When your glucose is high, it means you have hyperglycemia, which is an elevated level of glucose (sugar) in your blood. Glucose is the main source of energy for your body's cells, coming primarily from carbohydrates in food. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps move glucose from the blood into cells for energy. If your body doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use it effectively (insulin resistance), glucose builds up in your blood, causing high blood sugar
. High blood glucose levels are generally considered:
- Fasting glucose above 125 mg/dL (after not eating for at least 8 hours) indicates hyperglycemia and usually diabetes if confirmed on multiple tests
- Blood sugar above 180 mg/dL one to two hours after eating is considered high for people with diabetes
- Levels above 160 mg/dL or above your individual target may be considered high and require attention
High glucose can occur in people with diabetes or prediabetes, but also due to other factors like illness, certain medications, or problems with insulin production or use
. Symptoms of high blood sugar include:
- Early signs: increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, headaches, and trouble concentrating
- If untreated, it can lead to serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is life-threatening and involves symptoms such as fruity-smelling breath, nausea, abdominal pain, confusion, and loss of consciousness
Health implications:
- Persistent high glucose can damage nerves, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Managing high blood sugar involves medication (like insulin or oral drugs), lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring to avoid complications
In summary, high blood glucose means your body is not effectively regulating sugar levels, often due to diabetes or insulin issues, and requires medical attention to prevent serious health problems
