlling their diabetes effectively.

Some of the effects of prolonged hyperglycemia are:

• Hyperglycemia that goes unchecked for a long period of time can cause kidney damage up to the point of kidney failure that will require dialysis or a transplant.
• It also causes nerve damage, particularly to feet and the lower legs.
• People suffering from hyperglycemia will have wounds that heal slowly.
• They will have intestinal problems including diarrhea.
• They can also have eye difficulties leading to eyesight problems.

As soon as you find out that you are diabetic, test your blood glucose regularly to keep an eye on your levels.  You will need to work closely with your health care team to bring your blood sugars under control.  You can lessen the effects of prolonged hyperglycemia by keeping your diabetes under control.  If you have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes but have been told you are pre-diabetic follow a healthy eating plan, include plenty of physical activity to get healthier and keep your blood glucose levels in check. You can use a blood glucose monitor like Control D at home to regularly monitor your blood glucose levels.