Diabetes or diabetes mellitus is the term used to refer to a condition that results in excessive blood glucose or sugar levels. It generally occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or use it effectively. When left unmanaged, high blood sugar levels can cause several complications. One of these complications is joint pain. Signs and symptoms of some diabetes-induced conditions that may cause joint pain include the following: Diabetic Arthropathy High blood glucose levels can damage the nerves, causing diabetic neuropathy that can also affect the joints, known as arthropathy. Some conditions that fall under this category include: Charcot’s foot This condition affects the foot joints, causing them to deteriorate over time. It may also cause symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, redness, numbness, the area being hot to the touch, or changes in the appearance of the feet. Diabetic hand Some people with diabetes may experience shoulder pain and limited mobility due to a frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis. Arthropathy may also affect joints in the hand by causing conditions such as: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This occurs when the median nerve is compressed. It may cause symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand. Trigger finger:

The liver is a vital organ responsible for carrying out essential functions in the body, like removing toxins, metabolizing nutrients, and regulating blood sugar. Excessive sugar intake can take a toll on the liver, leading to health complications. Sugar can also increase the risk and worsen the symptoms of liver disease. Recognizing the effects of high blood glucose can help one make necessary changes to prevent any harm to the liver and overall health. Fatigue and weakness One of the early signs of liver problems linked to high sugar intake is fatigue and weakness. The liver plays a crucial role in converting sugar into energy. When dealing with excessive amounts of sugar, the function of the organ may be compromised. This can lead to a lack of energy. Frequent digestive issues Liver issues linked with high sugar intake can also manifest as recurring digestive issues. The liver produces bile, a substance necessary for the digestion and absorption of fats. But, when dealing with liver dysfunction brought on by excessive sugar, one can experience digestive problems like bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. Elevated blood sugar The liver plays a pivotal part in regulating blood sugar by storing and releasing glucose as required.

The human heart supplies oxygen to different parts of the body, maintains blood pressure, and expels carbon dioxide through exhalation. But with an increasing frequency of heart conditions, as per 2021 reports, heart disease costs the country a whopping $239.9 billion each year. Heart problems may have various underlying causes; however, diabetes is often responsible for triggering or worsening them. Some heart problems caused by excessive sugar intake and diabetes are as follows: Arrhythmia Arrhythmia refers to irregular heartbeats. Since diabetes disrupts the heart’s structure, the condition may be caused or worsened by diabetes. Individuals with this condition experience shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, etc. Stroke Diabetes pathologically alters the body’s blood vessels, which can trigger the onset of stroke. Studies have also shown that survival rates of individuals with stroke are lower among patients with diabetes. Heart attack Patients with type-2 diabetes are twice as susceptible to heart disease as those with regular blood-sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes may also develop silent heart attacks, which do not have any initial symptoms. Patients having suffered a heart attack may experience swelling in their legs or ankles, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, and nausea, among other symptoms. Atrial fibrillation According to research reports, diabetes significantly increases one’s risk of developing atrial fibrillation.

Sugar has become an integral part of modern lifestyle and eating habits. It is present in most store-bought foods, from packaged snacks, cereals, and baked goods to sauces and energy drinks. While sugar can provide a momentary burst of pleasure to taste buds, excessive consumption can harm one’s dental health. Therefore, recognizing the early signs of these dental issues due to high sugar consumption is crucial for early intervention and optimal oral health. Tooth decay and cavities The bacteria in one’s mouth feed and thrive on the sugar consumed through food and produce acids. These acids erode tooth enamel, leading to the formation of cavities. Tooth sensitivity Sugar-rich foods can lead to enamel erosion, exposing the sensitive dentin underneath. As a result, individuals may experience discomfort or pain when consuming hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks. Toothache As cavities progress, they can cause toothaches characterized by sharp or throbbing pain. The pain may worsen when biting down or consuming cold or sugary foods. Tooth discoloration Sugar is a major food source for harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to the formation of plaque and tartar. Over time, these substances can stain the teeth, resulting in a yellowish or brownish appearance.

