What Happens if Your Blood Sugar is too High for too Long?

Hyperglycemia means high blood sugar, and is one of the defining characteristics of diabetes, and means that the body does not make or use insulin properly. The body needs glucose to function properly, as the cells rely on it for energy. Glucose comes from the foods that are eaten. Fruit, milk, potatoes, bread, and rice are all carbohydrates and the biggest sources of glucose in a normal diet. The carbohydrates are broken down into glucose and then transported to the cells through the bloodstream.

What Happens if Blood Sugar is too High for too Long?

High blood sugar levels have symptoms that include fatigue, headache, blurred vision, frequent urination, and increased thirst or hunger. When these things happen they serve as a warning to check your glucose levels.

When type 1 diabetes is present, it is quite important to treat and recognize hyperglycemia at its onset. If left untreated it can lead to ketoacidosis. This is when there is not enough glucose in the body so the cells use ketones (toxic acid) as a source of energy. Ketoacidosis is diagnosed when the ketones build up in the blood. This can become serious, leading to a diabetic coma or death.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis are similar to hyperglycemia but also includes symptoms such as shortness of breath, fruit smelling breath, dry mouth, and high levels of ketones in the urine. Other signs include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and confusion. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if any of the symptoms are present.

Treating Hyperglycemia Naturally

Gentle exercise such as walking is a great way to help lower blood sugar. Making a short walk part of your daily routine will aid in regulating blood sugars through the day. Hyperglycemia causes excess urination so it is important to replace your fluids. Drink plain water rather than caffeinated or sugary drinks. This prevents dehydration while flushing the glucose from the blood.

Believe it or not, it is possible to use food to bring high blood sugar down to a normal level.

  • Oatmeal is known as a good carbohydrate using soluble, slow burning fiber that regulates hunger and regulates blood sugar levels.
  • Cinnamon reduces blood sugar as well, raising good cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol and reducing the risk to develop type two diabetes. Having just a sprinkle of cinnamon on breakfast is enough to prove healthy benefits.
  • Non-starchy vegetables that are high in fiber and low in fat like spinach, green beans, and broccoli reduce and maintain blood sugar level.
  • Vegetables such as potatoes and corn have higher carbohydrates but are still healthy and should be consumed in moderation.
  • Bananas are bursting with fiber and will help to feel full longer and are packed with so many vitamins that are important to maintain many facets of a healthy body.
  • Garlic aids in reducing blood sugar levels and can also increase the amount of insulin that is available for diabetics.

Other foods that may be added to a healthy diet include blueberries, avocados, grapefruit juice, apple cider vinegar, and honey.


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