Signs of High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is a condition that occurs when there is too much glucose circulating in the bloodstream. While it’s often associated with diabetes, many people may have elevated blood sugar levels and not even realize it. This can be dangerous, as untreated high blood sugar can lead to serious complications affecting nearly every system in the body, including the nervous system, circulatory system, eyes, kidneys, and heart.

Unfortunately, high blood sugar often develops slowly, with subtle signs that are easy to dismiss or attribute to other causes like stress or fatigue. Recognizing these early warning symptoms is crucial because early intervention can prevent permanent damage and even save your life.

Whether you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes or are concerned about potential symptoms, understanding the signs of high blood sugar can empower you to take control of your health. Below, we explore most common symptoms of high blood sugar, ranging from the well-known to the surprisingly overlooked. If you notice several of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional and have your blood glucose levels tested as soon as possible.

1. Frequent Urination (Polyuria)

Frequent urination, medically known as polyuria, is often one of the first signs that your blood sugar levels are too high. Under normal conditions, your kidneys filter glucose and reabsorb it into the bloodstream. However, when blood sugar levels become elevated, the kidneys can’t keep up. Excess sugar builds up in the bloodstream and spills over into the urine.

To excrete the additional glucose, your body pulls water from tissues, which leads to an increase in urine production. This means you might find yourself going to the bathroom far more often than usual—especially during the night.

Many people dismiss this symptom as simply drinking too much fluid, but polyuria is a red flag that should not be ignored. Over time, this constant urination can lead to dehydration, causing additional health complications such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. In severe cases, dehydration from frequent urination can result in electrolyte imbalances, affecting the way your muscles and nerves function.

If you’re making more trips to the bathroom than normal, particularly waking up several times at night to urinate, it may be time to get your blood sugar checked. Frequent urination can significantly disrupt your quality of life and is often one of the clearest signs that your body is struggling to manage its glucose levels.

2. Increased Thirst (Polydipsia)

An unquenchable thirst, or polydipsia, often goes hand-in-hand with frequent urination. As your body loses more fluids through excessive urination, it tries to compensate by signaling you to drink more water. While drinking plenty of water is generally good for you, persistent and excessive thirst can indicate a deeper issue—high blood sugar.

In this scenario, no matter how much water you consume, you may find that you are never truly satisfied, and the cycle of drinking and urinating continues.

Polydipsia is more than just feeling parched after exercise or on a hot day. It’s a constant, nagging need to drink that disrupts your daily activities. Some people describe the sensation as their mouth and throat feeling dry all the time, while others may experience dry, cracked lips and even headaches due to dehydration.

Excessive thirst can also be a warning sign that your blood sugar levels are dangerously elevated, and the body is attempting to correct the imbalance on its own.

Left untreated, this can lead to serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in individuals with diabetes, a potentially life-threatening condition. If you find yourself drinking far more water than usual and still feeling dehydrated, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider for a blood glucose test.

3. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

A persistent dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia, is another common symptom associated with high blood sugar. When glucose levels in the blood are elevated, fluid is pulled from the body’s tissues—including the salivary glands—causing a decrease in saliva production. This results in a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat that can be both uncomfortable and concerning.

Dry mouth may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can lead to serious oral health problems. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums by neutralizing acids and washing away food particles.

Without enough saliva, you become more vulnerable to tooth decay, gum disease, mouth sores, and even bad breath. Some people also experience difficulty chewing, swallowing, and speaking due to the dryness.

In individuals with uncontrolled high blood sugar, dry mouth can be chronic and difficult to relieve, even with regular sips of water. Managing your blood sugar is essential for alleviating this symptom.

If you frequently experience dry mouth, especially in combination with increased thirst and frequent urination, it’s important to get your blood sugar tested. Early detection and proper management of glucose levels can prevent more serious complications down the road.

4. Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexpected weight loss can be a puzzling and concerning symptom, especially if you haven’t made any changes to your diet or activity levels. In the context of high blood sugar, this type of weight loss occurs because the body is unable to effectively use glucose for energy. Instead, it begins to break down muscle and fat stores to compensate for the energy deficit.

