The Effects of High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)

Effects of High Blood Pressure Tampa FLMany people correctly associate high blood sugar with diabetes. But, hyperglycemia can adversely affect your health in many other ways as well. Blood glucose serves as essential fuel for virtually every cell in your body, and chronically high levels can cause significant harm.

Why it’s important to keep your blood glucose in check

In addition to diabetes, here are four lesser-known negative health effects of high blood sugar:

  • Arteriosclerosis – Years ago, experts believed the primary cause of artery-clogging plaque was dietary cholesterol. However, recent studies suggest that excess blood sugar may play a larger role in the development of heart disease. Specifically, high blood sugar levels can stimulate the production of free radicals, which cause premature cell death and reduce the availability of nitric oxide, a compound necessary to relax the blood vessels and allow the blood to flow freely.
  • Cognitive impairment – While the precise nature of the connection between blood sugar levels and the brain is still unclear, researchers believe that a reduced blood flow associated with hyperglycemia may contribute to the development of dementia and other mental health issues.
  • Kidney disease – In the kidneys, tiny blood vessels filter the blood, allowing waste products to flow into the urine while retaining useful substances, such as proteins and red blood cells, which are too large to pass. High blood sugar levels force the kidneys to work harder, which can damage the blood vessels and impair their filtering function. As waste products build up in the blood over time, the kidneys may become damaged and ultimately fail.
  • Nerve and joint problems – Chronically high blood sugar levels can damage nerve cells throughout the body, producing numbness and tingling sensations in the hands, feet, arms, and legs. Additionally, excess blood glucose can adhere to joint surfaces, degrade collagen, and reduce joint mobility.

At South Tampa Immediate Care, we make the blood glucose testing process quick and easy. Just stop by our walk-in clinic at 602 South Howard Avenue in Tampa at your convenience – we’re open during extended hours and never require appointments. We can test you for hyperglycemia and, if necessary, recommend a strategy to help keep your blood sugar levels in check.