High Blood Sugar in Diabetes – Symptoms and Connection to Fall Risk

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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.

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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

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.

How High Blood Sugar in Diabetes Increases Fall Risk

Research shows that people with diabetes face a higher risk of falls compared to those without diabetes. There are several underlying reasons for this:

1. Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
   Long-term high blood sugar can damage nerves, especially in the feet and legs. This leads to reduced sensation, numbness, or tingling — making it harder to feel the ground and maintain balance.

2. Muscle Weakness and Fatigue
   When cells don’t receive enough energy due to insulin resistance or lack of insulin, muscle strength declines. This makes it harder to stand up, walk steadily, or react quickly to loss of balance.

3. Vision Changes
   Elevated blood sugar can affect fluid levels in the eyes, causing blurred vision. People with diabetes are also at greater risk for diabetic retinopathy, a condition that further increases the likelihood of falls.

4. Low Blood Pressure and Dehydration
   Hyperglycemia causes increased urination and fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration and low blood pressure — both of which can cause dizziness and balance problems.

5. Frequent Nighttime Urination
   The need to get up frequently during the night raises the risk of falls, especially in dark environments or when standing up quickly from bed.

These factors combined make blood sugar fluctuations in diabetes a key contributor to fall risk, particularly among older adults.

Preventive Measures for People with Diabetes

To reduce the risk of both high blood sugar and falls, the following strategies can be helpful:

A proactive approach to both blood sugar management and fall prevention can significantly reduce complications and improve quality of life for people with diabetes.

Safety alarm with automatic fall alarm can increase safety for people with an increased risk of falling

Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people who have an increased risk of falling. The personal alarm can automatically trigger the alarm in the event of a fall and then call relatives using the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app.