Normally, insulin helps glucose enter the body’s cells to provide them with fuel. However, when insulin production is insufficient or when the body becomes resistant to insulin (as in diabetes), glucose remains trapped in the bloodstream.

Without adequate glucose uptake, the body thinks it’s starving—despite there being plenty of sugar in the blood—and turns to muscle tissue and fat as alternative energy sources. This leads to rapid and often noticeable weight loss, which may occur over a relatively short period.

In addition to losing weight, people may also experience increased hunger, fatigue, and a general sense of weakness. While weight loss might seem like a positive thing at first, losing weight without trying can signal a serious underlying problem.

If you’re experiencing unexplained weight loss along with other symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, or fatigue, it’s crucial to have your blood sugar levels checked promptly.

5. Increased Hunger (Polyphagia)

An increased appetite, known medically as polyphagia, is another common symptom of high blood sugar. Despite eating more food than usual, individuals with elevated glucose levels often report feeling constantly hungry, even shortly after finishing a meal. This excessive hunger can be both confusing and distressing because it often leads to overeating without satisfaction.

The underlying cause of polyphagia in hyperglycemia is the body’s inability to use glucose efficiently. In people with high blood sugar, either there is not enough insulin being produced, or the body’s cells have become resistant to insulin’s effects. As a result, glucose remains trapped in the bloodstream instead of entering the cells where it’s needed for energy.

The cells essentially starve for fuel, and the body responds by signaling the brain to eat more food to try and compensate for the lack of energy at a cellular level.

Even with frequent eating, the cells continue to be deprived of glucose, and hunger persists. Over time, this can lead to unhealthy weight fluctuations, nutrient imbalances, and increased fatigue, especially if the excess food consumed consists of high-carbohydrate or sugary options.

If you find yourself constantly hungry, despite eating regularly and in large quantities, it may be an indication that your blood sugar is not being properly regulated. Consulting a healthcare provider for blood glucose testing is essential.

6. Fatigue and Weakness

Feeling tired all the time, even after getting plenty of rest, is a hallmark symptom of high blood sugar. This persistent fatigue and weakness occur because your body is unable to use glucose effectively as fuel. Under normal circumstances, glucose is transported into cells and converted into energy that powers the body’s functions.

However, when insulin is either lacking or ineffective due to insulin resistance, glucose cannot enter the cells. Instead, it builds up in the bloodstream, leaving cells starved of energy.

This lack of available energy makes it difficult for the body to perform even the most basic tasks. Many people describe this fatigue as a feeling of constant exhaustion, making it hard to concentrate, stay awake, or complete everyday activities.

Even after a full night’s sleep, you may wake up feeling sluggish, weak, and unrefreshed.

Additionally, chronic high blood sugar can lead to inflammation, particularly in the blood vessels, which exacerbates feelings of fatigue.

Research suggests that inflammation can trigger the release of certain immune cells, such as monocytes, that may contribute to feelings of tiredness and brain fog.

If you are frequently fatigued without an obvious cause, and if this fatigue is accompanied by other symptoms like increased thirst or frequent urination, it’s important to check your blood glucose levels.

7. Blurred Vision

Blurred vision is often one of the earliest warning signs of high blood sugar. Elevated glucose levels can lead to fluid imbalances throughout the body, including in the lenses of your eyes.

When blood sugar levels are high, it causes the lens to swell and change shape, disrupting the ability to focus properly. This results in blurred or distorted vision, making it difficult to see clearly at any distance.

Many people with high blood sugar may first notice they are struggling to read fine print, experiencing fluctuating vision throughout the day, or seeing halos around lights, particularly at night. In most cases, this visual disturbance can be temporary and may improve once blood sugar levels are brought under control.

However, if high blood sugar persists, it can cause permanent damage to the eyes.

Over time, consistently high blood glucose can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a condition where the small blood vessels in the retina are damaged. This can result in macular edema, proliferative retinopathy, or even vision loss if not properly managed.

Anyone experiencing sudden or persistent changes in vision should have their blood sugar levels tested immediately and follow up with an eye specialist to prevent complications.

