Can High Sugar Cause Dizziness?
August 25, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Yes, high blood sugar levels, especially if they are significantly elevated, can potentially lead to feelings of dizziness. This is often associated with diabetes, a condition in which the body has difficulty regulating blood sugar levels. Here’s how high blood sugar can be linked to dizziness:
- Dehydration: Elevated blood sugar levels can cause the kidneys to work harder to remove excess sugar from the body through urine. This can lead to increased urination, which in turn can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can cause feelings of dizziness.
- Blood Pressure Fluctuations: High blood sugar levels can affect blood vessels and blood flow. These changes can sometimes lead to fluctuations in blood pressure, which may result in dizziness.
- Impaired Blood Flow to the Brain: High blood sugar can impact the blood vessels, potentially affecting blood flow to the brain. Reduced blood flow to the brain can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Neuropathy: Long-term high blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage, including the nerves responsible for regulating blood pressure. This nerve damage, known as neuropathy, can contribute to dizziness.
- Hyperglycemia Symptoms: Dizziness can be one of the symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), especially if blood sugar levels are significantly elevated. Other symptoms can include frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, and blurred vision.
It’s important to note that dizziness can have various other causes, including low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), inner ear issues, dehydration, anemia, and more. If you are experiencing persistent or severe dizziness, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk for diabetes, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management. Managing blood sugar levels through proper diabetes care and making appropriate lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of associated symptoms like dizziness.