Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
For anyone living with diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range is essential for avoiding complications. Proper management of blood glucose helps reduce the risk of heart disease, kidney damage, nerve issues, and vision loss. But what exactly is considered a dangerous level of blood sugar?
What are Healthy Blood Sugar Ranges?
Understanding what "normal" means regarding glucose levels is essential to know when blood sugar is too high or too low. Here are some key benchmarks:
- A1C Test: This blood test reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. A normal A1C is below 5.7%. If your A1C is between 5.7% and 6.4%, it indicates prediabetes. An A1C of** 6.5% or higher** means you have diabetes.
- Fasting Blood Sugar: A healthy fasting blood sugar is 100 mg/dL or lower after not eating for at least eight hours. Levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL suggest prediabetes and 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
- Random Blood Sugar Test: This can be taken at any time of the day. A result of 200 mg/dL or higher confirms a diagnosis of diabetes.
- The Glucose Tolerance Test: This measures your body's response to a glucose load. If your blood sugar level two hours after drinking glucose is 140 mg/dL or lower, it’s considered normal. Readings between 140 and 199 mg/dL indicate prediabetes, and a reading of 200 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes.
When Does Blood Sugar Become Dangerously High (Hyperglycemia)?
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, occurs when blood glucose levels are above target ranges:
- 180-250 mg/dL: Blood sugar levels in this range are considered high and should be addressed, as they can cause symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue.
- 250 mg/dL and Higher: A reading of 250 mg/dL or above is dangerous and may require emergency treatment, particularly if it remains elevated for extended periods. Persistent levels in this range can lead to complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
- 600 mg/dL or Higher: This is considered life-threatening and is known as hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS). It often leads to extreme thirst, confusion, dark urine, and seizures and can be fatal without prompt medical attention.
When Is Blood Sugar Too Low (Hypoglycemia)?
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is also a critical issue:
- Below 70 mg/dL: This qualifies as low blood sugar and can cause symptoms like shaking, sweating, dizziness, hunger, and confusion. Quick action is needed to raise glucose levels by consuming fast-acting carbs such as juice or glucose tablets.
- Below 50 mg/dL: Blood sugar levels are hazardous and considered a medical emergency. Severe hypoglycemia can cause slurred speech, seizures, unconsciousness, or even death if not treated immediately. Emergency interventions may include an injection of glucagon, which rapidly increases blood sugar.
What are the Options for Managing Dangerous Blood Sugar Levels?
Work closely with your healthcare provider if you experience frequent high or low blood sugar levels. Options to manage and stabilize your glucose levels include:
- Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): These devices track blood sugar around the clock and can provide valuable data to spot trends and avoid dangerous spikes or dips.
- Medications and Insulin Adjustments: If your blood sugar is frequently high, adjustments to insulin or other drugs such as Metformin (Glucophage), Glipizide (Glucotrol), Glyburide (Diabeta), Glimepiride (Amaryl), Sitagliptin (Januvia), Linagliptin (Tradjenta), Empagliflozin (Jardiance), and Pioglitazone (Actos) may be necessary. Similarly, if you experience frequent lows, your doctor may need to modify your treatment plan.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management all help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
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