Sugar has been associated with issues affecting different parts of the body, like the teeth, eyes, and skin. Further, it can age the skin prematurely, and one may be able to observe changes in skin tone, texture, and glow. However, recognizing the signs of skin aging that have been linked to high sugar intake can make one reconsider lifestyle choices and food habits. Here are a few signs one may notice: Wrinkles When one indulges in sugary foods regularly, it can cause collagen damage. Collagen is a skin protein that helps maintain firm, elastic, and smooth skin. So, when the glucose levels in the body begin to increase, they can break down collagen and affect its production. This increases the risk of wrinkles and fine lines, which are some of the most common signs of aging. Acne Excessive intake of sugar can lead to a spike in the blood sugar levels in the body, leading to inflammation. Further, the spike can stimulate excess production of sebum—a natural oily substance that helps keep the skin hydrated. With excessive sebum on the skin, one is more prone to breakouts on the skin. Additionally, if one regularly chooses processed, junk, and dairy products, they could experience hormonal imbalances, which can trigger the onset of hormonal acne. So, healthcare professionals recommend making better nutritional choices and having foods like avocados, walnuts, broccoli, and tomatoes to improve skin health. Pigmentation Excessive sugar intake can increase the risk of Acanthosis Nigricans. Here, one may observe dark, velvety, and thick patches on the skin. In rare cases, the patches can either have an odor or cause itching in the affected area. Further, pigmentation can be triggered by oxidative stress. Melanin is a skin pigment that gives the skin its color or complexion. At times, due to excessive sugar intake, one can experience an increase in oxidative stress which makes melanin accumulate on the surface of the skin (or the epidermis), leading to hyperpigmentation.

Joint pain affects millions of people worldwide. While excessive sugar intake is associated with diabetes and dental problems, its impact on joint health is often overlooked. Understanding the relationship between sugar and joint pain is crucial for maintaining optimal joint health. Further, diabetes can increase the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis, which cause stiffness and pain in the joints. So, here are some signs of joint problems one should recognize: Inflammation Elevated blood glucose can cause swelling and increase the production of cytokines, which are chemicals that can cause inflammation and stiffness when available excessively. If joints become swollen and tender, it may be a sign of high sugar intake. Stiff joints One may lose flexibility and extent of mobility as a result of persistently high blood glucose. Sugar triggers a process in the body called glycation, through which sugar molecules attach to proteins in the body and produce harmful compounds. These end products can damage the cells, speed up aging, reduce flexibility, and increase joint stiffness. So, when dealing with high blood sugar, one is more likely to experience issues or pain while moving, bending, or stretching. Fat deposits and joint pain The body converts food into glucose and stores it as energy for future use. When one has more sugar than needed, it gets stored as fat cells. As these cells accumulate, they can exert additional stress on the joints, especially the knees, hips, and ankles. So, excessive sugar intake can contribute to joint pain due to an increase in fat deposits. Cramps Eating foods high in sugar can lead to excretion of essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium through urine. These minerals are vital for the optimal functioning of all cells in the body and are particularly important for proper skeletal muscle contraction and performance. If there is a deficiency of these minerals, it can damage nerve and muscle tissues.

The ears help detect, analyze, and balance sound. However, the organ is susceptible to a range of conditions, including infections. Hearing loss is also a common symptom as a person ages. However, if one develops this complication without underlying factors, it might indicate the onset of diabetes. The condition that is triggered by excessive sugar intake may lead to nerve damage in the ears. Here are six signs of hearing problems that might be caused by diabetes. Difficulty following conversations There are multiple reasons one might have difficulty following a conversation with more than one person. The sign could occur when they are in a group or even when there is background noise present. Sometimes people might be distracted too easily. However, it could indicate the onset of nerve damage in the ears caused by excessive sugar intake. So one must consult with an expert to diagnose the source of the problem. Trouble following telephonic conversations One of the most visible signs of hearing loss is difficulty understanding telephonic conversations. Phone calls come with certain disturbances that make it difficult to understand the person on the other line. However, if one finds it difficult to follow phone conversations all the time, one might need to consult with an expert. Underlying health complications like diabetes might cause the phenomenon. The sign may be prominent in noisy and also soft environments. Asking others to repeat themselves It is alright to ask someone to repeat themselves occasionally, especially if their speech is muffled. However, there may come a time when the individual asks another to repeat themselves despite the speech being clear. Such situations may require the intervention of an expert to check for hearing loss caused by health conditions, including diabetes. Under the impression that others are mumbling One of the most common signs of hearing loss, potentially caused by diabetes, is thinking that the other individual is mumbling.

