High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is common in diabetes and can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, thirst, and blurred vision. Chronically elevated blood sugar affects nerves, muscles, and balance – increasing the risk of falls, especially in older adults.
What Is High Blood Sugar in Diabetes?
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, occurs when the body cannot use or produce enough insulin to keep glucose levels within a normal range. This is a key feature of diabetes, both type 1 and type 2.
In type 1 diabetes, the body produces no insulin at all, while people with type 2 diabetes often have insulin resistance — meaning their body doesn’t respond properly to the insulin that’s produced. In both cases, sugar remains in the bloodstream instead of being absorbed by the cells.
Temporary spikes in blood sugar can be triggered by stress, infection, or poor diet, but when levels stay high for extended periods, the risk of complications increases — including nerve damage, muscle weakness, and vision problems.
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
Symptoms of high blood sugar can vary depending on how elevated levels are and how long they persist. Common signs include:
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- Unusual fatigue or lack of energy
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Headache and difficulty concentrating
- Dry or itchy skin
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- Dizziness, especially when standing up quickly
In some cases, symptoms may be mild and mistaken for stress or fatigue, which is why regular monitoring is essential for people living with diabetes. Chronic hyperglycemia can gradually damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs.
Why Does High Blood Sugar Increase Fall Risk?
Research shows that people with diabetes face a higher risk of fall accidents compared to those without. There are several reasons for this:
- Nerve damage (neuropathy) Chronically high blood sugar can damage nerves, particularly in the feet and legs. This leads to reduced sensation, numbness, or tingling — making it difficult to feel the ground and affecting balance.
- Muscle weakness and fatigue When cells don’t receive enough energy due to insulin deficiency or resistance, muscle strength declines. This makes it harder to stand up, walk steadily, and react to sudden movements.
- Vision changes High blood sugar can affect the eye’s fluid balance, causing blurred vision. People with diabetes also face higher risks of eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma — both of which increase fall risk.
- Low blood pressure and fluid loss Hyperglycemia increases urine production and fluid loss. This can cause dizziness, a drop in blood pressure, and difficulty maintaining balance.
- Nightly bathroom trips The need to urinate frequently — especially at night — raises the risk of falls in dark environments or when getting up quickly from bed.
Taken together, these factors make diabetes-related blood sugar changes a significant fall risk factor, particularly in older adults. Some medications used alongside diabetes treatment can also increase fall risk — speak to your doctor if you are unsure.
Preventive Measures for People with Diabetes
To reduce the risk of both high blood sugar and falls, the following strategies can help:
| Measure |
Description |
| Regular blood sugar monitoring |
Follow your doctor’s recommendations and check your levels consistently. |
| Diet and nutrition |
Eat a balanced diet with slow-release carbohydrates, fibre, and regular meal intervals. |
| Physical activity |
Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and strengthens muscles and balance. |
| Good hydration |
Drink water regularly to avoid dehydration. |
| Foot care |
Check your feet often — nerve damage can mean small wounds go unnoticed. |
| Eye exams |
Regular vision checks help detect changes early and reduce fall risk. |
A proactive approach to both blood sugar management and fall prevention at home can significantly reduce complications and improve quality of life.
Personal Alarm with Automatic Fall Detection for People with Diabetes
High blood sugar increases fall risk due to dizziness, nerve damage and muscle weakness. Sensorem’s personal alarm automatically detects falls and calls relatives via the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning.
