Frederick Jace
Many people have undoubtedly heard of high blood sugar, also commonly referred to as hyperglycemia, but few understand what it means to have such a medical condition. If this is something that resonates with you, you might find this health article particularly interesting. In short, the human body naturally stores a certain amount of glucose, a type of simple sugar, in the blood. And this process begins after we have consumed pasta, rice, potatoes, and other carbohydrate-rich foods. This same sugar eventually moves from the bloodstream and makes its way to various organs and cells, which, in turn, uses it for energy. It is, of course, entirely possible to have too much of a good thing as excessive amounts of sugar in the blood can cause a multitude of health problems, which is something that those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes know all too well.
It is worth noting that individuals do not necessarily have to be diabetic to find themselves struggling with high blood sugar. For those not aware, the body uses insulin secreted by the pancreas to transport sugar in the blood to the organs and cells that rely on it for energy. The development of any disease or health condition that interferes with insulin production will invariably disrupt this critical physiological process. And in nearly all cases, it is that very disruption that triggers high blood sugar.
How Does Having High Blood Sugar Make You Feel?
Having detailed how blood sugar gets into the blood and its role in promoting and supporting good overall health, let’s turn our attention to when things go awry and lead to high blood sugar. Unlike high blood pressure, often referred to as a silent killer, high blood sugar does not strike without warning. Some of the most commonly reported symptoms that are part and parcel of having high blood sugar include the following:
- Frequent headaches
- Finding it difficult to concentrate
- Chronic thirst, hunger, or both
- Drowsiness
- Chronic fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Xerostomia
- Feeling bloated
- Frequent urination
- Wounds that are slow to heal
In addition to these symptoms, individuals with high blood sugar that stems from diabetes can also develop what is known as ketoacidosis. And while rare, the same can occur in those who do not have diabetes as well. For reference, ketoacidosis is a severe medical condition commonly brought on by high blood sugar, often as a byproduct of having too little or no insulin in the body. And this can put individuals face-to-face with even more unpleasant, not to mention life-threatening, symptoms. Some of these ketoacidosis symptoms are as follows:
- Breathing problems
- An unusual fruity-tasting or smelling breath
- Improper beating of the heart
- Feeling confused or disoriented
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dehydration
- Coma
Additional Factors That Can Affect Blood Sugar Levels in the Body
While uncontrolled diabetes can cause a dangerous spike in blood sugar levels, many other chronic diseases and a few health conditions that are comparatively less serious can trigger the same response. Studies show that there are multiple metabolic diseases, in addition to diabetes, that can set the stage for high blood sugar levels in the body, some of which include the following:
- Metachromatic leukodystrophy
- Maple syrup urine disease
- Krabbe disease
- Hunter syndrome
- Gaucher disease
- Familial hypercholesterolemia
Along with metabolic diseases, chronic stress can also increase the risk of suffering from high blood sugar levels, according to a study published by the University of California, San Francisco. When individuals are stressed, their insulin levels naturally take a nosedive, say researchers involved in the study. What’s more, their glucagon and adrenaline levels start to rise, which prompts the liver to secrete higher than usual amounts of blood sugar. While we are on the topic, it is worth mentioning that stress and metabolic diseases are not the only culprits associated with high blood sugar. Some studies have shown that infections and being overweight or obese can adversely impact blood sugar levels and trigger insulin resistance.
Understanding How and Why Low HGH Affects Blood Sugar Levels
Hormones play a critical role when it comes to health and well-being. Therefore, it is not too surprising to find that hormonal imbalances can negatively impact blood sugar levels in the body. And this is especially the case for those with low human growth hormone (HGH) levels in their bloodstream. Much like chronic stress, low HGH levels can also trigger a dangerous uptick in the hormone cortisol. In addition to contributing to weight gain, too much cortisol can negatively affect insulin production, which often results in more sugar remaining in the bloodstream rather than being transported to cells, organs, and tissues in the body. HGH for women has also significant impact for blood sugar levels as much as for men’s body.
How to Diagnose Blood Sugar Levels
Most endocrinologists agree that blood sugar levels for men and women measuring below 140 mg/dL are normal. Likewise, blood sugar levels that are 200 nanograms per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher, especially two hours after consuming a meal, generally constitute diabetes. Lastly, blood sugar levels that fall between 140 and 199 mg/dL are synonymous with prediabetes. That said, the best and most accurate way for individuals to know where they stand relative to their blood sugar levels is to invest in a glucometer. These relatively small devices can provide a reasonably accurate reading of the amount of sugar in an individual’s bloodstream. With this knowledge, they can take steps to lower their blood sugar levels if they are too high or schedule an appointment with a physician as soon as possible if they are unable to do so.
How to Prevent High Blood Sugar
Having detailed some of the many factors that can give rise to high blood sugar levels, let’s turn our attention to how men and women can go about preventing dangerous blood sugar spikes in the first place. One good way to do so is by engaging in regular exercise. After all, physical activity of any kind can contribute to a healthy weight while simultaneously lowering high cortisol levels and boosting low HGH levels. Collectively, these physiological responses can go a long way toward improving insulin sensitivity and keeping high blood sugar at bay. Consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet can help in this regard as well. Lastly, getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of deep, restorative sleep each night is also a good idea since the pituitary gland secretes most of the HGH that the body needs while individuals are sleeping.
HGH Therapy to Combat High Blood Sugar Levels
If low human growth hormone levels are causing blood sugar levels to spike too high, HGH therapy might be worth considering, say many endocrinologists. And this treatment modality can benefit men and women alike. In short, HGH therapy refers to the use of prescription-based growth hormone replacement drugs that enable the pituitary gland to ramp up growth hormone production. In turn, this lowers high cortisol levels and significantly improves insulin sensitivity, especially among those with type 2 diabetes. However, this type of treatment is also beneficial to those struggling with high blood sugar that is not related to diabetes.
Bottom Line
All in all, multiple things can spike blood sugar levels in the body. And the long blood sugar levels remain too high, the more like the condition is to progress to something much worse. That said, if you have high blood sugar or suspect that you do, it is in your best interest to seek the help and advice of a licensed physician as soon as possible.
