Hello, I'm Dr. Alex, an endocrinologist specializing in diabetes management. I've dedicated my career to helping people understand and manage their blood sugar levels. It's a topic that often sparks questions about what's considered "too high," so let's delve into that.

When we talk about blood sugar, we're referring to the amount of glucose circulating in your bloodstream. Glucose is your body's primary energy source, derived from the food you eat. The hormone insulin, produced by your pancreas, plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar by allowing glucose to enter your cells for energy.

Now, there isn't a single, universally applicable number that defines "too high" blood sugar. The ideal range varies depending on factors like the time of day, whether you've eaten recently, and your individual health history.

However, we can look at specific blood sugar targets and what they signify:

Fasting Blood Sugar: This refers to your blood sugar level after not eating or drinking anything (except water) for at least 8 hours. For most adults without diabetes, a fasting blood sugar level less than 100 mg/dL is considered normal. A level from 100 to 125 mg/dL suggests prediabetes, while 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.

Postprandial (After-Meal) Blood Sugar: This measures your blood sugar 1 to 2 hours after the start of a meal. For most adults without diabetes, a postprandial blood sugar level under 140 mg/dL is generally considered normal. For people with diabetes, targets may vary based on individual factors and treatment goals.

A1C: This blood test, also known as hemoglobin A1c, provides an average measure of your blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. An A1C level below 5.7% is considered normal, 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher on two separate tests diagnoses diabetes.

Hyperglycemia: When your blood sugar levels become excessively elevated, it's known as hyperglycemia. This can happen gradually over time, especially in the context of unmanaged diabetes, or more rapidly in certain situations.

Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Sugar:

It's important to recognize the potential signs of high blood sugar, as prompt identification can help prevent complications. These symptoms can vary in severity but may include:

* Frequent Urination: Excess sugar in your bloodstream spills into your urine, drawing water along with it and increasing urine output.
* Excessive Thirst: Increased urination can lead to dehydration, triggering increased thirst.
* Increased Hunger: If your body isn't effectively using glucose for energy due to insulin resistance or deficiency, you might experience persistent hunger.
* Unexplained Weight Loss: When your cells can't utilize glucose properly, your body may start breaking down muscle and fat for energy, potentially leading to weight loss.
* Blurry Vision: High blood sugar can affect the lenses in your eyes, causing temporary blurred vision.
* Fatigue: Without adequate glucose reaching your cells for energy, you might feel excessively tired and lethargic.
* **Slow-Healing Sores or Frequent Infections:** High blood sugar can impair your body's ability to heal and fight off infections.
* Numbness or Tingling in Hands or Feet: This can be a sign of nerve damage (neuropathy), a potential complication of prolonged high blood sugar.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

If you experience any of the following, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention, as these could indicate a potentially life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA):

* Persistent Vomiting and Nausea: DKA can disrupt the body's electrolyte balance, leading to nausea and vomiting.
* Fruity-Smelling Breath: When your body breaks down fat for energy in DKA, it produces ketones, which can cause a distinctive fruity odor on the breath.
* Rapid Breathing: DKA can affect the body's pH balance, making your breathing faster and deeper in an attempt to compensate.
* Confusion or Difficulty Concentrating: DKA can impact brain function, leading to confusion and difficulty thinking clearly.
* Loss of Consciousness: In severe cases, DKA can progress to a life-threatening coma.

Remember: I'm here to provide general information, not to offer medical advice. If you have concerns about your blood sugar levels or are experiencing any symptoms of high blood sugar, please consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.
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What is high blood sugar? Blood glucose is commonly considered too high if it is higher than 130 mg/dl before a meal or higher than 180 mg/dl two hours after the first bite of a meal. However, most of the signs and symptoms of high blood glucose don't appear until the blood glucose level is higher than 250 mg/dl.read more >>