The World Health Organization (WHO) defines hyperglycemia — more commonly known as high blood sugar — as a fasting blood glucose level exceeding 7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dL) or a level greater than 11.0 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) two hours after eating. While it is most often seen in people living with diabetes, high blood sugar can also occur in those at risk, especially due to poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, or underlying medical conditions.
This condition typically develops when the body either fails to produce enough insulin — the hormone responsible for moving glucose from the blood into cells — or becomes resistant to insulin’s effects. If left unchecked, hyperglycemia can gradually harm blood vessels, nerves, and vital organs, leading to long-term health problems. That’s why recognizing the early warning signs is critical to preventing complications and improving quality of life.
Below are seven key symptoms that may indicate your blood sugar is rising to unhealthy levels:
- Constant Thirst (Polydipsia):
One of the most common early signs of high blood sugar is an unquenchable thirst. When glucose builds up in the bloodstream, the kidneys work harder to filter and remove the excess through urine. In doing so, they pull extra fluids from the body, leaving you dehydrated and craving more water than usual.
- Increased Hunger (Polyphagia):
Continued on next page//
