Blood sugar is a vital source of energy for our body’s cells. As it fuels the muscles, brain, and various other organs – blood glucose plays a major role in how our bodies function. Naturally, when blood sugar levels are alarmingly low or high, it can lead to many health complications. So, it is mandatory to monitor blood sugar levels and in today’s article, we will answer: ‘What level of blood sugar is dangerous?’
Therefore, stay tuned till the end to understand the repercussions of excessively high/ low glucose levels. We will also share blood sugar control tips so that you can prevent extremes.
Why Must You Know About Dangerous Blood Sugar Level?
As mentioned already, sugar or glucose is your body’s main energy source. Derived from the foods you consume; it gets absorbed into your bloodstream and then the insulin hormone transports it too cells. This process is essential for the optimal functioning of the body. Moreover, glucose is needed for brain function, and it impacts mood as well as concentration. Glucagon and pancreas-secreted insulin are the two hormones responsible for maintaining
Pancreas-secreted insulin and glucagon hormones play key roles in maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Insulin’s job is to lower the levels of blood glucose and glucagon increases the levels by releasing stored glucose from the liver. If a person’s blood glucose levels cause disruption of this balance.
Now the question is: Why regulate blood sugar levels? Too high or low blood sugar levels can cause health problems like gum disease, nerve damage, heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.
So, what level of blood sugar is dangerous? Let’s find an answer to this question!
Hyperglycemia
There are two kinds of dangerous blood sugar levels- too high or too low. When someone has high blood sugar, this condition is termed hyperglycemia and diabetes medication is necessary until the levels drop. If the fasting levels of people with diabetes are more than 126 mg/dL, it is a sign of hyperglycemia. 2 hours after the intake of food, the levels may exceed 200 mg/dL.
Fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, recurrent infections, stomach pain, increased thirst or dry mouth, weight loss, nausea, and an urge to urinate frequently are the most common hyperglycemia symptoms.
Hypoglycemia
There is another condition known as hypoglycemia characterized by too low blood sugar levels. Most people have the misconception that only high blood sugar should be a matter of concern. But there are many low blood sugar dangers.
If the glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dL, it is a dangerous level of blood sugar. As it’s considered dangerous, it goes beyond saying that immediate action must be taken to raise blood sugar level to a safe blood sugar range. If there is a further decline, the person will experience many symptoms. These include:
- Early signs: trembling, feeling hungry, sweating
- Serious symptoms: difficulty concentrating, confusion, light-headedness, dizziness
- Severe symptoms: seizures, unconsciousness, coma
- Feeling tired even after sleeping for hours
- Some other symptoms: irritability, blurry vision/ double vision, headaches, anxiety, numbness or tingling of the tongue, lips, or cheeks
Note: Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia symptoms vary from one individual to another. So, you may not experience all of the symptoms mentioned above. Moreover, even if you didn’t have diabetes before doesn’t mean you can never develop type 2 diabetes or type 1 diabetes. For instance, gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that affects only pregnant women as during pregnancy, the female body needs to produce more insulin. So, whatever symptoms you experience, it is better to visit your healthcare professional for timely diagnosis and proper diabetes care.
To Sum Up
So, now you know the emergency blood sugar levels. Therefore, check your blood sugar regularly for managing diabetes by maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Millions of people have been leading a healthy and long life with type 2 and type 1 diabetes. By taking blood sugar reading and lowering your blood sugar, you too can avoid diabetes complications and live longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What blood sugar level is considered dangerously high?
If your blood sugar level is 250 mg/dL or higher, it is a dangerous blood sugar level. Blood sugar level that exceeds 600 mg/dL can be life-threatening.
Q. How can I quickly lower high blood sugar levels?
The quickest way of decreasing blood sugar levels is by taking rapid-acting insulin. In the long run, exercising daily, drinking plenty of water, eating more fiber, keeping weight gain in check, and managing stress will help you manage your blood sugar.
