High blood sugar can silently wreak havoc on the body, gradually damaging cells and organs before diabetes is diagnosed.
This initial phase is characterized by inflammation and insulin resistance, posing risks even to lean individuals. Vital organs such as blood vessels and nerves bear the brunt of the strain, increasing the likelihood of heart disease and various complications, according to the Times of India.
The first silent wounds
When blood sugar levels remain high for weeks or months, the earliest damage occurs at the cellular level. The excess glucose begins to bind to proteins and fats in the body, forming harmful compounds called AGEs.
Dr. Sahil Kapoor, senior consultant at Aakash Healthcare (India), explains: The initial damage is usually inflammation and stress within the cells. Excess glucose binds to proteins and fats, creating compounds that harm cells. Blood vessels and nerves are particularly sensitive. At this stage, there are no obvious symptoms, but insulin resistance has already begun to develop silently.
People with normal weight can still experience insulin resistance, especially when fat accumulates around organs like the liver and pancreas. Photo: AI
Why do thin people still get injured?
High blood sugar spares no one. Even thin, active people can suffer from internal damage. People with normal weight can still experience insulin resistance, especially when fat accumulates around organs like the liver and pancreas. Dr. Kapoor notes: Thin people can still have fat around organs, insulin resistance, or a genetic risk.
The cells begin to ignore insulin signals.
Insulin helps sugar enter cells for energy. When sugar levels are consistently high, insulin is released continuously, causing cells to stop responding. Dr. Kapoor describes it this way: "The cells begin to ignore the insulin signals. That's insulin resistance." The pancreas has to work harder, eventually becoming exhausted, and blood sugar levels continue to rise. Studies in the medical journal MDPI show that this process begins years before diabetes is diagnosed.
Impact on blood vessels and the heart
High blood sugar damages the inner lining of blood vessels, causing them to become stiff and inflamed. Dr. Kapoor explains: "Elevated blood sugar silently damages the lining of blood vessels, causing arteries to harden and hindering blood flow to the heart and brain." Research published in the medical journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology shows that cardiovascular risk steadily increases with blood sugar levels, even in people without diabetes.
Additionally, Dr. Ajay Kumar Gupta from Max Super Speciality Hospital (India) stated that persistent fatigue, brain fog, and low energy are also common. High blood sugar also weakens immune cells, leading to slower wound healing and more frequent infections. The good news is that early changes are often reversible with better food choices, physical activity, and weight management, according to the Times of India.