People with diabetes may develop nerve damage due to high blood sugar. This condition is known as diabetic neuropathy. This condition can be classified into four types: peripheral, autonomic neuropathy, proximal neuropathy (diabetic polyradiculopathy), or mononeuropathy (focal neuropathy), depending on the nerves it affects. Although these conditions develop slowly, they may not be diagnosed or show symptoms until much later. Knowing their signs can help diagnose them and begin treatment earlier. Peripheral neuropathy: This is the most common form of neuropathy that affects the legs and feet first. Over time, the symptoms may spread to the arms. Some symptoms include numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes in the feet and toes, a tingling or burning sensation, a sharp pain that worsens at night, extreme sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness, loss of reflex response, foot problems such as ulcers, infections, and deformities, and bone and joint damage. Autonomic neuropathy: The autonomic nervous system controls several different bodily functions, including blood pressure, heart rate, sweat glands, eyes, bladder, digestive system, and sex organs. Diabetes and excessive blood sugar could lead to nerve damage in any of these systems, giving rise to symptoms such as hypoglycemia unawareness, urinary incontinence or urinary retention, constipation or uncontrolled diarrhea, slow stomach emptying or gastroparesis, which could lead to nausea, vomiting, sensation of fullness, and loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness in women, increased or decreased sweating, drops in blood pressure when rising from sitting or lying down (orthostatic hypotension), problems regulating body temperature, increased heart rate even when at rest, and changes in the way the eyes adjust from light to dark and distance to the nearness. Proximal neuropathy: This condition affects the thighs, hips, buttocks, or legs and is common among those with type-2 diabetes. Most people feel the symptoms on one side of the body, but they may also spread to the other.

Excess sugar intake creates multiple health problems, including kidney issues. Kidneys are essential in helping the body eliminate waste from the system. It also helps return essential vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream, including amino acids, glucose, and hormones. However, if excess sugar is in the bloodstream, the kidneys cannot filter it, leading to several health issues and organ damage. Here are some signs and symptoms of kidney disease caused due to high sugar. Blood vessels in the kidneys The kidneys have a high density of blood vessels running through their filtering units, and these blood vessels must function properly. When the bloodstream continuously has high sugar, the vessels tend to become narrower and clogged over time. This limitation results in improper blood flow to the kidneys, leading to an inefficient filtering process. Another complication occurs when a protein called albumin passes through the filter and goes out through urine. But it is essential that albumin stays in the body as it prevents the blood from leaking into the tissues. Nerve damage Excess sugar consumption is also known to damage nerves in the body. These nerves are essential for bodily functions, including sending signals to the bladder from the brain. The signals include messages telling the brain that the bladder is full and that you must relieve the pressure. However, when the nerves are damaged due to high sugar levels, you may not feel the pressure in the bladder, which damages the kidney. Urinary tract infections When the nerves in the bladder do not function, then the urine may stay for longer in the bladder. When that happens, there is a high risk of contracting an infection. This happens due to the accumulation of bacteria since the waste disposal process is hampered by increased blood sugar. While this infection starts in the bladder, it can quickly spread to the kidneys when not treated promptly.

Sugar does not directly cause cancer. However, it triggers other complications like diabetes, metabolic disorders, and unnatural immune responses that indirectly increase cancer risk. Although sugar is among the most used condiments in the kitchen, it does not add any nutritional value to foods and beverages. In fact, when eaten in large amounts, it leads to the following health problems that increase a person’s risk of developing cancer with time. Diabetes Diabetes is among the leading complications that increase the risk of cancer. Type 2 diabetes, one of its most rampant subtypes, affects a large portion of our country’s population, including children, young adults, and seniors. One of the condition’s primary triggers is the overconsumption of artificial and refined sugars. These kinds of sugar cause blood glucose imbalances, affect insulin sensitivity, lead to metabolic issues, and trigger and aggravate the unwanted progression of cancer cells. As a result, type 2 diabetes must be taken very seriously. Those with the ailment should monitor their blood glucose levels and reduce their sugar intake. Changes in BMI Food is fuel for the body. However, not all food ingredients are healthy. Certain carbohydrates and sugars cause hormonal imbalances and metabolic disorders. These issues can, in turn, trigger a rapid increase in BMI. Sugar only enhances the taste of foods and beverages when used as a condiment but deprives the body of essential nutrients. So, if one does not feel satiated even after a large meal, it is perhaps the result of excessive sugar intake. To feel satiated, one consumes more calories and overeats, which only worsens the risk of diabetes and a high BMI, two prominent risk factors for cancer. A high BMI not only increases the risk of several types of cancer but also other disorders that lower a person’s quality of life.

