What Level of Blood Sugar is Dangerous?

Dr.Monika Sharma, 3 mins read

Imagine you are feeling tired and unusually thirsty and you grab a glass of water, assuming that it’s just fatigue. But the feeling of laziness doesn’t go away. Later, when you consult your doctor and he tells that your blood sugar level is too high or too low. For many people, this can be a wake-up call. In this blog, we will understand what blood sugar levels are safe and what levels are dangerous, which can make a big difference in preventing serious health problems.

What Is Blood Sugar?

Blood sugar (glucose) is the main source of energy for our body. It comes from the food we eat, mainly carbohydrates like rice, chappati, and fruits. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas helps to move glucose from your blood into your cells for energy. When this balance gets disturbed, our blood sugar level gets too high, a condition called hyperglycemia or sometimes gets too low (hypoglycemia). Both conditions can be dangerous if they are not managed on time.

Normal Blood Sugar Levels

For most healthy adults, normal blood sugar levels duirn fasting (before eating) should be 70–99 mg/dL and after 2 hours of eating, it should be less than 140 mg/dL. These numbers may vary slightly from person to person, but they give a good general idea of what’s considered safe.

When Blood Sugar Is Too High

When the body’s blood sugar level is high, it usually means that our body is not using insulin properly or not making enough of it. This is common in people with diabetes.

• Mild high: 140 to 180 mg/dL (Often manageable with diet or medicine).
  
• Dangerous high: Above 250 mg/dL (Can lead to serious complications).
  
• Severe high: Over 400 mg/dL (Needs urgent medical attention).
  

If blood sugar stays high for too long, it can cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in people with Type 1 diabetes or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) in those with Type 2 diabetes. Both conditions can be life-threatening and may require emergency care.

Signs of High Blood Sugar

• Extreme thirst
  
• Frequent urination
  
• Blurred vision
  
• Headache
  
• Fatigue
  
• Nausea or vomiting
  

When Blood Sugar Is Too Low

Low blood sugar occurs when your blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL. It istr often caused by skipping meals, taking too much insulin, or doing intense exercise without eating enough.

• Mild low: 60 to 70 mg/dL (Can usually be fixed by eating something sugary).
  
• Moderate low: 40 to 59 mg/dL (Can cause confusion or dizziness).
  
• Severe low: Below 40 mg/dL (Can lead to fainting, seizures, or even coma).
  

Signs of Low Blood Sugar

• Shaking or trembling
  
• Sweating
  
• Fast heartbeat
  
• Hunger
  
• Confusion
  
• Irritability
  

How to Stay Safe

We all should check our blood sugar regularly especially if you have diabetes or a family history of it. We should eat balanced diet, including complex carbs, proteins, and healthy fats. Also, stay active and do regular exercise as it helps our body use insulin better. Avoid skipping meals as this can cause sudden drops in blood sugar. 

Takeaway!

Dangerous blood sugar levels can sneak up without obvious symptoms, but regular monitoring and healthy habits can keep you safe. If your blood sugar ever goes above 400 mg/dL or below 40 mg/dL, it’s a medical emergency. Knowledge of numbers and acting quickly can prevent serious complications and help you live a healthier, longer life.