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Many people live with high blood sugar for years without realizing the damage it causes to their bodies. At Phillips Family Medical in DeSoto, Texas, Pamela Phillips, Ph.D., FNP-C, helps patients identify these early warning signs to protect their long-term health.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), over 40 million Americans are currently living with diabetes. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 11 million adults in the United States have diabetes but remain completely undiagnosed.
When glucose builds up in your bloodstream, it can lead to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Over time, untreated high blood sugar can damage your blood vessels, nerves, and vital organs, making early detection essential.
Managing your blood sugar is a vital part of primary care. By catching imbalances early, we can create a personalized plan to protect your heart, kidneys, and overall well-being.
If your body is struggling to manage glucose, it'll send subtle signals that you need to address. The seven warning signs your blood sugar needs attention are extreme thirst, frequent urination, constant fatigue, blurry vision, slow-healing sores, unexplained weight loss, and tingling in your hands or feet.
When excess sugar builds up in your blood, your kidneys work overtime to filter and absorb it, pulling fluids from your tissues and leaving you constantly dehydrated.
As your kidneys flush out the excess glucose, you'll find yourself making much more frequent trips to the bathroom, especially during the night.
Since your body can't properly convert glucose into energy, you may feel completely drained even after getting plenty of rest.
High blood sugar can pull fluid from the lenses of your eyes, making it difficult to focus and causing temporary vision changes.
Elevated glucose levels can impair your blood circulation and natural healing processes, meaning minor cuts and bruises take much longer to mend.
When your cells can't get the energy they need from glucose, your body may start burning muscle and fat for fuel instead.
Prolonged high blood sugar can damage your nerves, leading to a mild burning, tingling, or numb sensation in your extremities.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to seek professional guidance. We offer comprehensive support for diabetes management and prevention to help you regain control of your health.
Our team also provides personalized weight loss management programs, which can play a major role in stabilizing your blood sugar levels. You don't have to navigate these health changes alone.
Taking proactive steps today can prevent serious complications down the road. To check your blood sugar levels and discuss a personalized wellness plan, contact our office at 972-861-1151 or use online booking to schedule an appointment today.