Diabetes: 'Early signs' of high blood sugar – what are you craving?

From express.co.uk

MORE than five million people are expected to have diabetes by 2030. A prerequisite for the condition is high blood sugar, but left to continually rise, serious life-threatening consequences are likely

In order to prevent further health complications, you must get diabetes under control as soon as possible. If you begin to notice more significant cravings, it could be time to book a doctor's appointment. Dr Michael Dansinger warned that high blood sugar can lead to a couple of strong cravings. For instance, high blood sugar can lead to an unquenchable thirst, meaning that no matter how much you drink, you still feel thirsty.

Dr Dansinger explained: "Normally, your body reabsorbs glucose [i.e. sugar] as it passes through your kidneys. But when diabetes pushes your blood sugar up, your kidneys may not be able to bring it all back in. This causes the body to make more urine, and that takes fluids. The result: You'll have to go more often."

As you will be urinating more frequently, and commonly in larger quantities too, you will feel dehydrated, causing you to feel thirsty. As the cycle continues, you will find that you are craving fluids more and more. 

Another possible indication of high blood sugar is experiencing an unsatisfying craving for food.

Dr Dansinger added: "Your body converts the food you eat into glucose that your cells use for energy. But your cells need insulin to take in glucose."

Diabetes is classified by insulin deficiency, or insulin-resistant cells, meaning the glucose consumed can not be used for energy. As a result, your body cries out for a source of energy, which is normally a food source. "This can make you hungrier and more tired than usual," Dr Dansinger stated.

Other warning signs of high blood sugar may include a dry mouth and itchy skin.

If you are concerned you may have diabetes, book an appointment with your doctor. The doctor will be able to arrange a blood test to check your glucose levels.

Type 2 diabetes explained (Image: Express)

Pre-diabetes

The leading charity Diabetes UK explained that a blood glucose test that is lower than the official diagnostic criteria for diabetes, but higher than normal, is colloquially known as pre-diabetes.

Pre-diabetes does, however, act as a serious warning sign that you are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The results of pre-diabetes blood sugar usually falls between 42mmol/mol to 47mmol/mol. If you are told you have pre-diabetes, now is the time to action to prevent high blood sugar.

One of the key preventative measures you can do is to increase how much and how often you exercise. Movement is integral to good blood sugar control, as well as a healthy diet.

"Now is a great time to start making healthy changes to your lifestyle to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes," the charity noted.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1564845/diabetes-symptoms-signs-excess-thirst-hunger