What Happens to Your Body When Your A1C is Over 12%?
When your A1C (average blood glucose) is over 12%, it indicates that your body is struggling to maintain a healthy balance of blood sugar levels. This can have severe consequences on your overall health, leading to a range of complications. Here are some of the effects your body may experience when your A1C is over 12%.
Kidney Damage
High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys over time, impairing their ability to filter waste from the blood. When the kidneys are damaged, they can't remove waste products, leading to a buildup in the blood. This can cause kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a transplant.
Eye Damage
Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, causing vision loss or even blindness. People with diabetes are 25 times more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to blindness.
Nerve Damage
High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet. This is known as diabetic neuropathy. In severe cases, nerve damage can cause loss of sensation, leading to undiagnosed wounds and infections.
Heart Disease
High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of heart disease by damaging blood vessels and increasing blood pressure. This can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Skin Infections
High blood sugar levels can impair the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. People with diabetes are more likely to develop skin infections, including boils, abscesses, and cellulitis.
Fatigue and Weakness
High blood sugar levels can cause fatigue and weakness, making it difficult to perform daily activities. This can also lead to depression and anxiety.
Slow Healing
High blood sugar levels can impair the body's ability to heal wounds. This can lead to delayed healing, which can be painful and increase the risk of infection.
Cognitive Decline
High blood sugar levels have been linked to cognitive decline, including memory loss and confusion. This can be a concern for people with diabetes, especially if they have a family history of dementia.
Increased Risk of Infections
High blood sugar levels can impair the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. This can include pneumonia, influenza, and other conditions that can be severe and even life-threatening.
High Blood Pressure
High blood sugar levels can increase blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
Increased Risk of Amputations
High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves and blood vessels in the feet, increasing the risk of amputations.
Increased Risk of Dementia
High blood sugar levels have been linked to an increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Increased Risk of Depression
High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of depression, which can be a challenge for people with diabetes to manage.
Increased Risk of Weight Gain
High blood sugar levels can lead to weight gain, which can increase the risk of other health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.
Increased Risk of Sleep Apnea
High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of sleep apnea, a condition that can disrupt sleep and lead to fatigue and other complications.
Increased Risk of Osteoporosis
High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that can lead to brittle bones and increased risk of fractures.
Increased Risk of Kidney Failure
High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a transplant.
Increased Risk of Vision Loss
High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of vision loss, including diabetic retinopathy and blindness.
Increased Risk of Nerve Damage
High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of nerve damage, including diabetic neuropathy.
By understanding the risks associated with high blood sugar levels, you can take steps to manage your condition and reduce your risk of complications. This includes following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly.