Can high blood sugar cause heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations—often described as fluttering, racing, or irregular heartbeats—can be unsettling and may sometimes indicate underlying health problems. For those with diabetes, this raises the question: Can diabetes cause heart palpitations? The answer lies in the intricate connection between blood sugar levels, cardiovascular health, and the nervous system. When blood sugar levels are poorly controlled, they can lead to fluctuations that strain the heart, potentially causing irregular heartbeats. Additionally, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can contribute to nerve damage (neuropathy) and affect the autonomic nervous system, which regulates heart function. These factors, along with an increased risk of heart disease due to diabetes-related conditions, can make palpitations more likely.