Understanding High Blood Glucose: Causes, Symptoms & Risks

Diabetics and pre-diabetics often need to know when their blood glucose level is too high. If high blood glucose levels are left untreated, they can lead to damage in the body or even death. Recognizing high blood glucose levels as well as symptoms of hyperglycemia will help you reduce the damage to your body and reduce risk of death.

Normal

• According to the American Diabetes Association, normal fasting blood glucose levels range from 70 mg/dl to 99 mg/dl.

Pre-diabetes

• The criteria for possible pre-diabetes starts with blood glucose levels ranging from 100 mg/dl and goes to 120 mg/dl. These levels are too high to be considered normal.

High

• Any fasting blood glucose reading above 120 mg/dl would suggest full-blown diabetes. A doctor should be consulted right away if the person is not already diagnosed as a diabetic.

Dangerously High

• If you also have symptoms of possible hyperglycemia such as frequent urination, frequent thirst, blurred vision or fatigue, call your doctor right away. Hyperglycemia, if left untreated, can result in injury or death.

Warning

• Only a doctor can properly diagnose pre-diabetes or diabetes.