According to CDCmore than 38 million people in We have diabetesA condition linked to high blood sugar. But doctors regularly check blood sugar levels during annual physical examinations, whether you have diabetes or not, which makes this measurement something that many will need to try to decipher at some time. With that, it is fair to wonder what blood sugar level is considered dangerous and what falls within the normal range.
Why does that play the role? Your blood sugar levels indicate how well your body processes glucoseAlias sugar. “Glucose provides energy to the body and especially to the brain for which it is the largest energy source,” says Christoph Buetter, MD, PHD. “If blood sugar is very low, our brain can be damaged.”
High blood sugar is also a major problem. “High blood sugar can lead to long-term complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, nerve problems and vision problems,” says Buettner. “Therefore, it is important to have blood sugar in a normal interval – not too high and not too low.”
Here is what you need to know about ideal blood sugar levels and how to keep your blood sugar stable during the day.
Experts displayed in this article:
Christoph Buettner, MD, PhD, is the head of the Department of Endocrinology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Louis J. Morledge, MDIs an internal medical physician at NYU Langone Health.
Kathleen Bethin, MD, PHDis a diabetes researcher and clinical professor of pediatrics in Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo.
What is a normal blood sugar level?
It is normal for blood sugar to fluctuate during the day, which is why you test in relation to eating questions. There are some figures to keep in mind when it comes to normal blood sugar levels, depending on the type of test you take. The American Diabetes Association (Ada) breaks them down in this way:
- Fixed (ie before eating): 70–100 mg/dl
- Two hours after eating: Less than 140 mg/dl. “After eating, blood sugar should stay below 140 if you are healthy,” says Buettner. “In many people who are about to develop prediabetes, things are already going higher.”
- HbA1c (your average blood sugar level for 2-3 months): Below 5.7%
What are symptoms of high blood sugar and low blood sugar?
The symptoms of high and low blood sugar vary depending on the person and the exact level of blood sugar you experience, says Louis J. Morledge, MD, internal medical doctor at NYU Langone Health. If blood sugar levels are a little high or a little low, people may not feel different, he says. However, there are some distinct symptoms that are usually linked to high and low blood sugar.
High blood sugar signs
Also known as hyperglycemia, says Morrole that high blood sugar can cause these symptoms:
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue
- A general feeling of health
- Abdominal pain
- Quick breathing
- Headache
Low blood sugar signs
Also called HypoGlycemia, low blood sugar can cause these symptoms, tells Kathleen Bethin, MD, PHD, a diabetes researcher and clinical professor of pediatrics in Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.
- Somnolence
- Shaken
- Extreme hunger
- Crank
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Naughtiness
Which blood sugar level is considered dangerous?
There are some blood sugar levels that are considered dangerous – whether you have diabetes or not. (If you are actually diabetics, check with your doctor to see what numbers and intervals they recommend that you strive for.)
At the low end, a fasting blood sugar level is under 70 mg/dl, says Buettner. “Severe hypoglycemia – below 54 mg/dl – can lead to seizures, unconsciousness or death because the brain is due to glucose as a source of energy,” he says.
High blood sugar that is consistent over 180 mg/dl after meals or exceeds 300 mg/dl is also about, says Buettner. Having “extremely high levels” of 600 mg/dl can lead to complications called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic condition (HHS). These are medical emergencies, he warns.
How to maintain healthy blood sugar levels during the day
There are some things that doctors recommend that can help keep your blood sugar levels at a healthy interval. This helps to lower the risk of developing diabetes and can also help maintain stable energy, explains Mor Trail.
- Focus on whole, unprocessed foods. “Eat food with a lot of fiberEspecially fresh fruits and vegetables, says Bethin. These foods tend to add bulk to the stomach in combination with fluid and melt slower and keep blood sugar consistent.
- Eat whole grains. These are better for blood sugar handling than white breads, as they slow down the absorption of food and lower the risk of blood sugar nails, says Bethin.
- Drink plenty of water. National Academies’ Institute of Medicine recommend That men have about 15.5 cups of fluids a day, while women get about 11.5 cups (it comes from both food and drink). Nevertheless, it is best to limit the intake of simple sugars, such as juice and soft drinks, says Bethin. These can lead to blood sugar nails and crash and throw your levels out of the bang. Instead add lime or lemon to your water.
- Exercise regularly. “Exercise helps your body use insulin more efficiently and keeps blood sockeys stable,” says Bethin. (Insulin is a hormone It helps your body convert food into energy and regulates blood sugar levels, according to the Cleveland Clinic.)
- Limit sugar -containing foods. Sugar -containing foods do not need to be villainated, but it is worth mentioning to eat too much of them over time can make it difficult for your body to effectively regulate blood sugar, says Mor Trail. This can lead to a condition called insulin resistance, which occurs when the pancreas makes too much insulin to handle high blood sugar levels, says Morledge. Over time, it can lead to type 2 diabetes.
- Try to manage your stress. Stress does not receive much attention when it comes to blood sugar management – but it should. Mor joint points out that stress in itself can increase blood sugar levels by getting the body to release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, both of which make it more difficult for insulin to do their job.
Of course, if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is also important to consult with a doctor. They will be able to offer personal guidance on how to best manage your blood sugar. But if you are healthy and your annual blood test shows that your blood sugar levels are normal, this is a health network that there really is no need to stress over.
Corin Miller is a writer specialized in general wellness, health and lifestyle trends. Her work has emerged in women’s health, herself, health, Forbes and more.
