Your blood sugar level should be checked if you are overweight or if diabetes runs in your family, or if you are black, Hispanic or older than 40 years of age. You should also be tested if you have a history of high cholesterol, high blood pressure or heart disease. The test is easy. A finger stick for blood may be all that is needed. Over time, high blood sugar that is left untreated can cause permanent damage.
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart disease and stroke.
It is the most common reason for amputations. Very high blood sugar levels can lead to illness, hospitalization and even death. However, if you work with your doctor to control your blood sugar level, it is much less likely that these things will happen to you. Depending on the type of diabetes you have, your doctor may treat you with pills or insulin shots. Sometimes diabetes can be controlled without medicine if the person loses weight, eats a healthy diet and exercises often.