With the fast-paced world, getting a good night’s sleep is becoming harder. We often attribute sleep loss to external factors like stress or technology, but sugar can also be a culprit that we tend to overlook. Despite its seemingly harmless nature, sugar can negatively affect our sleep patterns and overall health. Many people are unaware of sugar’s harmful impact on sleep and its correlation with sleep disturbances and constipation. Here’s everything you should know. Disrupts the sleep-wake cycle Consuming excessive sugar close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle. Sugar stimulates insulin release, leading to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. This spike in energy can make it difficult for your body to relax and enter the sleep phase, causing insomnia or fragmented sleep. Promotes restless sleep Sugar can contribute to restless sleep by causing blood sugar fluctuations throughout the night. As your blood sugar levels rise and fall, your body may experience sudden awakenings or interruptions in sleep. These disruptions can leave you tired and groggy in the morning, even after a seemingly long night of rest. Increased risk of sleep disorders Studies have shown that high-sugar foods are associated with an increased risk of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring.

Day or night, making frequent bathroom trips can be annoying for any individual. A symptom of an overactive bladder, frequent urination can affect one’s work and personal life. However, with proper treatment, it is possible to control frequent urination. Various home remedies, including nutritional changes and behavioral therapies, can help retain the bladder and prevent the need for frequent bathroom visits. Keep reading to learn about a few such helpful home remedies. Kegel exercises Kegel exercises can be beneficial in managing frequent urination problems. They repeatedly contract and release the pelvic floor muscles, building their strength. The increased strength can help improve bladder control and lower urination frequency. Bladder training Bladder training goes a long way in helping patients with an overactive bladder. At first, patients might find it difficult to hold in their urine for longer than usual. However, maintaining this practice for weeks retrains the bladder and reduces the urination frequency. Eating healthy foods One cool trick to managing frequent urination is avoiding foods and drinks that act as a diuretic or could irritate the bladder. It could include caffeine, carbonated beverages, spicy foods, tomato-based foods, and even chocolate. Adding more fiber to the meal can help relieve constipation and frequent urination problems.

Most individuals, especially those with a sweet tooth, find it hard to avoid sugary foods from their daily meal plan because sugar is an integral part of various food items. However, excessive intake of sugar is associated with many health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and even cholesterol. Some easy and effective strategies to reduce sugar intake and its direct impact on one’s cholesterol levels are listed below. Types of cholesterol There are two types of cholesterol- LDL (low-density lipoprotein), otherwise known as bad cholesterol HDL (high-density lipoprotein), otherwise known as good cholesterol LDL causes plaque buildup in one’s arteries, creates blockages, hampers blood flow, and raises the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Meanwhile, HDL helps the body to get rid of bad cholesterol. HDL carries LDL to the liver, where it is eventually eliminated from the body. Effects of sugar on cholesterol levels Healthcare professionals recommend exercising and reducing the intake of saturated fats for individuals with high cholesterol. However, unbeknownst to many, sugar is another hidden contributing factor to cholesterol. Some studies have shown that people who consumed more than half a cup of sugar daily had low HDL levels in the body.

Sugar is one of the most commonly used condiments in daily cooking. In fact, most processed foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket contain some form of artificial sweetener added to enhance the taste. One example is the variety of carbonated beverages, flavored sodas, and fruit juices sold. A 12-ounce can of soda contains 10 teaspoons or 39 grams of sugar. Consuming sugary beverages affects one’s health in the following ways. Triggers type 2 diabetes Sodas are laced with artificial sweeteners that rapidly increase blood sugar levels in the body. Frequently consuming these sugary beverages causes healthy cells to become less resistant to natural insulin produced by the body. Insulin resistance combined with increased blood sugar severely increases the risk of diabetes. Leads to joint problems Fructose, a form of sugar, is one of the known risk factors linked to certain types of arthritis, mainly gout. It leads to the build-up of uric acid crystals in the big toe. Consistently consuming excessive amounts of sugar can trigger flare-ups associated with gout and worsen the pain. Causes dental problems Sugar left behind in the crevices of the teeth and healthy gums triggers problems like cavities and infections. That’s because the bacteria feed off excess sugar left behind after consuming sweetened juices, flavored sodas, and carbonated beverages.