What is a common sign of high blood glucose among firefighters?

• A. Syncope
• B. Nausea/vomiting
• C. Sluggish feeling
• D. Profuse sweating

Answer: (C)

High blood glucose reduces the body's ability to use glucose for energy, so you end up with less usable fuel for the muscles and brain. That conflict between high blood glucose in the bloodstream and low effective energy in the cells tends to show up as fatigue or a dragging, sluggish feeling. In a physically demanding job like firefighting, that diminished energy manifests as difficulty staying alert and moving with the usual speed, which is why this symptom fits hyperglycemia well.

Fainting is more typical of very low blood sugar or serious dehydration. Nausea or vomiting can occur in some extreme high-blood-sugar emergencies, but they’re less common in everyday hyperglycemia. Profuse sweating is usually tied to heat stress, exertion, or hypoglycemia rather than a steady, energy-depleting high glucose state.