11 Silent Signs of High Blood Sugar You Shouldn’t Ignore
- Rebecca Guldberg
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
High blood sugar doesn’t always announce itself with flashing lights and alarms. In fact, some of the earliest warning signs are so subtle, you might brush them off as “just being tired” or “a little under the weather.” But catching these clues early can make all the difference for your long-term health. An article in Prevention (published on AOL) highlights insights from doctors on the 11 “silent signs” your blood sugar may be too high—and why they matter.
1. Frequent Bathroom Trips
If you feel like you’re living in the restroom, your body could be trying to flush out excess sugar through urine. It’s one of the most common—and most overlooked—red flags.
2. Constant Thirst
Running to the bathroom all day leaves you dehydrated. That’s why high blood sugar often comes with an unquenchable thirst.
3. Feeling Drained or Foggy
Ever feel like you’re moving through quicksand? When glucose can’t get into your cells for energy, you’re left feeling zapped and mentally fuzzy.
4. Hunger That Won’t Quit
Here’s the twist—sometimes you’re hungrier than ever, even though your body already has plenty of sugar in the blood. It’s a classic case of mixed signals.
5. Mysterious Weight Loss
Dropping pounds without trying? Your body might be burning fat and muscle for fuel instead of using sugar properly.
6. Blurry Vision
High blood sugar can temporarily swell the lens of your eye, leaving things a little out of focus. Ignore it long enough, though, and the damage could stick.
7. More Infections Than Usual
Sugar doesn’t just sweeten your bloodstream—it also slows down your immune system, making infections harder to fight off.
8. Cuts and Bruises That Heal Slowly
If a small nick or scrape seems to hang around forever, poor circulation and nerve function from high glucose could be the reason.
9. Fruity-Smelling Breath
This one’s a biggie. A sweet, fruity odor on the breath is a hallmark sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which requires emergency care.
10. Confusion or Disorientation
When sugar levels spiral dangerously high, your brain can feel the impact. Confusion, delirium, or difficulty focusing are all red-alert symptoms.
11. Nausea, Vomiting, or Stomach Pain
Another warning sign of DKA. If your stomach feels off and you’re also showing other symptoms, it’s time to seek medical attention right away.
Why This Matters
The tricky part about high blood sugar is that it often creeps up silently. Left unchecked, it can lead to dangerous complications like DKA or HHS (hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state). A simple finger-prick or lab test can give you answers fast.
The Bottom Line
If you notice symptoms, don’t shrug them off. Make an appointment with your doctor to check your A1C or fasting glucose. And if you’re experiencing severe symptoms like fruity breath, confusion, or nonstop vomiting—head to the ER immediately.
About Direct Diabetes
Direct Diabetes has been helping people with diabetes for nearly 30 years by mailing the supplies they need directly to their home, and helping them avoid the hassle of having to go to a pharmacy. From Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) to insulin pumps and testing supplies, our goal is to take the stress out of managing diabetes so patients can focus on living healthier, fuller lives. We work directly with doctors and insurance companies to make the process simple and affordable—and we’re proud to be a trusted partner in the diabetes community.
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