What Level Of Blood Sugar Is Dangerous? Understanding The Risks!

Blood sugar management is important for long-term health as it can help prevent serious complications. High blood sugar levels can cause heart disease, vision loss, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, shortened lifespan, and even amputations. To prevent these complications, one should monitor blood sugar levels.

Various factors can cause high blood sugar levels including stress, lack of exercise, consuming too much sugary foods, dehydration, and certain medications. Try following a healthy diet rich in fiber to manage blood sugar levels.

Also, maintain a healthy weight, reduce sugary foods and drinks, exercise regularly, and drink plenty of water. Are you wondering what levels of blood sugar levels are healthy and what levels are dangerous? Well, let’s find out about that in this article. 

What Is A Healthy Blood Sugar Level?

A healthy blood sugar level depends on the type of test and when it is taken. A normal fasting blood glucose level should be between 70 and 99 mg/dL. Values between 50 and 70 are also considered normal for people without diabetes. A level between 100 and 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes, which is a serious condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

A normal random blood sugar level is usually 125 mg/dL or lower, depending on the time when you last ate. It is important to maintain a healthy blood sugar level as uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause serious complications like vision loss, stroke, heart problems, nerve damage, and kidney disease. 

Dangerous Blood Sugar Levels And Their Impact

Blood sugar levels ranging from 180 mg/dL to 250 mg/dL within 2 hours of eating are considered dangerous. They are high blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia, which requires emergency medical treatment. Also, levels above 600 mg/dL are life-threatening. One should get treatment and take measures to manage blood sugar levels. Keep track of blood sugar levels to ensure they don’t exceed the normal levels. 

Dangerous high blood sugar levels symptoms

Some of the symptoms of dangerously high blood sugar levels are;

• Dehydration.
• Headches.
• Weak, rapid heartbeat.
• Dry skin.
• Deep, rapid breathing.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Stomach pain.
• Fruity-smelling breath.  
• Loss of consciousness.
• Coma. 

Dangerous low blood sugar level symptoms

Dangerously low blood sugar levels can cause the following symptoms;

• Lightheadedness.
• Cold sweats.
• Headache.
• Pale face.
• Racing pulse.
• Difficulty speaking.
• Feeling restless, nervous, or anxious.
• Shivering or feeling weak in the knees. 
• Hunger. 
• Confusion. 

When To See Your Doctor?

Consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following symptoms of high or low blood sugar levels. 

• High blood sugar levels:

Seek medical help if blood sugar levels are above 240 mg/dL or if you notice symptoms like frequent urination, lightheadedness, irritability, increased thirst, headache, and fatigue. Also, look for symptoms of ketones in your urine.  

• Low blood sugar levels:

If you experience symptoms such as shakiness, extreme hunger, sweating, dizziness, or nausea consult a healthcare provider. Also, do not delay treatment if you have diabetes and experience low blood sugar levels often. 

• Other symptoms:

You should seek medical help if you have any new or unusual symptoms like numbness, vomiting, tingling, or blurred vision. Call a doctor even if you have trouble controlling your blood pressure. 

Conclusion

Maintaining healthy levels of blood is important for long-term health as it can help prevent serious complications. Several factors can cause variations in blood sugar levels including stress, lack of exercise, consuming too much sugary foods, dehydration, and certain medications. High blood sugar levels can cause heart disease, vision loss, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, shortened lifespan, and even amputations.

Try to follow a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, reduce sugary foods and drinks, exercise regularly, and drink plenty of water to balance blood sugar levels. A normal fasting blood glucose level should be between 70 and 99 mg/dL. A level between 100 and 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes, which is a serious condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar levels are 250 mg/dL or higher, it is considered dangerous and needs immediate medical treatment.

The symptoms of low blood sugar levels include cold sweats, racing pulse, confusion, shivering, confusion, and lightheadedness. Some symptoms of high blood sugar levels are dehydration, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, dry skin, rapid heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.

Look for symptoms of low or high blood sugar levels and monitor regularly to prevent further complications. If you are someone with diabetes, limit sugary foods and take medications as prescribed to manage blood sugar levels. Try following a healthy lifestyle and take measures to prevent low or high blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of serious health conditions. 

Frequently Asked Questions