High Blood Glucose Levels—What do they mean?

When you're dealing with diabetes or pre-diabetes, it's important to understand blood glucose levels. High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, means your blood has too much sugar or glucose. It can be a sign that your body isn't producing or using insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps your muscles and other tissue use sugar and it helps balance your blood sugar levels.

Hyperglycemia is a condition that affects around 1 in 10 people in the U.S. Controlling your blood sugar levels is the most important aspect of controlling diabetes.

In this article, we'll delve into the meaning of high blood glucose levels, the potential causes, and how healthcare providers interpret these results.

What is hyperglycemia?

Hyperglycemia refers to high blood glucose levels. This occurs when sugar lingers in your bloodstream instead of being used as fuel. It’s typically because your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or has become resistant to insulin. Insulin helps move sugar into muscles and other tissues to be used as fuel.

People with type 1 diabetes typically take insulin, as their bodies don't produce the hormone. On the other hand, people with type 2 diabetes produce insulin, but their bodies are resistant to it and can't use it effectively.

How is hyperglycemia diagnosed?

Diagnosis of high blood glucose levels involves multiple steps. Your healthcare professional will ask you about your symptoms. Common symptoms of hyperglycemia include frequent urination, excessive thirst, and blurry vision.

They will then order blood tests. Tests may include:

A fasting blood glucose (FBG) test. This is a commonly used test for high blood sugar. It entails not eating for at least eight hours beforehand. Results can lead to additional tests.

• Normal blood glucose level: A fasting blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or lower
• Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL
• Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher

Hemoglobin A1C test. This test shows your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. Typically, an A1C test involves no fasting period.

• Normal: An A1C below 5.7%
• Prediabetes: Between 5.7% and 6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

Tests for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends routine blood glucose screening for people with added risk factors including high blood pressure, non-typical cholesterol levels, inactive lifestyle, and close family relatives with diabetes.

People who have previously had gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, are also at increased risk of developing diabetes and should have regular screenings.

For people diagnosed with prediabetes—a condition in which blood glucose levels are high but not high enough to be classified as diabetes—annual testing is suggested.

Managing diabetes

Controlling your blood sugar levels is key to managing diabetes and preventing complications. As your blood sugar levels rise, your symptoms may get worse.

Untreated high glucose levels can lead to organ damage—particularly the kidneys, eyes, nerves, heart, and blood vessels.

Therefore, monitoring and maintaining your blood sugar level within the normal range is vital for your overall health. Managing diabetes involves closely monitoring blood glucose levels, adopting an insulin therapy regimen if necessary, and regularly seeing your healthcare provider.

Symptoms of high blood sugar

If your blood sugar is only slightly elevated, symptoms may be subtle, like increased thirst, frequent urination, some weight loss, or fatigue. If blood sugar is more elevated and is not treated, you may experience blurred vision, extreme thirst, lightheadedness, flushed or dry skin, restlessness, and—even difficulty waking up.

With sustained elevated blood glucose, these symptoms can escalate into severe problems. Notably, if your blood sugar level remains high for an extended period, you risk damaging your nerves (peripheral neuropathy), eyesight (diabetic retinopathy), or developing life-threatening conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis. That’s why it’s critically important to take medications and follow lifestyle recommendations to control your blood sugar levels.

What can you do if your blood sugar levels are too high?

There are many ways you can help manage blood sugar levels, including medications, monitoring blood glucose levels, and lifestyle modifications. It’s important to reduce risk factors associated with diabetes by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular physical activity, a nutrient-dense diet, and importantly, monitoring your blood sugar level.

Monitoring your blood sugar

Monitoring your blood sugar is a critical part of diabetes management. Consistent tracking gives you a clear picture of how your blood glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day, allowing you to make necessary changes to your insulin intake or to respond to low blood sugar levels. This section will explore the devices typically used to monitor blood sugar: standard blood glucose monitors and continuous glucose monitors.

Blood Glucose Monitor

A standard blood glucose meter measures your blood sugar at specific points in time. It typically requires you to prick your finger with a lancet to draw a small drop of blood. You then place this drop on a disposable testing strip and insert it into the glucose meter. The meter measures the glucose levels in the blood sample and provides a digital readout.

However, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can provide a more comprehensive picture of your blood glucose. This device consists of a small wire inserted under the skin of your abdomen or arm. Every few minutes, it measures your blood glucose levels and sends the results to an external device. This allows you to keep real-time readings of your blood sugar levels.

Remember, tight blood glucose control minimizes the risk of damage to blood vessels and other vital organs. It's essential to consult with healthcare professionals regularly to discuss your monitoring routine and any adjustments needed to manage your diabetes more effectively.

Lifestyle changes to lower blood sugar

Follow some key steps to help manage your blood sugar, so you can feel better and reduce your risk of complications.

Do

1. Keep hydrated: Drinking water helps your kidneys process excess glucose in your blood, aiding in lowering high blood glucose levels.
2. Regularly monitor your blood sugar: Using a glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor gives you real time information on your blood sugar levels.
3. Stay active: Research suggests exercise reduces insulin resistance and lowers blood sugar. Regular exercise not only helps the body use insulin more efficiently, but it also helps you control body weight. Try including both cardio and resistance training in your routine.
4. Follow a balanced diet: Stick to a diabetes-friendly meal plan that includes ample fiber and minimal processed foods and sweets.
5. Consult healthcare professionals: Regularly consult with your healthcare provider to understand the right insulin dose, if necessary, and any adjustments needed in your insulin therapy to maintain your blood sugar within a healthy range.

Dont

1. Neglect your Insulin: If your therapy involves insulin, make sure you're injecting it correctly and not using expired insulin. Mismanagement of insulin can lead to erratic blood sugar levels.
2. Ignore symptoms: Frequent urination, tiredness, or unexplained weight loss could signal high blood sugar.
3. Overindulge in carbs: Carbohydrates can instantly spike your blood sugar levels. Avoid refined carbs and opt for complex ones for sustained energy.
4. Stress out: Stress can raise your blood sugar levels. Practice stress management strategies like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
5. Overlook regular check-ups: A regular A1c test measures your average blood sugar over the previous 2 to 3 months. Neglecting this could risk overlooking a key indicator of your blood sugar management.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I control high blood glucose levels?

Regular physical activity, complex carb intake, increasing dietary fiber, and ample hydration are key methods. Managing stress and sleep can also help.

Does caffeine affect blood sugar levels?

For most healthy adults, caffeine does not noticeably influence blood sugar levels. Consumption of up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is generally considered safe.

What are the risks associated with high blood sugar levels?

Persistent, untreated hyperglycemia can lead to damage of blood vessels, heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.