Nerve damage due to high levels of blood sugar is a debilitating complication of diabetes. It is estimated that nearly 70 percent of those with diabetes are affected by nervous system issues due to excessive sugar levels in the blood. This usually occurs among those who find it difficult to monitor and control their sugar levels. Over time, this affects the blood vessels that sustain the nervous system. Hence, the following problems can occur. Decline in cognitive function Cognitive abilities are basic brain-related skills a person develops over their lifetime. These functions and abilities are required to carry out essential everyday tasks such as reading, remembering, learning, thinking, and so on. Cognitive decline occurs when the brain is affected due to damage to the central nervous system. This may happen when a person has high blood sugar for over several decades or years. Problems with vision The damage to the central nervous system due to excessive sugar can lead to focal nerve damage. This affects single nerves in the body. As a result, there can be problems with a person’s vision. They may experience double vision or have trouble focusing to be able to see clearly. Additionally, their vision may become distorted and blurry. They may also experience pain behind their eyes. Numbness and tingling Another common nervous system issue due to high sugar levels in the blood is experiencing tingling and numbness frequently. This is usually experienced in the extremities of the body, that is the arms and legs. This can also lead to cramping and cause a person to unintentionally drop things they are holding in their hands. In some cases, a person may not feel their feet while walking. Impaired coordination  Damage to the central nervous system due to excessive glucose levels can cause problems with coordination and balance.

Too much sugar can negatively impact one’s digestive health, leading to various disorders requiring attention. By being aware of how sugar affects one’s digestive system, one can take preventive measures to protect gut health. Abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and acid reflux are all indicators of the harmful effects of sugar on one’s gastrointestinal well-being. It’s crucial to recognize the significant role sugar plays in shaping one’s digestive health and find ways to reduce its harmful effects. Abdominal discomfort and bloating Excessive sugar intake disrupts the gut’s bacterial balance, causing harmful bacteria to overpower the beneficial ones. This imbalance results in abdominal discomfort, bloating, and increased gas production. Individuals experience a sense of fullness, tightness in the abdomen, and visible distention. Identifying these symptoms helps unveil the impact of excessive sugar on the gastrointestinal system. Diarrhea and loose stools Eating excessive sugar leads to frequent bowel movements and loose stools. This effect is particularly evident in individuals with lactose intolerance or fructose malabsorption, as sugars in dairy products or fruits worsen the symptoms. Monitoring changes in bowel habits provides valuable insights into excessive sugar’s impact on one’s gastrointestinal health. Constipation Excessive sugar intake contributes to constipation. A meal plan high in sugar but low in fiber slows down bowel movements, making it difficult to pass stools. Insufficient fiber, combined with the dehydrating effects of sugar, hardens stools and reduces bowel movements. Chronic constipation should not be ignored, as it may indicate an underlying gastrointestinal disorder. Acid reflux and heartburn Excessive sugar weakens the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve separating the esophagus and stomach. Weak LES allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn. Sugar-induced acid reflux causes frequent heartburn episodes, particularly after having sugary or acidic foods and beverages. Recognizing the connection between sugar and acid reflux helps manage symptoms and promotes digestive health.

Approximately 35 million people in the country suffer from diabetes, primarily type-2 diabetes. Excessive sugar intake, coupled with unhealthy lifestyle patterns, has culminated in the rise of this condition. Excessive consumption of sugary foods on a regular basis causes the accumulation of chemicals in the body, affecting the liver and other internal organs. The accumulation of fat in the liver is among the primary liver conditions associated with high levels of blood sugar. Signs of fat accumulation in the liver Severe fatigue Excessive fat accumulation in the liver can cause inflammation and trigger the release of cytokines. These cytokines typically contribute to a sense of fatigue and tiredness. Patients with diabetes may particularly experience fatigue in such cases, as they may suffer from hypoglycemia or fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Yellowing of the skin Yellowing of the skin occurs in the most advanced stages of fat accumulation in the liver. It is accompanied by symptoms like itchy skin and swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet. Chronically high blood sugar levels, when left uncontrolled, can contribute to such extreme liver conditions. Spider veins Spider veins are caused by the clotting of blood, which impacts blood pressure among people with excessive fat accumulation in the liver. Typically, such patients have excessive secretions of estrogen, contributing to spider veins. Abdominal pain Some individuals with fat accumulated in their abdomen may experience a dull pain in the upper right abdomen along with a feeling of fullness, nausea, and loss of appetite. Skin itching Liver disease may cause the accumulation of bile salt in large concentrations. Moreover, bile salt may build up underneath one’s skin, leading to itching. Tips to prevent diabetes-related liver disease Control sugar intake The intake of sugary foods like desserts and baked items, as well as sugary beverages like soft drinks, can cause liver damage and the accumulation of fat in the liver over time.

