Here’s a detailed explanation of the top 7 symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) that tend to worsen at night, especially after 10 PM for people with diabetes:
Diabetes Symptoms at Night: Top 7 Signs of High Blood Sugar That Become Worse After 10 PM
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can cause various symptoms that might intensify during the night due to changes in the body’s metabolism, hormone levels, and reduced activity. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for managing diabetes effectively and avoiding complications.
1. Frequent Urination (Nocturia)
-
When blood sugar is high, your kidneys try to remove the excess glucose by producing more urine.
-
This leads to frequent urination, especially at night, causing you to wake up multiple times to urinate.
-
The increased urine production also causes dehydration, which can make you feel thirsty.
2. Increased Thirst (Polydipsia)
-
Because of frequent urination, your body loses a lot of fluids.
-
This triggers an intense feeling of thirst, which often gets worse at night as your body tries to stay hydrated.
-
You may find yourself waking up thirsty or feeling very dry in your mouth after going to bed.
3. Dry Mouth and Sore Throat
-
High blood sugar leads to dehydration, which causes your mouth and throat to become dry.
-
A dry mouth can feel uncomfortable and even cause a sore or scratchy throat during the night.
-
This symptom often disrupts your sleep and makes it difficult to rest well.
4. Fatigue and Weakness
-
High blood sugar affects how your body uses glucose for energy.
-
When glucose cannot enter cells properly due to insulin resistance or deficiency, your body feels tired and weak.
-
Fatigue tends to become more noticeable at night when you’re supposed to be resting.
5. Blurred Vision
-
Excess glucose can cause fluid to be pulled from tissues, including the lenses of your eyes.
-
This affects your ability to focus, causing blurred vision that may worsen as the day goes on.
-
At night, the strain on your eyes combined with high sugar levels can make your vision more noticeably blurred.
6. Headaches
-
Dehydration and high blood sugar levels can cause headaches, which may worsen at night.
-
The combination of dehydration, changes in blood sugar, and poor sleep can lead to persistent headaches after 10 PM.
7. Restlessness or Difficulty Sleeping
-
High blood sugar can interfere with your ability to fall asleep or stay asleep.
-
Symptoms like frequent urination, thirst, headaches, and dry mouth cause discomfort that leads to restlessness.
-
You might wake up repeatedly or have poor quality sleep, further affecting your energy and mood the next day.
Why Do These Symptoms Worsen After 10 PM?
-
Hormonal Changes: At night, hormones such as cortisol and growth hormone fluctuate and can increase blood sugar levels.
-
Reduced Physical Activity: During sleep, your body uses less glucose, but your liver may release stored glucose, raising blood sugar.
-
Delayed Insulin Effects: If you’ve taken insulin or medication earlier, their timing might cause blood sugar fluctuations at night.
-
Dehydration: Fluid loss during the day accumulates, worsening symptoms at night when you are less likely to drink fluids.
What To Do If You Experience These Symptoms at Night
-
Check your blood sugar: Regular monitoring can help detect high blood sugar early.
-
Stay hydrated: Drink water throughout the day but avoid excessive fluid intake close to bedtime.
-
Follow your medication plan: Take insulin or oral meds as prescribed.
-
Manage diet and exercise: Avoid high-carb meals late at night and stay active during the day.
-
Consult your healthcare provider: Persistent night symptoms may require adjustments in your diabetes management.