Symptoms of High Blood Sugar in Non-Diabetics

Did you know that people who don’t have diabetes can also have high blood sugar? This is called non-diabetic hyperglycemia. Please continue reading to learn about what causes non-diabetic hyperglycemia. We will also list some of the symptoms of high blood glucose levels in people who don’t have diabetes. Lastly, we’ll give you some tips to prevent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

Why do some people develop a high blood sugar level?

The liver produces, stores, and releases glucose in the body. Our bodies need glucose, which is a type of sugar, for energy. The amount of glucose in the blood is regulated by a hormone called insulin. Cells in the pancreas release insulin after meals. The insulin stops the release of glucose from the liver into the bloodstream. This keeps blood glucose levels under control.

When there is a dysfunction in these systems, it can increase blood glucose levels. For example, if your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or your liver cells become less responsive to insulin (insulin resistance). As a result, excess glucose remains in your blood, and you have high blood sugar levels. Too much sugar in the blood is called hyperglycemia. The medical condition is called type 2 diabetes. However, blood glucose levels can be high in non-diabetics as well.

Left untreated, high blood glucose levels can lead to a range of health complications, such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve damage, damage to blood vessels, skin problems, and an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

What are normal blood sugar levels?

A normal blood glucose level is 125 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or less after fasting and 180 mg/dL or less 1-2 hours after a meal.

Can your blood sugar be high without having diabetes?

Yes, your blood sugar levels can be high without having diabetes. This condition is called prediabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. It means you have higher than normal blood glucose levels but not high enough to be in the diabetic range. People with prediabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The good news is that a healthy lifestyle can help to manage hyperglycemia and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Eating healthy foods, participating in daily physical activity, maintaining a healthy body weight, and managing stress can help to bring your blood sugar level back to normal.

What causes high blood sugar if you are not diabetic?

Other causes of non-diabetic hyperglycemia include:

Cushing syndrome (a hormonal disorder of the pituitary gland associated with too much cortisol (stress hormone) in the blood, which can lead to high blood sugar levels).
Pancreatic diseases like pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
Inflammatory conditions (inflammatory proteins have been found to increase insulin resistance in fat tissue).
Polycystic ovary syndrome (a disorder caused by hormonal imbalances and associated with heavy menstrual periods).
Infections, surgery, trauma (severe burns, head injuries), and mental and physical stress (these conditions can result in excessive amounts of cortisol or stress hormone in the body).
Side effects of certain medications (for example, steroids and diuretics).
Obesity (excess fat cells in the body result in faulty signaling to insulin receptors).
Genetic predisposition (a family history of diabetes makes it more likely that could develop diabetes).
Gestational diabetes (high blood sugar levels due to pregnancy hormones).

What are 5 signs your blood sugar is too high?

Symptoms of high blood sugar in people who don’t have diabetes can include:

Increased thirst
Excessive hunger
Frequent urination
Tingling, numbness, or burning in the hands and feet
Blurred vision

Other signs and symptoms of non-diabetic hyperglycemia can include abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, rapid heartbeat, frequent infections, slow healing of cuts and wounds, and unintended weight loss.

How do you feel when your blood sugar gets too high?

When your blood sugar gets too high but is not yet in the diabetic range, you might feel like you are always thirsty or hungry. You may need to use the restroom frequently and feel tired all the time. There may be other symptoms like blurred vision, headaches, rapid heartbeat, and pins and needles-like sensations in your hands and feet. You might notice you’re losing weight without trying. Also, you may have frequent skin and vaginal infections. Wounds, sores, or cuts on your body may take a long time to heal.

How can I prevent insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels?

Non-diabetics should try to work on the following modifiable risk factors to increase their body’s resistance to high blood sugar:

Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity puts you at risk of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that can increase your risk of insulin resistance.
Keep your waist size at 40 inches or less (for men) and 35 inches or less (for women). A large waist size is associated with insulin resistance.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid processed meats, red meat, refined carbohydrates, and foods and beverages that contain excessive sugar.
Stay active to lower your risk of high blood sugar.
Get enough sleep.
If you smoke, work on quitting. Smoking can affect insulin sensitivity.
Work with your healthcare provider to control other risk factors for diabetes, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
If you have medical conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome or Cushing’s syndrome, follow your doctor’s directions to manage them.

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