8. Headaches

Frequent headaches can be a subtle yet important symptom of high blood sugar. Unlike migraine headaches, which are typically severe and debilitating, headaches related to hyperglycemia often start off mild but persistent, developing gradually over time. These headaches are usually due to changes in blood vessel tone caused by fluctuating or consistently elevated blood glucose levels.

When blood sugar is high, it can cause the blood vessels in the brain to constrict, reducing blood flow and oxygen to certain areas.

Additionally, dehydration from excessive urination can contribute to reduced blood volume, leading to headaches as the brain struggles to maintain its normal functions.

People often describe these headaches as a dull, throbbing pressure, which may become more intense if blood sugar remains uncontrolled.

Another factor contributing to headaches in high blood sugar is hormonal fluctuations. High glucose levels can disrupt the normal balance of hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine, both of which can trigger headaches.

If left untreated, these headaches can escalate in severity and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as blurred vision, nausea, and dizziness.

If you are experiencing frequent or unusual headaches—especially in combination with other signs of high blood sugar—it is important to have your blood glucose levels checked as soon as possible.

9. Slow-Healing Wounds and Sores

One of the hallmark signs of consistently high blood sugar is slow or delayed healing of wounds and sores. When your glucose levels remain elevated for an extended period, they begin to damage the body’s small blood vessels and nerves, reducing blood flow and circulation, particularly to the extremities such as the feet and hands.

Proper circulation is essential for transporting oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to injured tissues to initiate and sustain the healing process.

As a result, even small cuts, scrapes, blisters, or bruises may linger longer than normal, or fail to heal completely. The wound area may become red, swollen, and may even start leaking fluid or developing an infection.

If untreated, these wounds can deteriorate into ulcers, particularly on the lower limbs, and increase the risk of serious complications like cell death (necrosis) and gangrene, which could eventually require amputation if medical care is delayed.

People with diabetes or those who have high blood sugar often develop peripheral neuropathy, which leads to numbness in the extremities.

This means they may not even notice injuries when they happen, delaying treatment and increasing the risk of infection. If you notice that wounds take unusually long to heal or become easily infected, it’s important to seek medical advice and have your blood glucose levels tested promptly.

10. Frequent Infections

If you find yourself battling frequent or recurring infections, this could be a sign that your blood sugar levels are too high. Elevated glucose levels impair the immune system, reducing your body’s ability to fight off bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

This happens because high blood sugar affects the function of white blood cells, which are crucial for defending the body against infection. When these cells can’t respond effectively, even minor infections can become persistent or severe.

Common infections linked to hyperglycemia include urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin infections, and yeast infections, particularly in women.

For example, vaginal yeast infections may occur more frequently and cause persistent itching, burning, and abnormal discharge. Men and women may also be prone to fungal infections in moist areas of the body, such as between the toes or under skin folds.

Additionally, gum disease (periodontitis) and mouth infections are more common in those with poor blood sugar control.

Infections can progress more rapidly in people with high blood sugar and may be more difficult to treat. What might be a minor skin irritation for someone with normal glucose levels could become a serious health concern for someone with hyperglycemia.

If you experience infections that don’t resolve easily or return frequently, it’s essential to have your blood sugar levels checked.

11. Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet (Neuropathy)

Tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in your hands and feet is a classic sign of diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels. Over time, consistently elevated glucose levels damage the small blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the nerves, particularly in the extremities.

This process leads to nerve degeneration, impairing their ability to send and receive signals correctly.

Early symptoms may include a pins-and-needles sensation, often starting in the toes and fingers and progressing up the limbs. As the condition worsens, you might experience numbness, which can make it difficult to sense pain, temperature changes, or injuries.
Some people report sharp, stabbing pains or hypersensitivity to touch, even when there’s no obvious cause.

The danger of diabetic neuropathy lies not only in discomfort but also in the loss of protective sensation. Without being able to feel injuries, individuals may not notice cuts, burns, or blisters, which can become infected and lead to serious complications like ulcers or infections requiring amputation.

If you experience persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands or feet, it’s crucial to get a medical evaluation. Early intervention and strict blood sugar control can help slow the progression of neuropathy and improve quality of life.

