Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health, especially for individuals with diabetes. When it comes to monitoring blood sugar levels, many people often wonder how high is too high and when they should start worrying.
After you eat, your body starts to break down the food in your stomach into fuel. The Diabetes Eye Health Guide is a practical & informative document developed for primary health professionals on managing diabetic retinopathy. The National Diabetes Services Scheme website has information about living with diabetes in multiple languages. ‘ Are you at risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease? Tens of millions of Americans will have spent the day staring at a total solar eclipse, and at least a few of them may become worried that they inadvertently damaged their eyes. Junior Espejo looks through eclipse glasses being handed out by NASA in Houlton, Maine.
Know that monitoring your blood sugar levels is simply a tool for checking how well your current treatment plan is working. For people with diabetes, healthcare providers usually consider blood sugar levels above 180 mg/dL to be high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). However, most people with diabetes don’t feel symptoms of high blood sugar until their level is 250 mg/dL or higher. Staying in your target range can also help improve your energy and mood. Find answers below to common questions about blood sugar for people with diabetes.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels
An estimated 34 million Americans ‘ just over one in 10 ‘ have type 2 diabetes. More than 84% of people with prediabetes don’t know they have it. When you’re levels are out of normal range, there are measures that you can take.
Circulating stress hormones can raise blood sugar levels, so learning techniques to help you relax and de-stress may help reduce blood sugar levels. What is relaxing for one person may make someone else more stressed. Explore different techniques and methods to help manage your stress. In people with diabetes who don’t make any insulin or whose insulin isn’t working properly, ketone levels can rapidly rise to dangerous levels.
Healthy living may also help prevent or delay health problems from diabetes that can affect your heart, kidneys, eyes, brain, and other parts of your body. Diabetes affects everyone differently, so there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to management. The information you gather by checking your blood sugar helps you and your healthcare team make decisions about the best treatment plan for you.
In individuals without diabetes, normal fasting blood sugar levels typically range between 70-100 mg/dL. Postprandial (after meal) blood sugar levels may rise slightly but should return to normal within a few hours.
When to Worry About High Blood Sugar
If your blood sugar levels consistently exceed 180 mg/dL, you may need to consult with your healthcare provider. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can lead to complications such as nerve damage, heart disease, and vision problems.
Monitoring and Management
Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important for individuals with diabetes. Maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and taking prescribed medications can help keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Conclusion
Knowing how high to worry about blood sugar levels is essential for overall health. By staying informed, monitoring regularly, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, individuals can effectively manage their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications associated with high blood sugar.
