Blood Sugar 176 mg/dl — Too High? Fasting & After Eating

Why nerves notice long stretches near 176

High glucose over many years damages nerves, partly directly and partly through the tiny blood vessels that feed them. The longest nerves are affected first, and the longest nerves in the body run to the feet. That is why diabetic neuropathy usually starts in the toes and soles, on both sides, and then slowly creeps upward. Doctors sometimes describe it as a “stocking” pattern. Later it can reach the hands in a similar “glove” pattern.

One 176 after a meal does no harm to nerves. What matters is how high the long-term average has been, and for how long. Lowering it slows the process.

Signs worth mentioning to your doctor

Neuropathy can feel different from person to person. Common early signs include:

• Tingling, pins and needles, or a buzzing feeling in the toes or feet
• Burning or sharp pain, often worse at night
• Numbness, or a feeling of walking on cotton or wearing socks when you are not
• Not noticing a stone in your shoe, a blister or a small cut
• Feeling less steady, especially in the dark

Nerves that control body functions can be affected too. Dizziness when standing, feeling full early, bloating, bladder problems or erection difficulties are all worth mentioning, even if they seem unrelated to blood sugar.

Not every tingle is diabetes. Low vitamin B12, which can happen with long-term metformin use, thyroid problems and heavy alcohol use cause similar symptoms, so a doctor may order blood tests.

A two-minute foot check every day

When feeling is reduced, a small injury can go unnoticed for days and turn into an ulcer or infection. A daily look catches problems early:

• Check the tops, soles, heels and between the toes. Use a mirror, or ask someone to help.
• Look for blisters, cuts, cracks, red or warm areas, swelling, ingrown nails and color changes.
• Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water, testing it with your elbow, and dry well between the toes.
• Moisturise dry skin, but not between the toes.
• Shake out and feel inside shoes before putting them on, and do not walk barefoot, even at home.
• Wear well-fitting shoes and seamless socks; break in new shoes slowly.

The yearly foot exam and when to go sooner

ADA recommends a full foot exam at least once a year for everyone with diabetes. The clinician checks skin, nails and pulses, and tests feeling with a thin nylon thread called a monofilament and often a tuning fork. If feeling is reduced, checks become more frequent and a podiatrist may be involved.

Get care within a day for a wound that is not healing, a foot that is red, hot and swollen, or any sign of infection. Do not treat corns or calluses yourself with blades or acid plasters. Day-to-day ways to bring readings down are on the how to lower blood sugar page.