Understanding your blood sugar levels, particularly when they are elevated, is crucial in preventing serious health issues. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can signal the onset of prediabetes or even type 2 diabetes.

If not properly managed, high blood sugar can lead to complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage. So, what blood sugar levels are considered elevated?

Normal Blood Sugar Levels

Blood sugar is a key health indicator, especially for individuals who are at risk of developing or already have diabetes. You can measure your blood sugar either at home using a glucometer or at a laboratory.

Blood sugar levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Below are the normal ranges for blood sugar:

• Random blood sugar (measured at any time): 70-139 mg/dL

• Fasting blood sugar (measured after fasting for 8 hours): 70-99 mg/dL

If your blood sugar levels exceed these normal ranges, it may be categorized as prediabetes or diabetes, depending on the readings.

When Is Blood Sugar Level Considered High?

High blood sugar is classified into two categories: prediabetes and diabetes.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. In this stage, your blood sugar levels are elevated, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes.

Blood sugar ranges for prediabetes:

• Random blood sugar: 140-199 mg/dL

• Fasting blood sugar: 100-125 mg/dL

Diabetes

If blood sugar levels remain high and are not well-controlled, excess sugar circulates in the blood, resulting in diabetes.

Blood sugar ranges for diabetes:

• Random blood sugar: > 200 mg/dL

• Fasting blood sugar: ≥ 126 mg/dL

When blood sugar levels rise above 300 mg/dL, it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe and life-threatening complication of diabetes.

How to Manage Blood Sugar Levels

High blood sugar is often caused by poor eating habits, lack of exercise, insulin resistance, stress, inadequate sleep, or medication side effects. To maintain blood sugar levels within normal limits, consider the following:

• Eat high-fiber foods.

• Limit your intake of sugars and simple carbohydrates.

• Choose healthy, low-fat protein sources.

• Engage in regular physical activity.

• Manage stress effectively.

• Follow your doctor’s instructions for any prescribed medications.

• Routinely monitor your blood sugar, especially if you are at risk for diabetes.

You can measure your blood sugar at home using a glucometer or get a test done at a laboratory. If you are uncertain about how to perform a blood sugar test at home, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor. You can also use the Ai Care app for consultations by downloading it from the App Store or Play Store.

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