High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is a condition that occurs when the body has too much glucose circulating in the bloodstream. While it’s most commonly associated with diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels can affect anyone — especially in the early stages. Recognizing the signs early on can help prevent serious complications down the line. Here are 14 warning signs that you may have too much sugar in your blood.

1. Constant Thirst
One of the earliest symptoms is excessive thirst. High blood sugar pulls water from your body’s tissues, leaving you feeling constantly dehydrated.

2. Frequent Urination
With more glucose in the blood, your kidneys work overtime to remove the excess through urine. This results in frequent trips to the bathroom, especially at night.

3. Fatigue
When your body can’t use glucose properly, your cells lack energy — making you feel tired even after a full night’s sleep.

4. Blurred Vision
High blood sugar can cause the lenses in your eyes to swell, leading to blurred or distorted vision. This can come and go with fluctuating glucose levels.

5. Increased Hunger
If your cells aren’t getting the energy they need, your body responds by increasing hunger signals — even if you’ve just eaten.

6. Slow Healing Wounds
Excess sugar can impair blood circulation and damage nerves, making it harder for cuts, bruises, or sores to heal properly.

7. Frequent Infections
People with high blood sugar are more prone to infections, particularly skin infections, urinary tract infections, and yeast infections.

8. Numbness or Tingling
Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the hands and feet may be a sign of diabetic neuropathy, a nerve damage condition caused by prolonged high blood sugar.

9. Unexplained Weight Loss
When your body can’t use glucose for energy, it starts burning fat and muscle instead, leading to sudden, unexplained weight loss.

10. Headaches
Frequent or severe headaches can occur when blood sugar levels are either too high or fluctuate dramatically throughout the day.

11. Mood Swings or Irritability
Blood sugar spikes and crashes can significantly affect your mood, leading to irritability, anxiety, or even symptoms of depression.

12. Dry Mouth and Skin
Dehydration caused by high blood sugar may leave your mouth and skin feeling dry and uncomfortable.

13. Trouble Concentrating
Often referred to as “brain fog,” difficulty concentrating or remembering things can be a result of unstable blood sugar levels.

14. Dark Patches on Skin
A skin condition called acanthosis nigricans causes dark, velvety patches to appear in body folds — commonly seen in people with insulin resistance.

Why These Signs Matter

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have diabetes, but it may be a warning sign of prediabetes or an imbalance in your diet and lifestyle. Many people live with high blood sugar for years without realizing it until serious complications arise, such as nerve damage, kidney failure, or heart disease.

What You Can Do

If you suspect high blood sugar, it’s important to take action early:

• Get a blood sugar test from a healthcare provider.

• Reduce your intake of processed sugars and refined carbohydrates.

• Increase your physical activity.

• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced, whole-food-based diet.

Final Thoughts

Your body often gives you subtle — and not-so-subtle — signals when something isn’t right. Paying attention to the warning signs of high blood sugar can help you take control of your health before it becomes a bigger problem. Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you recognize these symptoms, consult a medical professional and make the necessary lifestyle changes to restore balance to your body.