12. Swollen or Bleeding Gums

High blood sugar doesn’t just affect your body internally; it can also have a visible impact on your oral health. Swollen, red, or bleeding gums are a common symptom among people with poorly controlled glucose levels.

Elevated blood sugar encourages the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to plaque buildup, gum inflammation (gingivitis), and periodontitis, a serious gum infection that can result in tooth loss.

People with high blood sugar often experience dry mouth, which reduces saliva production. Saliva plays a critical role in keeping the mouth clean and neutralizing harmful acids.

Without enough saliva, bacteria thrive, making gum disease more likely. Swollen gums can appear tender, puffy, and may bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing.

In severe cases, the infection can spread to the bone that supports your teeth, causing them to loosen or fall out. Additionally, untreated gum disease has been linked to heart disease, as the bacteria that cause oral infections can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation in the blood vessels.

If you notice persistent gum problems, it’s not just a dental issue—it could be a warning sign of uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

Regular dental check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene, combined with blood sugar management, are essential for preventing gum disease and protecting overall health.

13. Dry, Itchy Skin

Dry, itchy skin is a symptom that many people overlook, but it can be an early warning sign of high blood sugar levels. When your glucose levels are elevated over time, the body experiences fluid loss due to frequent urination, leading to dehydration. This lack of moisture in the skin can cause it to become dry, flaky, and prone to itching.

Areas commonly affected include the lower legs, arms, and elbows, but the discomfort can occur anywhere on the body.

Poor circulation, which often accompanies high blood sugar, also plays a role in this symptom. When blood flow is reduced—especially to the extremities—nutrients and oxygen are not efficiently delivered to the skin, making it more vulnerable to dryness and damage.

In addition, high glucose levels can lead to nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, which sometimes causes an itching or burning sensation, particularly in the lower legs and feet.

Left untreated, persistent itching may lead to scratching and open sores, increasing the risk of infection, especially in people with weakened immune systems due to hyperglycemia.

If you are experiencing chronically dry, itchy skin—particularly if it doesn’t improve with moisturizers or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like frequent urination or excessive thirst—it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional and have your blood sugar tested.

14. Fruity-Scented Breath

A fruity or sweet odor on the breath can be more than just a dental concern; it may indicate dangerously high blood sugar levels. This symptom often signals a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication that occurs when the body can’t use glucose for energy and starts breaking down fat instead. The fat-burning process releases ketones, which build up in the bloodstream and can create a distinct, fruity-smelling breath—often described as similar to nail polish remover or overripe fruit.

DKA is most common in individuals with type 1 diabetes, but it can also occur in those with type 2 diabetes under extreme conditions. Alongside fruity breath, other signs of DKA include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and rapid, deep breathing (Kussmaul respirations). If not treated promptly, DKA can lead to coma or death.

If you or someone you know experiences fruity-smelling breath along with symptoms of high blood sugar—such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue—seek emergency medical attention immediately.

DKA requires urgent treatment, typically involving intravenous fluids, insulin, and close monitoring in a hospital setting. Recognizing this symptom early can be life-saving.

15. Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps—particularly in the legs, feet, or hands—are another symptom that may indicate high blood sugar levels. Frequent urination caused by hyperglycemia leads to dehydration and an imbalance of electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are essential for proper muscle function. When these minerals are depleted, it can result in painful, involuntary muscle contractions.

Poor circulation associated with high blood sugar can also contribute to cramping. When blood vessels become narrowed or damaged, oxygen and nutrients are not delivered efficiently to the muscles, causing fatigue and spasms.

Some individuals may experience restless leg syndrome or nocturnal cramps, particularly at night, which can disrupt sleep and lead to daytime fatigue.

If you’re experiencing frequent or severe muscle cramps—especially when accompanied by other signs of high blood sugar like excessive thirst and fatigue—it’s important to evaluate your hydration status and electrolyte balance, and most importantly, have your blood glucose levels checked.

Addressing high blood sugar through medication, proper diet, hydration, and physical activity can help alleviate these cramps and improve muscle function.