Alzheimer’s is a disorder in which a person’s ability to think, behave reasonably, and remember things gets compromised. It is categorized as a relatively rare type of dementia. Although Alzheimer’s is an age-driven condition, what people eat also influences their chances of developing it. Sugar-heavy meals eventually lead to hyperglycemia and can accelerate Alzheimer’s in individuals when they grow old. Here are some common links between Alzheimer’s and high blood sugar: Memory loss Alzheimer’s affects the brain’s information retention zones. Therefore, people with this disease find it challenging to recollect anything, even the incidents that happened a few days before. Poor memory is accompanied by poor judgment, meaning these individuals constantly make bad decisions that make life difficult for themselves and those close to them. For instance, it is not uncommon for someone with Alzheimer’s to falsely blame someone else for a theft or mistake they may have made. This is a point at which Alzheimer’s and high blood sugar intersect. Consuming too much sugar leads to cognitive decline. Besides, sugar kills brain cells, so having too much of it in one’s bloodstream causes memory and attention problems. In short, sugar consumption tends to worsen Alzheimer’s symptoms with time. Many symptoms of type 3 diabetes, such as memory loss, lack of initiative, and difficulty completing familiar tasks, are identical to those of Alzheimer’s. Increased anxiety An individual who has Alzheimer’s tends to stay anxious about anything and everything around them constantly. This worsens if their blood sugar is also high, as it is a significant contributor to anxiety and depression in its consumers. Added sugars cause a person’s blood sugar levels to rise and crash dramatically, causing massive fluctuations in their energy levels. So, when blood sugar crashes, a person’s anxiety grows, and their mood turns increasingly grim and pessimistic.

Sleeping helps the body repair and rejuvenate the cells, which helps an individual stay energetic and free from health complications. Each individual must get between seven and eight hours of sleep daily. That said, given people’s busy lives, thousands do not meet the daily criteria for rest. Such individuals may suffer from multiple complications due to a lack of sleep. Here are four warning signs of sleep deprivation to look out for: Reduced cognitive function Getting the right amount of rest helps the brain generate new connections between the nerve cells, improve focus and productivity, and analyze and process information. So if one finds trouble with any of these functions, they might experience sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep may result in brain exhaustion and impair cognitive function. One should get this diagnosed by an expert because a sleep-deprived brain can affect day-to-day functioning. Decreased immune system The body is prone to illnesses, including a cold, cough, and headache. However, if the symptoms occur on multiple occasions or are chronic, that could indicate a weakened immune system. The body revitalizes and repairs itself during sleep. Lack of proper rest could prevent the restoration of cells, which may deteriorate one’s immunity. Furthermore, insufficient rest could make one susceptible to infections and hamper recovery. Increased fatigue One may feel fatigued after a long day at work, after strenuous physical activity, or due to an illness. However, if they experience this symptom without any underlying condition, it might indicate the onset of sleep deprivation. The body needs ample rest to recharge and stay alert the following day. So the lack of proper rest may result in fatigue, leading to a lack of motivation to carry out tasks, low productivity levels, and reduced interest in socialization. Mood swings A lack of sleep could affect an individual’s emotional health and lead to severe mood swings.

Breastfeeding is a unique process that new mothers have to learn. No two feeding experiences are alike, so one has to figure out what works for them. This can help one cherish this phase of nurturing a newborn. Additionally, one may have to pump and store breast milk for times when they may not be able to breastfeed. There can be some hiccups along the way, so here are common breast-pumping mistakes to avoid: Using the wrong shield size The breast shield comes in different sizes to suit different women. The standard size is 24mm; however, this may not fit everyone, so one may have to check and re-order a shield in the right size. Pumping with the wrong size shield can lead to pain in the nipples, reduced output, and also nipple damage. So one should find the best shield size for them. Stopping too soon This is a common mistake one can make. When pumping breast milk, one may begin to notice that the milk dribbles out. After a few seconds, the milk can start to spray out from the milk ducts. This is called a letdown reflex, which a lot of mothers describe being a pins and needles sensation. Once this letdown reflex relaxes, the milk will go back to a dribble. This is where most moms will stop pumping as they believe there is no more milk left in the milk ducts. But, if one keeps pumping for a while, they will experience the letdown again. Sticking to this method can also increase the milk supply over time. Skipping breast compressions This is the process of massaging the breasts while pumping. New mothers often skip this step or feel there is no need for it, as the pump is already doing its job. However, breast compressions can help push the milk out of the ducts more easily.