Maintaining sufficient blood sugar levels is vital for overall health and well-being as it is responsible for several bodily functions and making each area of our body active. It could be determined by several factors such as the foods or drinks we consume medications and physical activity.
One often-asked question regarding blood sugar levels is what is considered a high or dangerous amount within the blood. In this simple but detailed article, we will take a look at what levels are too high with what levels, the risks they possess, how to manage them, and when to seek medical attention.
What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels? How Does It Become Danger?
These range from fasting blood sugar levels from 70 to 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). These are considered normal and after a meal, this might rise to around 140 mg/dL but should be below that level.
Blood has glucose or sugar accompanied by several other elements, this means it is your body’s source of energy and it is consumed from the foods you eat and broken into pieces from glucose and put in your bloodstream.
▶ Hypoglycemia (Low blood sugar)
Hypoglycemia is the condition of low blood sugar levels which is considered dangerous. As mentioned earlier the normal blood-to-sugar levels are 70mgdL at the least and in case it drops below be cautious. Symptoms like shakiness, confusion, dizziness, and sweating are seen and in the worst case, you might lose consciousness or have seizures.
▶ Hyperglycemia (High blood sugar)
The exact opposite of Hypoglycemia, this condition is called when blood sugar levels are high. Anything above the metric 180 mg/dL is regarded as high and potentially dangerous. If this level persists specifically over 240 mg/dL can lead to catastrophic issues, especially with people diagnosed with diabetes.
Risks Of High Blood Sugar
Since you are aware of the levels, let’s take a look at the risks associated with high blood to sugar levels both short and long-term they include:
1. Short term: immediate signs of high levels include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurry vision. You may also experience headaches. If left untreated it leads you to a condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis, especially in people with Diabetes causing nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
2. Long-Term Complications: Coming to the long-term drawbacks, high blood sugar levels cause complications related to diabetes such as nerve damage, kidney disease, problems in vision, heart diseases, or conditions that make you vulnerable to stroke.
Managing Blood-Sugar Levels Naturally
The risks and drawbacks might be terrifying but let’s look at how to stay safe and manage blood sugar levels by having a healthy lifestyle, based on what you eat and drink as well as using medication in case. These steps are:
1. Dietary Control
A healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables along with sufficient protein intake and healthy fats ensures overall, health and well-being. Remember to also limit sugar intake which includes refined carbohydrates to regulate blood sugar levels.
2. Regular Exercise
Be physically active regularly this includes cardio like walking and running paired with strength training, CrossFit, or any exercise that keeps you fit and strong. Cardio including walking running, and swimming is said to lower blood sugar levels. The heart is the most important organ as even death is only determined by the failure of the heart hence prefer more cardiovascular exercises to promote heart health and eventually cleanse your blood with a healthy heart.
3. Medications And Insulin
In certain cases especially those who have diabetes are meant to use medications of some kind or mainly insulin shots prescribed by healthcare experts. It is crucial for the management of blood sugar levels.
4. Monitoring Often
Despite not getting affected by certain conditions or diseases monitoring often is recommended to determine underlying issues and helps in early detection and treatment. It also gives you an insight into your health and keeps track of your blood sugar and other elements in your blood.
You can either visit a healthcare expert or a body checkup laboratory or buy testers that you can check without the help of anyone at home in your comfort.
5. Hydration
The most important among all might be proper hydration. It not only just quenches your thirst but also recharges and ensures your bodily functions are running smoothly. Aim to have at least 3-4 liters of water each day. Understanding blood needs oxygen and water therefore it is crucial in determining the levels of blood to sugar or any other content.
6. Seeking Medical Advice
Let’s look at when you are truly supposed to visit a healthcare expert. Not all signs are due to low or even high levels of blood sugar and they might be due to any other causes as well. This is the time when you should be considering a visit to your doctor in case you’re confused.
Other cases include:
- Severe symptoms: As mentioned severe symptoms like confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures due to high or low blood sugar are meant for immediate medical support.
- Consistent high blood sugar: Sometimes even without signs high blood sugar levels persist and hence you might want to visit an expert
They recommend the best course of action or medications for you if necessary and suggest safety measures or preventive measures if you are not affected but may have the chance to.
Summation
In summary aside from the regular blood sugar levels both low and high might be troubling to a person showing too much to no symptoms. Keeping a healthy range of blood sugar levels is substantial for overall health and well-being.
Awareness regarding the potential risks accompanied by a healthy lifestyle such as regular exercise, proper diet, and protective measures such as monitoring regularly, having medications if necessary and interference of the medical experts at the right time can keep you safe and go a long way.
Don’t forget to visit an expert if the issue persists or shows heavy or severe signs. Doing these steps right would help you manage your blood sugar levels and enhance your overall health.
References
- Cheisson G, Jacqueminet S, Cosson E, et al. Perioperative management of adult diabetic patients. Review of hyperglycaemia: definitions and pathophysiology. Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med. 2018;37 Suppl 1:S5-S8. doi:10.1016/j.accpm.2018.02.019
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Manage blood sugar.
- American Diabetes Association. Caring for people with diabetes in emergency situations.
- American Diabetes Association. Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose).
- University of Michigan Medical School: Michigan Medicine. High blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
