High blood sugar levels, medically termed as hyperglycemia, can pose serious health problems. To determine if a person is suffering from diabetes or is at a prediabetes stage, a high blood sugar levels chart can be of great help.
Blood sugar level is the amount of glucose present in the blood. Cells in the body get energy from glucose, which is formed from the food we consume and is stored in the body. The pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which helps the cells in the body to use the glucose in order to create energy. Glucose is, thereby, transferred to every cell in the body through the bloodstream. When the body does not make insulin or the insulin fails to function properly, high blood sugar level rises in the body.
Depending upon the intake of food, the level of glucose in the body can change. A high blood sugar level is termed as hyperglycemia; this condition affects people who are suffering from diabetes. Some of the symptoms of diabetes are excessive thirst, frequent urination and more craving for food. However, a fall in blood sugar level is equally dangerous and is termed hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is characterized by headaches, sweating, fatigue, and loss of consciousness at times.
Sometimes, glucose may fail to enter the cells of the body adequately and stays in the blood itself. This can also lead to high blood sugar level. Persistent high blood sugar levels can lead to diseases related to the heart, kidney, and the eye.
In this condition, excessive amount of glucose circulates in the bloodstream without being transferred to the body cells. This condition may not be normally noticeable until the blood glucose reach higher values. The period or the phase just before the onset of diabetes is called the prediabetes phase. In this phase, the blood sugar level is evidently high and acts as a warning signal before the beginning of diabetes.
| Classification | Min. Level | Max. Level |
| Fasting Blood Glucose Level (Prediabetes) |
100 mg
|
126 mg
|
| Post Meal Blood Glucose Level (Prediabetes) |
140 mg
|
199 mg
|
| Fasting Blood Glucose Level (Diabetic) |
126 mg
|
more than 126 mg |
| Post Meal Blood Glucose Level (Diabetic) |
200 mg
|
more than 200 mg |
The table above explains that a person who has the blood sugar levels of 126 mg/dl and above – pre-meal, and 200 mg/dl and above – post meal, can be termed as a diabetic.
Blood sugar levels are said to be lower after waking up and can increase a little after meals. However, it is important to maintain normal blood sugar levels by eating the right foodstuffs and regular exercising. Normal blood glucose levels in fasting may range between 70 mg/dl to 99 mg/dl. While after meals, the blood glucose levels may range between 100 mg/dl to 126 mg/dl. Meanwhile an average range of blood sugar level may extend from 80 mg/dl up to 120 mg/dl. Anything below or above the minimum and maximum average levels needs to be dealt with utmost care and attention.
Care needs to be taken if a person is at a risk of falling into the prediabetes or diabetes range. He/she is required to follow a diabetic diet.
▶ The foremost substance that needs proper scrutiny is the intake of liquids. Aerated drinks, juices, beverages, etc. must not be consumed as they contain heavy sugar contents. Water is the best substitute to all other liquids.
▶ Carbohydrates, a form of sugar, can prove harmful for a person with diabetes. Such a person’s body takes more time than usual to break down the carbohydrates and provide energy to the body. Thereby, it leads to a rise in the blood sugar level.
▶ Foods like berries, sweet potatoes, fish with omega-3 fatty acids, and dark green, leafy vegetables are best suited to control diabetes.
▶ Fatty foodstuffs can often increase the blood sugar level and may eventually result in heart diseases. Hence, avoid foodstuffs containing saturated fats and trans fats. Instead, olive oil is a good option as it contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
▶ Exercise should form a part of the daily routine. Brisk walking is said to be the best exercise for people with diabetes, as it aids in burn off the excess fats.
It is necessary to constantly keep a track of the glucose levels; this can be done with the help of a glucometer. Routine exercise regime, medication, and a balanced diet can help stabilize the blood sugar levels.