16. Frequent Nighttime Urination (Nocturia)

Needing to urinate frequently at night, a condition known as nocturia, is a common symptom of high blood sugar. As glucose levels rise, the kidneys work overtime to filter and remove the excess sugar from the blood.

This process leads to increased urine production, which can become especially noticeable at night when the body is at rest. Some people find themselves waking up multiple times during the night with an urgent need to go to the bathroom.

Nocturia disrupts sleep patterns, often leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Over time, this can significantly reduce quality of life.

Additionally, nocturia can increase the risk of dehydration, particularly if the person is not replenishing fluids properly.

Chronic dehydration can worsen other symptoms of high blood sugar, including dry mouth, headaches, and dizziness.

For individuals with diabetes or undiagnosed hyperglycemia, frequent nighttime urination is often one of the earliest and most noticeable signs.

If you find that you are waking up more often at night to urinate—especially if you are also experiencing increased thirst, dry mouth, or unexplained fatigue—it’s important to consult a healthcare professional and have your blood glucose levels evaluated. Proper management can help reduce nocturia and improve sleep quality.

17. Restlessness During Sleep

Restless or poor-quality sleep can be a less obvious but significant sign of high blood sugar levels. People experiencing hyperglycemia often find themselves tossing and turning throughout the night, waking frequently, or struggling to fall into a deep sleep at all. This disruption can be linked to several factors directly related to elevated glucose.

First, high blood sugar causes frequent nighttime urination (nocturia), which interrupts sleep cycles. The need to get up several times to use the bathroom can make it difficult to achieve restful sleep, leaving you feeling exhausted upon waking.

Second, high blood glucose may lead to restlessness, night sweats, and even leg cramps or burning pain in the feet—symptoms associated with diabetic neuropathy, which can be particularly bothersome at night.

Additionally, hyperglycemia can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate its internal temperature, causing feelings of hot flashes or overheating, which disturb sleep.

Over time, chronic sleep deprivation due to restlessness can contribute to a weakened immune system, elevated stress levels, and poor blood sugar control, creating a harmful cycle.

If you’re experiencing frequent disruptions in your sleep without an obvious reason, it may be time to have your blood glucose levels checked, as addressing high blood sugar can often lead to improved sleep quality.

18. Increased Susceptibility to Colds and Illnesses

High blood sugar doesn’t just affect energy levels and organ function; it also compromises the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections, colds, and illnesses.

When glucose levels remain elevated, white blood cell function—which is critical for fighting off bacteria and viruses—becomes impaired. This means your body isn’t able to defend itself as effectively against invading pathogens.

As a result, people with uncontrolled high blood sugar often find themselves experiencing frequent colds, respiratory infections, and even more serious illnesses like pneumonia.

Infections that would typically be mild and short-lived may linger longer and come back more frequently. Wound infections and skin infections, such as boils or abscesses, can also occur more often due to compromised immunity.

Additionally, hyperglycemia creates an environment where certain fungal infections, such as oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections, thrive. If you find yourself getting sick more often than usual, or if minor illnesses are taking longer to resolve, it’s a good idea to have your blood sugar levels tested.

Strengthening your immune system by managing glucose levels through diet, exercise, and medication can make a significant difference in reducing susceptibility to illness.

19. Swollen Ankles

Swelling in the ankles, feet, and lower legs, known as edema, can be a sign that your blood sugar is too high. Hyperglycemia affects circulation and can lead to fluid retention, particularly in the lower extremities. When blood vessels are damaged by elevated glucose levels, they become less efficient at returning blood from the extremities to the heart, causing fluid to accumulate in the tissues.

The kidneys also play a role in this process. High blood sugar puts stress on the kidneys, making them less effective at filtering waste and excess fluid from the bloodstream. This leads to fluid retention, which manifests as visible swelling, most commonly in the ankles and feet. Swelling may be mild at first, but over time, it can become painful, and the skin may appear stretched, shiny, or discolored.

