High blood sugar can cause symptoms, but there is no universally accepted list of “12 key symptoms.” Posts with titles like this often exaggerate or oversimplify the signs.
Common symptoms of persistently high blood sugar include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained weight loss (more common in untreated diabetes)
- Slow-healing cuts or sores
- Frequent infections (such as skin or yeast infections)
- Dry mouth or dry skin
If blood sugar becomes very high, symptoms can become more serious and may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Rapid or deep breathing
- Fruity-smelling breath
These severe symptoms require prompt medical attention, especially in someone with or at risk for diabetes.
It’s also important to know that many people with early high blood sugar have few or no symptoms, which is why screening is important for people with risk factors such as excess body weight, a family history of diabetes, or a history of gestational diabetes.
The only way to confirm whether symptoms are due to high blood sugar is with appropriate testing, such as a blood glucose test or an Hemoglobin A1c test, interpreted by a healthcare professional. If you’re experiencing symptoms that could be related to high blood sugar, it’s a good idea to arrange a medical evaluation rather than relying on an online symptom list.
