Those diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes know that their blood sugar level fluctuates drastically, and they need to monitor it regularly to keep it under control. But the blood sugar level is also influenced by day-to day-activities, so the rise and fall in it is usual even in those not diagnosed with the condition. It becomes problematic when it remains consistently high.Understanding high-blood sugar in non-diabetics
A high blood sugar level or hyperglycemia is referred to as a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood. In non-diabetics, it can be due to factors like stress or other chronic conditions. Even if the person is not diagnosed with diabetes, it is vital to manage the blood sugar level. Persistent high blood sugar levels can make it difficult for the body to heal, increase the risk of infection and may have a long-term impact on other organs like eyes and kidneys. Over time, it can also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. If the fasting glucose level is between 100–125 mg/dL or greater than 180 mg/dL one to two hours after eating, that condition is referred to as hyperglycemia.Causes of high blood sugar in non-diabetics
Several factors may lead to high blood sugar in non-diabetic patients. Some of the most common ones are:
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: The condition leads to hormonal imbalances in women belonging to reproductive age. It can lead to high production of testosterone, insulin, and cytokine. Even they are insulin resistant and cannot use all the glucose in the blood to produce energy.
Stress: Unmanaged stress can lead to a spike in the level of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. They in turn spike the blood sugar level, which is a perfectly natural response to the emotional distress a person is going through.
Infections: Any kind of infection also increases the level of the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone blocks the ability of insulin to remove excess glucose from the bloodstream, resulting in constant high blood sugar level.
Medication: Certain medications like dopamine and norepinephrine, immunosuppressants like tacrolimus and cyclosporine, and corticosteroids can activate enzymes in the blood that can keep the blood sugar level at a constant rise. The body finds it hard to produce energy and the person feels fatigued all the time.
Obesity: Excess of fat cells makes the body resistant to insulin. It also makes it difficult to remove glucose from the blood and utilise it for producing energy.Symptoms of high blood sugar level
The symptoms of non-diabetic hyperglycemia are similar to diabetic hyperglycemia. They include:
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Blurred vision
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Headache.
Tips to manage the blood sugar level
Unhealthy lifestyle habits are the major cause of high blood sugar in non-diabetic patients. Poor diet and lack of physical activity are the prime contributors. Skipping meals, lack of nutritious food, erratic food timing and lack of physical activity often result in high blood sugar levels. Besides, stress and poor sleep habits may also play some role in it. To manage the blood sugar level, it is crucial to managing your day to day activities. A healthy lifestyle can keep you in the pink of your health.