Swelling in the lower limbs can be more than just uncomfortable—it can be a sign of worsening circulation, kidney disease, or even heart issues related to diabetes. If you notice persistent or worsening swelling in your ankles or legs, especially if accompanied by other symptoms of high blood sugar, it’s important to seek medical evaluation. Early treatment can help prevent more serious complications.

20. Poor Libido or Erectile Dysfunction

Sexual health can be significantly impacted by high blood sugar levels, yet many people overlook this symptom. Men may experience erectile dysfunction (ED), while women may notice reduced libido, vaginal dryness, and discomfort during intercourse. This is often the result of nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) and reduced blood flow, both of which can stem from long-term hyperglycemia.

For men, high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection. This can also be compounded by hormonal imbalances that disrupt the normal function of testosterone, further reducing sexual desire and performance. Women may experience similar issues due to nerve damage and decreased blood circulation to the genital area, leading to a decrease in sexual arousal and lubrication.

Additionally, chronic fatigue, mood swings, and low energy caused by high blood sugar can diminish interest in sexual activity. While sexual health can be a sensitive topic, it’s important to discuss these concerns with a healthcare provider. If you are experiencing changes in libido or sexual performance, it may be a sign of uncontrolled blood sugar, and addressing it can often restore function and improve quality of life.

21. Hot Flashes or Night Sweats

Experiencing hot flashes or night sweats can be an overlooked but significant sign of high blood sugar levels. These episodes often happen suddenly and are described as a sudden sensation of intense heat, typically in the face, neck, and chest, sometimes accompanied by sweating, flushing, and an increased heart rate. For many individuals with hyperglycemia, these symptoms are especially noticeable during the night, disrupting sleep and leaving them feeling drained in the morning.

The connection lies in the body’s struggle to manage glucose. High blood sugar can disrupt the body’s autonomic nervous system, which plays a key role in temperature regulation. The body may misinterpret signals, leading to episodes where it attempts to cool itself down, resulting in sweating even when external temperatures are normal. Additionally, blood sugar fluctuations during sleep—especially sudden drops after spikes—can trigger night sweats as the body reacts to these changes.

Night sweats are often dismissed as being related to stress, menopause, or anxiety, but when they occur alongside other symptoms like frequent urination, thirst, and fatigue, they may indicate blood sugar imbalances. If you’re frequently waking up drenched in sweat without another clear cause, it’s advisable to check your blood glucose levels and speak to a healthcare professional.

22. Rapid Heartbeat (Tachycardia)

A rapid or irregular heartbeat, known medically as tachycardia, can be a symptom of high blood sugar. When glucose levels are elevated, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, especially when blood viscosity increases due to dehydration. High blood sugar also leads to electrolyte imbalances, such as reduced potassium or magnesium levels, both of which are essential for maintaining a steady heart rhythm.

Additionally, hyperglycemia can trigger the release of stress hormones, like adrenaline, which may cause your heart to race. This heightened heart rate can feel like a pounding or fluttering sensation in the chest, sometimes accompanied by lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or anxiety. If the condition progresses unchecked, it can strain the heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications, including high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke.

While an occasional rapid heartbeat can occur for various reasons, if you experience persistent or unexplained tachycardia, especially in conjunction with other signs of high blood sugar like frequent thirst and urination, it’s important to seek medical evaluation. Monitoring and managing your blood sugar can help regulate your heart rate and reduce the risk of serious heart-related issues.

23. Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can be another symptom linked to dangerously high blood sugar levels. This discomfort often signals diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), where the build-up of ketones in the bloodstream leads to inflammation and irritation in the abdominal organs. People experiencing DKA often describe the pain as sharp, cramping, or constant, and it can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite.

Beyond DKA, persistent high blood sugar can also contribute to gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach’s ability to empty its contents is slowed down due to damage to the vagus nerve. This leads to symptoms such as bloating, early satiety (feeling full quickly), heartburn, and pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen. Food sitting in the stomach longer than it should can lead to erratic blood sugar levels, making management of diabetes more difficult.

If you are experiencing ongoing abdominal pain, especially if it coincides with other signs of hyperglycemia like extreme thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent serious complications, whether the cause is DKA, gastroparesis, or another diabetes-related gastrointestinal issue.