Ask a doctor - What are dangerous blood sugar levels?

Q. What are dangerous blood sugar levels?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Dangerous blood sugar levels are any levels that are outside of the desirable range (70-99 mg/dL fasting, or 70-140 mg/dL 2 hours after eating). Hyperglycemia is a reaction to having too much sugar in your bloodstream. It can cause serious health problems if not addressed.

The most dangerous situation is when your blood sugar level rises above 250mg/dL which is known as hyperglycemic crisis, a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. This could lead to coma and even death if left untreated. In some cases, high glucose levels of 180 - 250 may also require hospitalization depending on the patient’s other risk factors.

Hyperglycemia can be caused by various underlying conditions like diabetes, acute infections, stress etc., or due to lack of adherence to medication or dietary changes prescribed by a physician. Low insulin production and resistance to it can also contribute to elevated blood sugars over time leading up dangerous situations like this. To lower dangerously high blood sugars quickly one must immediately drink lots of water with electrolytes, take glucose tablets and insulin shots where needed as well as follow special diets recommended by their doctor specifically for reducing these highs. If symptoms persist then seek medical attention right away!