How does high blood sugar damage my overall health?
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can damage your overall health in a number of ways. When your blood sugar is consistently high, it can lead to a number of serious health problems, including:
Cardiovascular disease: High blood sugar can increase your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. It can also contribute to the hardening and narrowing of your blood vessels, which can lead to high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Nerve damage: High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels that supply blood to your nerves, leading to nerve damage and numbness in your feet and hands.
Kidney damage: High blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in your kidneys, leading to kidney damage and potentially kidney failure.
Eye damage: High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to vision problems and an increased risk of blindness.
Foot damage: High blood sugar can cause poor circulation and nerve damage in your feet, increasing the risk of foot injuries and infections.
Skin problems: High blood sugar can lead to dry, itchy skin and an increased risk of fungal infections.
It's important to manage your blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of these and other health problems. This may include following a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, and taking any prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.
