High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, occurs when there is too much glucose in the bloodstream. This can be a result of various factors such as lack of physical activity, poor diet, stress, or certain medical conditions like diabetes. But what exactly is considered high blood sugar?
If not treated quickly, this can progress to seizure, loss of consciousness, coma, or death. You might have a slightly different recommended blood sugar range depending on your overall health, age, the length of time you’ve had diabetes, and other factors. Recommended blood sugar levels can help you determine whether your blood sugar is in a ‘normal’ range. High blood sugar levels in the morning may result from the dawn phenomenon, waning insulin and the Somogyi effect.
When insulin levels are too low, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream and can damage organs and other tissues. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to note that the following information is provided only as a guideline. If you have any concerns about your blood sugar, it’s essential to speak with your medical provider for a comprehensive assessment. There’s no one ‘normal’ blood sugar level’your target number depends on many personal health and lifestyle factors. If you have diabetes, in general, a normal blood sugar level is less than 180 mg/dL 1 to 2 hours after eating.
Living with hyperglycemia can mean other health problems, some that mean you need help right away and others that you may live with for the rest of your life. Talk to your doctor about whether you should take more diabetes medicine than normal when you’re ill or dealing with stress. As hard as it might be not to eat as much as you can until you feel better, this technique can backfire and result in rebound hyperglycemia. Blood sugar is often tested with a glucometer, which measures the amount of glucose in a sample of blood.
This blood test shows your average blood sugar level for the past 2 to 3 months. It works by measuring the percentage of blood sugar attached to the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, called hemoglobin. It is common in people with diabetes but can occur in people who have not been diagnosed with diabetes. Exercise is one of the best and most effective ways to keep your blood glucose levels where they should be and lower them if they get too high.
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
Make sure that they won’t cause bad reactions or interact with your current therapy. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Endocrinologist Yogish Kudva, M.B.B.S., answers the most frequently asked questions about type 1 diabetes. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. This can occur when one is sick or battling an infection, due to a pump infusion site failure, or even if you forgot to take your insulin for a few days. Seek immediate medical help if you or your child is experiencing symptoms of DKA.
Low blood sugars can happen for many reasons, all of which result from too much insulin in the bloodstream and not enough glucose for the body to function properly. Having a high blood sugar means there is too much sugar in the blood because the body is lacking in insulin. This can happen for many reasons, including not taking enough insulin exogenously, too little exercise, eating too much, or even stress, hormonal changes, or lack of sleep. When your cells don’t properly respond to insulin, your body requires more and more insulin to regulate your blood sugar. If your body is unable to produce enough insulin (or you don’t inject enough insulin), it results in hyperglycemia.
Common symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow healing of wounds. If left untreated, high blood sugar can lead to more serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.
Diagnosing High Blood Sugar
A fasting blood sugar level of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher is typically considered high. A random blood sugar test result above 200 mg/dL may also indicate high blood sugar. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management of high blood sugar levels.
In conclusion, understanding what is considered high blood sugar is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. By monitoring blood sugar levels regularly and making necessary lifestyle changes, individuals can effectively manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications associated with high blood sugar.
